Taxes on steam baths: will you stand for it?

The services which are proposed additions to the sales tax are on file in the Governor’s bills in the House and Senate, and some Marylanders disagree with the selections.

They are:
-Real property management service
-Tanning, massage, physical fitness, sauna, or steam bath facility

The AP reports that real estate agents and health club owners rallied Thursday against the bills.

Real estate agents argue that the tax shouldn't be applied to them, because housing is a basic commodity like food … Opponents of broadening the sales tax to include fitness clubs followed the real estate agents with a State House protest. They chanted "no health tax," and asked why O'Malley wanted to tax people who want a place to exercise.

It’ll be interesting to see who else comes out of the woodwork when hearings begin on the pair of competing House bills.

House Bill 18 puts forth tattoo artists and body piercers as potential tax revenue. House Bill 11 would add a laundry list of services, including pay-per-view TV, car washes, escort services and cobblers.

What do you think should be on the list?

-JACKIE SAUTER, Multimedia Editor