RI taxi drivers to urge lawmakers to rescind tax
Rhode Island taxi drivers to urge state lawmakers to repeal new tax on cab fares
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island cab drivers plan to gather at the Statehouse to encourage lawmakers to repeal a tax on taxi fares.
Tuesday's visit is intended to rally opposition to the sales tax, imposed by lawmakers last year.
Drivers say the tax is burdensome and many customers reduce tips to offset the tax.
Sen. Susan Sosnowski is sponsoring legislation to repeal the tax. A similar bill is pending in the House. No votes have been scheduled.
Lawmakers also voted last year to impose 7 percent sales taxes on pet grooming and boarding and items of clothing costing $250 or more. The taxes went into effect Oct. 1.
All together, the new taxes are estimated to raise $12 million annually.
