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Taxing Gym Memberships is NOT Good Public Policy

February 25, 2009


In these tough economic times we are all trying to tighten spending and increase revenue, including New York State, as we negotiate this difficult budget. Everyone agrees that sacrifices need to be made across the board and these sacrifices are glaringly evident in Governor Paterson’s 2009-10 Executive Budget. While I understand the need to create revenue, I don’t agree that one of the answers to this problem is to impose a new tax on health club memberships and services.

At the same time that the Governor proposes this tax he has more famously put forward a new tax on sugared drinks, purportedly to fight against obesity. For several months, I have been flooded with letters from constituents who are confused about this contradiction and I agree with them.

We can’t on one hand penalize people for drinking too many empty calories in a soda and on the other penalize them for trying to be healthier on the tread mill at their local sports club. It doesn’t make any sense. As the budget negotiations in Albany continue I will fight for a budget which takes our current economic troubles into account while at the same time ensuring that New Yorkers are not unfairly burdened.

I have written Governor Paterson to let him know of my opposition to the tax on gym memberships. That letter can be found in the Publications section of my website.

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Written by Micah · Filed Under Albany Report, Blogroll, Budget 

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