Mayoral candidate wants to halt DC ‘yoga tax’

WASHINGTON (AP) — A D.C. councilmember and mayoral candidate says he’ll try to stop the city from imposing sales taxes on yoga classes and gym memberships.

Independent Councilmember David Catania said Friday that he’ll introduce an amendment to the District of Columbia’s $10.6 billion budget that eliminates the new tax.

The proposed budget includes a substantial income tax cut. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has defended the so-called “yoga tax,” saying it’s part of a package of reforms that will reduce the tax burden for most residents.

Catania supported the budget in an initial vote while criticizing the yoga tax. He says phasing in a reduction in business taxes over six years rather than five will make the expanded sales tax unnecessary.

A final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 24.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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