A Bag Idea: DC’s Newest Tax Hurts Businesses, Consumers
Patrick Tyrrell /
DC lawmakers tried to sugarcoat the five cent per bag tax on store bought items, calling it a fee rather than a tax. The tax has been in effect in the District of Columbia since New Year’s Day. Stories in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and other media have reported of widespread disaffection with the tax among people in DC. The lawmakers behind the tax surely do not understand economics. Furthermore, the legalese used to draft the law would provoke laughter if it was not so deserving of condemnation.
Consumers must pay five cents per bag on any item bought in a store that sells food. The founders of this great country would question the logic to the law because it makes no sense. For the infraction of stepping foot in our Nation’s Capitol, and having the gall to buy something, you must pay to clean up the Anacostia River. Furthermore business owners are prohibited by law from paying the tax for you. It would only make sense to a person who sees all economic activity as an opportunity to siphon off money for the nanny state.
The problems with the tax are many. (more…)