Michigan's Proposed Entertainment Tax

There has been recent talk of a new tax law that is trying to get passed through Senate in the State of Michigan. It is called the "Entertainment Ticket Tax." This bill was initiated by Shirley Johnson on February 7, 2006. If this bill was to pass, it would enforce a 6% tax on tickets for events such as tickets or admission fees to zoos, live theater shows, museums, the opera, professional sporting events, collegiate athletic events, concerts, temporary or transient entertainment productions, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and temporary or transient art, music, theatrical, dance, literary, or cultural festivals, as stated on the Michigan Votes website. These additional taxes would bring in an estimated revenue of $100 million each year. That means, ticket prices statewide will increase by $100 million a year. We are already taked enough when it comes to our paychecks and everything else we buy, now our own fun and enjoyment is being taxed possibly!

This tax is no more than a luxury tax on everyone. Sounds like something straight off the Monopoly Board. I do not think we should be taxed on using our hard worked money when we tax our families out to the zoo or show. As it is Michigan has some of the highest taxes on other products such as gasoline, alcohol, and cigarettes, we don't need more of our money taken from us because the government can't budget their money correctly. Not to mention, our sales tax on ordinary items is already at 6%.

The reasoning for this tax is to help keep healthcare and educational expenses in the budget. I thought the whole reason of putting the Keno lottery game in so many bars and restaurants a few year back was to give the revenue from that to education. Consumers are not the only ones in an uproar about this either. Businesses are not going to let this bill pass without a fight as well. Movie theaters owners state wide have joined together to form a petition outlining how this proposed bill will affect their customers. Customers are also encouraged to sign the petition as well. The owners hopes are to get at least 100,000 signatures.

I also received an e-mail directly from Ticketmaster this past week with links on how to contact the governor and local senators and stare representative to have them NOT send this bill through. The website you can go to support this bill not passing is http://www.NoTicketTax.com or you can call 1-877-NO-TK-TAX (668-5829). So, if you support oppose this proposed tax, feel free to do something about it. Contact you legislative representatives and let your voice be heard.