Jun 18, 2008 8:06 pm US/Central
Sacramento Voters To Decide On Texting Tax
SACRAMENTO (CBS) ―
Sacramento residents will vote on a ballot measure this November that could put a tax on cell phone text messages. If voters agree to pay taxes on new technologies, taxes on traditional landline phones will be slashed.
"For text messaging on your phone calls you'll see your tax go up," said Russ Fehr, the Sacramento City Treasurer. "If you use voice-over internet calls, you will see the tax hit your bill."
The tax would apply to any number with a billing address in Sacramento.
"The city is packaging an increase as a tax reduction," said Timothy Bittle, from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers' Association. "Communication is a basic human right. It's a constitutional right. It's free speech. Why do we have to be taxed?"
For one Sacramento resident, texting is an addiction, and a tax wouldn't deter her from it.
"I couldn't stop," said Jenn Butler. "I'd have to pay it."
The choice will be put to voters on November 4.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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