North Carolina Travel Industry Assoc.  Special Alert, June 25, 2009
Recreation & Entertainment Tax Action Alert
Connie Wilson, NCTIA Lobbyist

Lobbyists for the tourism industry in Raleigh have learned that there is a recreation and entertainment tax being proposed that is strongly supported by the Senate for inclusion in the state budget. The tax increase would raise an estimated $31.5MM with a new sales tax on golf , charter boat, white water rafting, non-state museum and attractions and summer camps--basically any entertainment or recreation activity that requires an admission or a fee to be charged.

Under such things termed recreation would possibly include - horseback riding, horse summer camps, shows and riding lessons

If your organization is opposed to this new and substantial tax on the tourism industry you may want to contact by e-mail or phone the Senate and House members and voice your opposition. Those organizations with boards and contact lists of potentially impacted tourism businesses in your area may want to pass this information to as many as possible since this new tax has just been recommended and very few people are even aware of it.

For those who are opposed to the entertainment and recreation tax, they will need to contact legislators immediately. House and Senate budget writers are negotiating right now on whether to include this tax increase in the budget and their final decision may be made this weekend.
Attached are excel spreadsheets with e-mail addresses and phone numbers for all 170 Senate and House members. When contacting them, politely let them know that you are opposed to the new recreation and entertainment tax being proposed by the Senate and ask them to oppose the tax. Give them reasons on how this new tax will hurt your business or area. Fifty percent of North Carolina tourism revenues are generated by state residents. This will be a tax big tax increase on North Carolinians. Thank them for their help and let them know your name, organization and contact information.