D.C. Votes to Tax Gym Memberships

[Geee]

Heritage Foundation:

If you live in D.C., your fitness plan just got more expensive.

 

The D.C. Council passed a 5.75 percent sales tax on gym memberships and fitness classes Tuesday, despite protest from fitness devotees who dubbed it the “yoga tax.”

 

The tax is supposed to partially offset the cost of D.C.’s income tax cuts. Some are skeptical, including mayoral candidate David Catania who proposed an amendment that would expunge the gym tax from D.C.’s budget.

 

“It’s a penny-wise and pound-foolish proposition,” Catania said as proponents of the amendment cheered in the chamber, reported the Washington Post. “We are looking at increased and deferred health costs in the long run.”

 

Catania’s mayoral rival Muriel Bowser also supported the amendment, as did council member Jack Evans.