Oh noes! Illinois wants to increase the Taxes on my's Air Jordans!!!

[link to www.stltoday.com]


The cost of a new pair of basketball shoes could jump by 25 cents under a proposal floated this week by an Illinois lawmaker.

State Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest, wants to create a new tax that would generate an estimated $3 million annually for a youth job preparation program. He said the added cost would likely go unnoticed by most consumers, while helping finance a program for kids during tight budget times.

“Everywhere, funding is challenged,”Davis said. “I see it as a uniquely creative way of helping youth.”


Last year saw two new fees added to the state’s roster of taxes. One would add a new entry fee tax at strip clubs to pay for domestic violence programs. The other would add a new $2 fee on license plates to help finance improvements toIllinois’ financially strapped state parks.

Davis himself owns at least five pairs of shoes that may qualify — golf shoes, baseball cleats, two pairs of basketball high-tops and running shoes.

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