Texas Poll Tax is Unconstitutional !
By kyle8 Posted in Breaking News — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
It is always heart warming when the Courts strike down yet another Tax. In this case it was the Left wingers and do gooders in Austin who sought to "stiff" the poor working man, and especially the working girls.
From the associated press:
AUSTIN, Texas - A $5-per-customer fee on strip club patrons dubbed the "pole tax" has been declared unconstitutional.
A state district judge ruled that clubs can't collect the fee. The charge went into effect in January and was expected to raise about $44 million for sexual assault prevention programs and health care for the uninsured.
Judge Scott Jenkins wrote in the March 28 decision that the fee, "while furthering laudable goals, violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and is therefore invalid."
Its a blow against big government, or, er, whatever.
I used to consult to State governments ... the Yellow Rose in Texas caters to "The Lege" when they are in town. As does an establishment in Lansing, MI that features "31 beautiful girls, and one ugly one."
State Capitols have (in my opinion) more "gentleman's clubs" than any other cities. They cater to locals, but just love the politicians on leave from their homes, "When many a town is missing its idiot [__Molly Ivins]."
Of course, the estimate of $44 million in Texas revenues implies almost nine million customers ... over 35% of the State population, and a significant voting block.
Fortunately, the court ruling comes months before The Lege come back into session.
Imagine what that must have done to the cost of lobbying.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777