It’s official. We have dodged the bullet on the California veterinary sales tax proposal. The California Veterinary Medicine Association writes in its Members’ Edge:
Over three months ago, the CVMA launched a massive campaign to oppose the Governor’s proposed tax increase on veterinary services. On February 19, we prevailed! The budget deal, approved by the Legislature, does not include a tax on veterinary services.
On November 6, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an increase in the California state sales tax to address the multi-billion dollar deficit in the budget and proposed a sales tax on all veterinary services. This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to balance the state budget. This proposal would have added approximately 10% to the cost of veterinary care.
The Members’ Edge is careful to point out that a tax on veterinary services remains an option for future budgets. However, for now the tax is off the table.
