MaineSkiLady, taxes on lift tickets?

[deannatoby]

I read this morning here

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/22/us/22states.html?_r=2&hp

that Maine is increasing ski lift tickets to fund budget shortcuts. Have you all heard about it and know how much it will be? I haven't heard anything on the "other side of the border."

 

[MaineSkiLady]

This is an increase in the sales tax (currently 5%) to include many things that previously had been exempt by Maine law. LD 1088 passed the Legislature on June 6 but still faces veto by the Governor (huge lobby for this veto). Stay tuned...

https://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=260311

Also, from: https://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/blogentry.html?id=13707

"An estimated 100 New Taxes were passed by the Maine Legislature on Friday June 5. The huge expansion of sales taxes includes amusements & recreation.

The impact on the Maine Ski Industry is significant! The new sales tax will be extended to lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski/snowboard repairs & tuning, lessons, guided tours, nursery & day care, group trips.

One benefit that the industry was able to gain is the exemption of sales tax on the manufacture of snow. Although this is a positive step, it does not mitigate the huge increase in cost of the sales tax.

The expanded taxes are also extended to municipal ski slopes and non-profits, so no one is exempt by the new law."

 

[deannatoby]

Ahhhhhh, yessssssss..."Tax them and they will come." I believe that's from the Darth Vader School of Negative Economic Growth. And to think just a month ago I was reading statements from the ski industry in New England being thankful they had been able to maintain the previous year's level, despite the economic downturn. Your tax will apply to practically EVERY aspect of a ski vacation--I'm shocked. Maybe the legislators need to do some more skiing...at special "legislator pricing"!!!!