PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island cab drivers have gathered at the Statehouse to encourage lawmakers to repeal a tax on taxi fares.
Several cab drivers held signs protesting the tax outside the Statehouse Tuesday. The sales tax was imposed by lawmakers last year.
Drivers say the tax is burdensome and many customers reduce tips to offset the tax.
Sen. Susan Sosnowski is sponsoring a bill to repeal the tax. Similar legislation is pending in the House. No votes have been scheduled.
Lawmakers also voted last year to impose 7 percent sales taxes on pet grooming and boarding and items of clothing costing $250 or more. The taxes went into effect Oct. 1.
All together, the new taxes are estimated to raise $12 million annually.