October 3, 2006
Assemblyman Sean T. Kean/732-974-0400
11th District - Monmouth County

Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-11) announced today that he is sponsoring legislation that will repeal the newly enacted health club tax. As of October 1, New Jersey expanded the state sales tax to include health and sports club memberships, among a variety of new goods and services that are now subject to the sales tax.

“It is ridiculous that the state is now penalizing citizens who are trying to improve their health through exercise,” remarked Assemblyman Sean Kean. “The health benefits of regular exercise are widely known and it is foolish for the state to impose the sales tax on this type of activity that is proven to promote physical well-being.”

Kean said he is also concerned that this additional cost will be too much for some gym members to pay and cause them to stop exercising or could discourage new people from joining a gym or sports club.

Kean continued, “The health club tax will affect many different people, working men and women who are trying to lose weight, families who enjoy sporting activities with their children at the gym, and seniors who exercise to combat the effects of aging or as part of physical therapy.”

Assemblyman Kean plans to introduce this legislation which will eliminate charges for initiation fees, membership fees, and dues of health and fitness, athletic and sporting clubs from the sales and use tax this month when the Legislature reconvenes.

In addition, Kean believes this ill-conceived tax could further strain the state’s health care system.

“People who regularly exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle are helping to hold down the increasing cost of health care services and health insurance.”

“I hope that we can repeal this tax so that the citizens of New Jersey are not penalized for exercising and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” concluded Assemblyman Sean Kean.

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