Wow, an actual response... - tanTALK

Brian Oshman · 01-26-2010, 02:48 PM

Here is the newest response from my Congressman. I peppered his mailbox and got this. I am not happy with the actual response but at least it wasn't boiler plate from what I can tell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

Dear Mr. Oshman:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the proposed indoor sun tanning tax included in the Senate health care reform bill. I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

As you know, the Senate's health care reform legislation originally contained a five percent tax on Botox procedures. This tax was subsequently removed from the bill after interest groups, representing the cosmetic industry, argued that the tax singled out and exclusively levied a punitive tax on women (women are the primary consumer of cosmetic surgery and anti-aging procedures). To offset the estimated $5.8 Billion tax revenue from Botox, the Senate approved a ten percent tax on indoor sun tanning (estimated revenue - $2.7 Billion).

Like you, I understand your reservations with taxing indoor sun tanning. While sun tanning has been linked to skin cancer and deemed unhealthy for individuals under the age of 30, it does not constitute a direct tax on an individual industry. Tanning salons across the country contribute and participate in the growth of small businesses and local economies. Unfortunately, my position as a Congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives did not afford me the opportunity to amend this provision in the Senate health care reform bill.

Given the complexities surrounding health care reform, coupled with the recent election of Senator-elect Scott Brown (MA), it is unlikely that Congress will be able to immediately reconcile the differences between the House and Senate health care bills in a Conference Report. Nonetheless, please know that your correspondence is important to me and that I appreciate the benefit of your views on this issue. Should legislation concerning indoor sun tanning come to the House floor for a vote, I will consider it with your thoughts in mind.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Should you have any further questions or comments about this or any legislative issue, please do not hesitate to contact me in my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-4465. Also, please visit my website at U.S. Congressman Scott Garrett to sign up for my e-newsletter for the latest updates from Washington.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

eileen · 01-26-2010, 02:58 PM

While sun tanning has been linked to skin cancer?

Maybe he can get a hold of that scientific study. My guess is he won't find it either.

dcjjp2 · 01-26-2010, 06:50 PM

Why can't the industry publicly just demand the "study" that states this. Get them with their pants down. Produce the study or STFU.

parrot head · 01-26-2010, 08:14 PM

Wishy-washy at best.

Jason E · 01-31-2010, 01:20 PM

yeah at least he took time out to respond though, or at least had his assistant to write you lol

Jensoasis · 02-03-2010, 02:36 PM

I like yours A lot better! Here's mine...

Dear Mrs. Sicard:
Thank you for writing to me to express your opposition to a tax on tanning salons in the healthcare reform legislation. I appreciate the time you took to write to me, and I welcome this opportunity to respond.

I support reforming our healthcare system. The key is to find a healthcare plan that provides coverage, as well as limits cost. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" includes a provision that would impose a 10 percent tax on tanning bed sessions. According to the National Skin Foundation, exposure to UV rays from tanning beds increases melanoma risk by 75 percent. This proposed tax would raise $2.7 billion over 10 years.

On December 24, 2009, I joined 59 of my colleagues in voting to pass healthcare reform legislation. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" passed by a vote of 60-39. At this point it is unclear when or even whether a final version of this bill will come before the Senate or House of Representatives for a vote. Authors of the bill and leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives are deciding on the next steps to take on health reform. Please know that I will keep your comments in mind as I continue to work with my colleagues toward this end.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If you should have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

excitednewguy · 03-27-2010, 11:31 AM

He states that the cosmetic surgery tax was geared towards women, well isn't this also true for the majority of tanners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give me a break

tltanman · 03-30-2010, 12:29 PM

This is the along the same line that I've received from my states reps. It's sad and boils down to big money lobbyist finding a place to pin their burdens on.

Stevyn03 · 03-30-2010, 02:21 PM

wouldn't it have just made alot more since for the goverment to impose that beauty services as a whole be taxed the going sales tax rates that are currently imposed in the states where the beauty service undustry locations are. For example Kentucky has a 6% sales tax. Just apply that to tanning services, hair cuts, cosmetic surgery, etc. Then at least it wouldn't not only not single out a group of the population such as women as procraimed in above email from representative, but be spread evenly across the beauty service industry or start taxing all services. Don't take me wrong I'm not all about paying tax on getting a hair cut or paying any extra money than what i already have to for things. However if you are going to impose new taxes wouldn't it make since to make it a little more evenly spread across everyone instead of just 10% on the tanning industry??

allenj · 03-30-2010, 02:44 PM

Dear Mr. Reed:

Thank you for contacting me regarding a tax on indoor tanning services in the health reform bill. I appreciate hearing your concerns on the inclusion of this tax in the final legislation.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with more than one million skin cancers diagnosed annually. The risk of skin cancers increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before the age of 30. Women and girls age 16 to 29 make up 71 percent of tanning salon patrons. Frequent users of tanning salons are exposed to a known carcinogen, ultraviolet radiation, at a dosage 12 times higher than natural sun exposure.

