SACRAMENTO, CA - Veterinarians are lining up against Gov. Schwarzenegger's so-called "pet tax," warning the proposed tax on veterinarian services will make it more difficult for families to give their pets needed care.
Schwarzenegger has proposed extending the state's sales tax to a number of services, including veterinary care, as a way to increase state revenues and balance the budget. The governor says he doesn't want to raise taxes, but argues drastic measures are needed to solve the state's $28 billion budget deficit.
Veterinarians joined legislative Republicans at Franklin Pet Hospital in Elk Grove Thursday to oppose the proposed tax hike. They said the economy is already making it difficult for families to afford pet care and worry an additional tax will lead to more euthanasia and abandoned pets.
"It's the economy stupid," said Assm. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks. "The pet tax is a perfect example of what not to do."
Schwarzenegger has proposed a combination of spending cuts and tax increases to address the state's budget shortfall. His Republican colleagues say the state can solve the problem without tax hikes, but Democrats say tax hikes are necessary to avoid devastating program cuts.