Please Help Prevent California’s Veterinary Service Tax
In November I discussed Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger’s proposal to levy a sales tax on veterinary services in California. It will come as no surprise that few in the veterinary community support the idea. Although I am very troubled by my state’s severe budget crisis, I am not in favor of singling out people with pets to pick up the slack.
The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) recently sent an e-mail to members describing steps we can take to oppose the tax. The organization suggested that people call the governor’s office to register their opposition to the new tax. The CVMA was kind enough to include simple directions to facilitate the process. Here they are.
* Call the Governor’s office at 916-445-2841.
* Select your language choice.
* Press “5″ to leave your opinion on a current issue.
* Press “1″ to select the issue of extending the sales tax to veterinary services.
* Press “2″ to “oppose” the Veterinary Services Tax proposal.
If you, like me, feel that veterinary services should not be singled out for state sales tax, I urge you to call the governor.
You have questions. 
I think it is a great idea of the Governor. I would rather see a tax on vet services than a raise on income tax.
Sounds like a lot of people will likely keep from taking their pets to the vet.
It most strongly affects those who can least afford it. I’d much rather see an increase in progressive taxes to help this budget issue. If not that, at least they could impose flat taxes on things that are indeed “luxuries.” Sad state of affairs.
I am definitely against this. Leave the animals’ be. Pick on something else to tax. Everything is getting more and more expensive today and we just don’t need to put up with anymore.!!!!!
Dawg ~ a state tax for a “service” ~ what’s next? groomers!
Government has always looked to those they “serve” to close the $$$$ gap ~ wouldn’t it be wonderful if they found a way to lower their salaries in order to help close the gap ~ BOL ~ we know that won’t happen ~ so just tax ~ The FURBABIES ~ Our family is off to call & write our gov……
They can’t balance a budget for our state of Calif., but we are supposed to carry them… We are accountable for our dept, so why aren’t they. In fact, it has been said we will probably get an IOU for our state tax returns, but don’t send them one when you can’t pay. Everything is taxed these days, even the air we breath.
NO MORE TAXES… It is a service, it is illegal to tax a service for work done.
I’m totally against it. The governor should freeze salaries in his staff!
I’m absolutely opposed to this new tax. Shame on our Gov. – and the idiots in Sacramento who can’t agree on a budget. They should be fined for every day they delay approving a budget – not adding more tax for all of us. The animals will suffer the most – people will delay taking their pets to the vet. More animals will be put to sleep because their owner can’t afford the high fees for treatment + tax on the high amounts. More pets will probably be abandoned, too. I hope there’s enough uproar about this so that the unfeeling Gov. feels the backlash and the idea of taxing vet care will die a quick death.
This is a terrible idea, especially at a time when so many people are leaving their animals behind when they move. This alone is heartbreaking.
This would make it more difficult for people trying to help by taking a pet in need of a home.
It’s hard enough to make ends meet with children, now to add more burden is unthinkable to me.
STOP THIS SILLY IDEA We need help, not more expenses!
mag