Price of shoes could go up
Updated: January 31, 2013
SPRINGFIELD -- One lawmaker wants to raise taxes on new shoes. But some shop owners say it would hurt business.
Representative Will Davis (D-Hazel Crest) is proposing a $ .25 hike on new athletic shoes. It would cover everything from running shoes to football cleats. But critics say it will be difficult to keep track of which shoes qualify and which don't.
Plus, it will mean a lot more paperwork for businesses who sell such shoes. Derek Drexheimer owns Springfield Running Center. He says a quarter increase may not sound like a big deal to most, but could make or break a sale.
"Another increase is just another reason for someone to shop out-of-state or online," Drexheimer says.
The money would go to fund a statewide group called YouthBuild. It teaches kids life-skills through construction projects.
Rep. Davis says groups like YouthBuild are looking for creative ways to make up funds after state budget cuts. But Drexheimer and others don't see the connection. He says it will be more of a headache than it's worth.
Representative Will Davis (D-Hazel Crest) is proposing a $ .25 hike on new athletic shoes. It would cover everything from running shoes to football cleats. But critics say it will be difficult to keep track of which shoes qualify and which don't.
Plus, it will mean a lot more paperwork for businesses who sell such shoes. Derek Drexheimer owns Springfield Running Center. He says a quarter increase may not sound like a big deal to most, but could make or break a sale.
"Another increase is just another reason for someone to shop out-of-state or online," Drexheimer says.
The money would go to fund a statewide group called YouthBuild. It teaches kids life-skills through construction projects.
Rep. Davis says groups like YouthBuild are looking for creative ways to make up funds after state budget cuts. But Drexheimer and others don't see the connection. He says it will be more of a headache than it's worth.
