The Sierra Club is proposing a 1% sales tax on televisions and video games similar to the Wisconsin tax proposed a while ago. This law would be in effect in New Mexico if passed, but a similar proposal in that same state has apparently been shot down before, though I can't find that specific instance. The tax would be set out to "tax part of the problem to fund the solution", with the funds of approximately 4 million dollars going to get children outside and families out to state parks.
As was the situation with the Wisconsin proposal, where the tax was going to fund reform to the youth judiciary system, the cause is fine with me. Still, the idea of a sales tax on video games is spreading, and it's a dangerous idea. The Wisconsin proposal seemed to link video games with youth crime, even if it wasn't meant to. This proposal is more justifiable in its link, that being video games to children not getting enough outside activity, but the tax doesn't need to suddenly spread to every state. Chances are the proposal won't gain any ground, but the idea will likely spread to other states now.
small update: The Electronics Consumer Association has now responded to the couch potato tax idea, and unsurprisingly, they're against it. They say "it's unconstitutional to target video games with a special tax that would unduly burden gamers, leaving out other forms of entertainment media like movies, music and books. This proposed tax would also stifle trade and disproportionately impact generations X and Y, who are increasingly becoming more politically aware and vocal." There you have it.
'Cause I'm the Taxman
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