District of Columbia approves 'yoga tax' as part of budget

Reuters ^ | June 24 2014 | Ian Simpson

[PoloSec]

The District of Columbia Council on Tuesday approved a "yoga tax" on gymnasiums and yoga classes that has angered fitness buffs in the U.S. capital.

The Democratic-controlled council voted 12-1 to give final approval to a $10.6 billion budget for 2015 that included a sales tax on gyms, yoga studios and other athletic businesses, a spokeswoman for Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said.

The budget also includes a substantial income tax cut that would be offset by expanding the existing 5.75 percent sales tax to such services as tanning salons, health clubs, car washes and bowling alleys. The move is expected to raise $5 million a year.

Dubbed the "yoga tax," the proposal has been protested by gym owners and patrons. Dozens of protesters struck yoga warrior poses outside city hall this month and chanted, "Tax Slurpees, not burpees!"

Mayor Vincent Gray, who opposes the tax, must sign the budget for it to take effect on Oct.

[Ezekiel]

Dozens of protesters struck yoga warrior poses outside city hall this month and chanted, "Tax Slurpees, not burpees!"

Take a big gulp, posers.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Wonder what Elvis thought about it;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHbsHCwDSEw

[TigersEye]

As a smoker I fully endorse the yoga tax!

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Bowling alleys? Lucky this isn’t in my state or I know of a couple of alleys just hanging on this would put out of business. One even instituted a cover charge for non bowlers to raise money to stay open. It seems they get nothing from the food side of the house.

[Thibodeaux]

This is a progressive tax