KEAN ASKS LOCAL GYMS TO SUPPORT EFFORT TO REPEAL HEALTH CLUB TAX

CIRCULATING PETITION ASKING GOVERNOR FOR ACTION ON BILL TO REPEAL TAX

With the start of the New Year and many New Jerseyans making resolutions to get in better shape, Assemblyman Sean T. Kean is hopeful that his legislation to the repeal the health club tax will gain support.

To encourage support for this legislation, Assemblyman Kean recently sent petitions to area gyms so that members could voice their support for A-3714 which would repeal the expansion of the New Jersey sales tax to health club memberships.

“With many people making it a priority in 2007 to lose weight and start exercising, it is imperative that we repeal this misguided tax,” said Assemblyman Sean T. Kean. “Since the health club tax was proposed I have said that this is a terrible idea that will only hurt those individuals who are trying to improve their health with regular exercise.”

Kean introduced A-3714 in November after the health club tax was implemented on October 1, 2006. However, the Legislature has refused to take action on this legislation and the bill has not moved forward.

In an effort to advance this legislation, Assemblyman Kean is circulating a petition to be delivered to Governor Corzine that states the petitioners’ support for A-3714 and asks the Governor to take action and ensure that this bill is signed into law.

“Given that our society has become increasingly sedentary, we should be encouraging people to work out and not penalizing them,” remarked Kean. “There are so many health advantages associated with athletics and working out on a regular basis and it does not make sense to tax health club memberships. The state should be working to promote wellness and living a healthy lifestyle, not discouraging people from joining a gym.”

Once signed, the Assemblyman plans to deliver the petitions to the Governor’s office in Trenton.