Twenty four states have enacted legislation to limit minor's access to tanning facilities because of these health risks. Health care reform makes it possible for all Americans to lead healthy lives by proposing a 10 percent tax on any person receiving an indoor tanning service. Our proposal will deter the use of tanning beds by young Americans, reduce the risk of exposure to cancer, and save lives.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator

RJD/ab

01-26-2010, 02:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
eileen I'm Banned Join Date: Feb 10 2005 Posts: 8,042 Rep Power: 0	Re: Wow, an actual response... While sun tanning has been linked to skin cancer? Maybe he can get a hold of that scientific study. My guess is he won't find it either.

01-26-2010, 06:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
dcjjp2 I love Derf!! Join Date: Jul 12 2004 Location: Va Posts: 3,198 Rep Power: 15	Re: Wow, an actual response... Why can't the industry publicly just demand the "study" that states this. Get them with their pants down. Produce the study or STFU. __________________ Jeff

01-26-2010, 08:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
parrot head Police Department Join Date: Jul 13 2004 Location: Menomonie, Wi. Age: 69 Posts: 1,581 Rep Power: 8	Re: Wow, an actual response... Wishy-washy at best.

01-31-2010, 01:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jason E Join Date: Dec 10 2002 Location: Florence KY Age: 32 Posts: 445 Rep Power: 14	Re: Wow, an actual response... yeah at least he took time out to respond though, or at least had his assistant to write you lol

02-03-2010, 02:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jensoasis Join Date: Jan 5 2005 Location: YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA Posts: 46 Rep Power: 0	Re: Wow, an actual response... I like yours A lot better! Here's mine... Dear Mrs. Sicard: Thank you for writing to me to express your opposition to a tax on tanning salons in the healthcare reform legislation. I appreciate the time you took to write to me, and I welcome this opportunity to respond. I support reforming our healthcare system. The key is to find a healthcare plan that provides coverage, as well as limits cost. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" includes a provision that would impose a 10 percent tax on tanning bed sessions. According to the National Skin Foundation, exposure to UV rays from tanning beds increases melanoma risk by 75 percent. This proposed tax would raise $2.7 billion over 10 years. On December 24, 2009, I joined 59 of my colleagues in voting to pass healthcare reform legislation. The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" passed by a vote of 60-39. At this point it is unclear when or even whether a final version of this bill will come before the Senate or House of Representatives for a vote. Authors of the bill and leadership in the Senate and House of Representatives are deciding on the next steps to take on health reform. Please know that I will keep your comments in mind as I continue to work with my colleagues toward this end. Again, thank you for contacting me. If you should have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards. Sincerely yours, Dianne Feinstein United States Senator

03-27-2010, 11:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
excitednewguy Join Date: Sep 17 2005 Location: Southeast Posts: 306 Rep Power: 5	Re: Wow, an actual response... He states that the cosmetic surgery tax was geared towards women, well isn't this also true for the majority of tanners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give me a break

03-30-2010, 12:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
tltanman Join Date: Jan 29 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Re: Wow, an actual response... This is the along the same line that I've received from my states reps. It's sad and boils down to big money lobbyist finding a place to pin their burdens on.

03-30-2010, 02:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
Stevyn03 Join Date: Mar 28 2010 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0	Re: Wow, an actual response... wouldn't it have just made alot more since for the goverment to impose that beauty services as a whole be taxed the going sales tax rates that are currently imposed in the states where the beauty service undustry locations are. For example Kentucky has a 6% sales tax. Just apply that to tanning services, hair cuts, cosmetic surgery, etc. Then at least it wouldn't not only not single out a group of the population such as women as procraimed in above email from representative, but be spread evenly across the beauty service industry or start taxing all services. Don't take me wrong I'm not all about paying tax on getting a hair cut or paying any extra money than what i already have to for things. However if you are going to impose new taxes wouldn't it make since to make it a little more evenly spread across everyone instead of just 10% on the tanning industry?? __________________ Stevyn

03-30-2010, 02:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
allenj Join Date: Jan 21 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 140 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 3	Re: Wow, an actual response... Dear Mr. Reed: Thank you for contacting me regarding a tax on indoor tanning services in the health reform bill. I appreciate hearing your concerns on the inclusion of this tax in the final legislation. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with more than one million skin cancers diagnosed annually. The risk of skin cancers increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before the age of 30. Women and girls age 16 to 29 make up 71 percent of tanning salon patrons. Frequent users of tanning salons are exposed to a known carcinogen, ultraviolet radiation, at a dosage 12 times higher than natural sun exposure. Twenty four states have enacted legislation to limit minor's access to tanning facilities because of these health risks. Health care reform makes it possible for all Americans to lead healthy lives by proposing a 10 percent tax on any person receiving an indoor tanning service. Our proposal will deter the use of tanning beds by young Americans, reduce the risk of exposure to cancer, and save lives. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch. Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin United States Senator RJD/ab

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