Bohemia Village Voice  Bohemia Village Voice

For bohemians everywhere

Clown Tax

Written by Diane Haberstroh, Bohemia, Long Island, New York, August 2010.

The governor of New York State is proposing a new sales tax on soda (and other soft drinks) to help close a deficit of $9billion. The idea is that the tax will also encourage people to avoid unhealthy drinks.

The debate has been taken to the television here, where you will see commercials, pro and con – I am seeing more commercials against the tax. Governor Paterson, who is the main proponent of this tax in a generally anti-tax climate among the electorate, claims that it will help reduce obesity among New Yorkers. He is trying to do his best to convince us that he is not just looking for an easy way to raise money, but that he really is concerned about our health. This is just one example of different state governments attempting to raise more revenue in difficult financial times.

My favorite proposal is the one being put forth in the state of Maine. In June, Maine voters will decide on a tax bill that includes a section which will have a new tax on performances of clowns and jugglers. If the proposal is passed, those having a clown at their next birthday party, should expected to see the cost of that celebration increase somewhat.

I am not sure whether there are commercials in Maine promoting a clown tax, or if clowns are uniting to defeat this tax, but it should at least be material for a new verse of the Beatles’ favorite, “Tax Man.”

DH

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