Thursday, June 21, 2007

Taking a few days off/Luxury Tax discussion

Well folks after a long high school sports season, I'm going to be taking the next few days off. But much like the last two vacations I've had (a family trip to Florida last summer with my side of the family and a four-day WrestleMania/Opening Day adventure with Diddy), there probably won't be much resting involved.
We're heading down to Cedar Point with my in-laws and Jill's brother and his family. Much like last year's trek to the Sunshine State, I think they'll be a lot of fodder for a column, but that one might be a blog exclusive, because my in-laws get the newspaper and I don't want that knowledge to force me to hold back on an honest look at the trip.

So until I get back Sunday night here is a topic to discuss... I read on www.detroittigers.com that the legislature is proposing a 6% luxury tax on sporting event, concert and movie tickets. They believe that will bring in $100 million dollars to the State. What are your thoughts?

8 comments:

Paul Adams said...

A luxury tax?

These people must be joking. It's expensive enough as it is to take a family to a ball game. Now, they want to make it more money?

This is a joke, I don't care how much money it will bring to the state, it's not fair to sports fans, who look forward to going to one or two events a year.

Financially, Michigan is one of the worst in the country, so if the residents can muster enough money to go to a game, concert or movie, they shouldn't be taxed for it.

If the state wants to increase revenue, then crank up the taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.

This really sends the wrong message to the residents of Michigan.

Chris Ogryski said...

I agree that this is a bad idea.
Does the legislature realize that with this added tax they likely won't get the entire $100 million they are banking on when you consider this increase, along with the rsising price of gas, may and likley will force family to spend their money (or even just save it)in other forms of entertainment... like cable or movie rentals... until those get an extra tax, too.

Anonymous said...

"If the state wants to increase revenue, then crank up the taxes on alcohol and cigarettes."

Well Paul, since I kicked both vices I can chuckle and comment as an expert. There are already enough taxes imposed on those two items. Heck, why not jack up the taxes on gasoline, beef jerky or sex. Just so long as my ox isn't being gored.

The State of Mich. has the money, its just a matter of where they spend it.

Each time I hear a complaint I ask the question: Why did you vote for Jenny? No one to date has admitted to voting for her. I guess she won by proclamation.

Chris Ogryski said...

Well Millingotn Guy,
I admit it, I voted for her. I liked her with all her flaws much better than "Trick Dick" DeVos.
In a funny story, I complained to my wife today about Granholm and this potential tax. She asked why this was the first time I was so mad about Jennifer (my wife is a teacher).
I responded by saying that party politics allowed me to a little forgiving about some of Grnaholm's questionable education deciscions, when she started messing with the price of a Tiger ticket she crossed the line...

Paul Adams said...

Millington Guy, I was raised a Democrat, but I'm man enough to admit I did vote for Dick DeVos. I also vote for whomever is running against Terri Lynn Land because I feel both are in part responsible for the state of the state.

I know there are plenty of taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, but every time the state needs money, that seems to be the way to go.

All I'm saying is there are enough taxes and fees on my Tiger tickets as it stands right now. For example, a $14 ticket translates to something like $21 after all the processing fees right now. So, I don't think we need anything more tacked on.

And Chris, I thought you were going to Cedar Point? Don't tell me you backed out already.

Chris Ogryski said...

Paul,
The blog's blowing up today, I had to stay home... Just kidding.
Actually,we're not leaving until 4 pm so I'm trying to keep this discussion going.
I'm actually looking forward to giving the Maverick a try, although Jill thinks that obligates me to ride Millenium.I told her it doesn't.
We'll see who wins that argument.

Anonymous said...

Just not to long ago the Red Wings couldn't fill the Joe cuz of the prices of tickets alone.....add a tax to that and all of sudden more empty seats will start showing up....then the trickle down effect will begin, it will happen with the Pistons, Lions and finally the Tigers and the State will be to blame for the failure of the franchises cuz the people can't afford it.

Anonymous said...

Oooooo... Cedar Point. That would be cool. Cedar Point's poor red-headed cousin, Valley Fair, is in the Cities. It costs the same as Cedar Point and is about a 1/3 the size. Ugh.

I have a solution: Move here. Watch them in the OuthouseDome. They've got cheap seats. And a roof. And Prince Fielder still running the bases. And Kirby. And the Baggie. And a giant jug of Land O Lakes milk. And T.J. on a four-wheeler. And the Twins get a new open-air stadium in a few years. And you're close enough to hear a HOF broadcaster on the Brewers Radio Network.