Though it’s equal to the city’s sales tax, and much smaller than many DC taxes (there’s a 10% liquor tax and 14.5% tax on hotel stays), it still tacka on about $5 to an $80 monthly gym membership. The tax’s supporters say it’s not heavy enough to keep people from their favorite workouts, and that it’s an easy way to help balance the city’s recent income tax cuts. Opponents, on the other hand, point out that penalizing healthy choices sets a bad precedent, regardless of whether or not people will pay the price. While many in DC, including the town’s mayor, are working to get the tax removed from the city budget, people across the country are following along (and chiming in) with the hashtag #DontTaxWellness on Twitter. What do you think? Would an extra tax keep you from hitting the gym or studio? Tell us in the comments below.
