15 Jan Compelling News Stories Regarding the Denigration of Cultural Art Forms, Callous Small Business Treatment and Citizens Trying to Fight Back
EXTREMELY TIME SENSITIVE: Compelling News Stories Regarding the Denigration of Cultural Art Forms, Callous Small Business Treatment and Citizens Trying to Fight Back
Synopsis – Martial arts were literally singled out and swept into taxation as a health club last year to make it easier for state auditors. Washington State law now denigrates most martial arts from around the world. Martial arts, karate, tae-kwon-do and kung-fu schools are among the only resources for self-defense, assault prevention, anti-abduction and bully prevention training as well as a myriad of other mental, spiritual and physical benefits. A mistake made in a law passed in Washington State last year requires schools to charge up to 9.9% tax on their services which is among the highest in the nation. Services are normally exempt from retail sales tax in the state. This change targeted only martial arts while yoga, tai chi, chi gong, dance, gymnastics and other educational facilities remain tax free. Research reveals troubling irregularities, culturally insensitive/discriminatory exemptions and rough-shod treatment of small business. Cultural associations have issued statements in protest and over 7,500 participants and school owners have signed a petition asking the legislature to pass a law. Over 400 supporters including children and families attended a public hearing in Olympia, the state capital, in January. Washington State Martial Arts Association spokesmen believe this new tax will force many businesses to close and will restrict access to life-saving and life-altering instruction for those who need it most.
As you can infer there are many troubling aspects to this issue. Here are a couple ideas we hope you find worth discussing. Two press releases, media contacts, a Fact Sheet and Key Points are provided below or in attachments.
Story Idea: Martial artists hoping for a miracle…
Story Idea: Republicans and Democrats support struggling martial artists but is it too late?
Story Idea: Government mistake leads to damaged businesses…
Story Idea: 1,000 Year old art forms nothing more than exercise according to Washington State
Story Idea: Martial artists across the state join together to fight for their students
Story Idea: Yoga is in, kung-fu is out in Washington State…
Story Idea: Lawn bowling a ‘service’ self-defense a ‘retail sale’?
Story Idea: Filipino community outraged at denigration of cultural art form
Story Idea: Is a martial art school just a health club for kids?
Story Idea: Lawmakers unanimously support struggling martial arts schools
Story Idea: Lawn bowling, land sailing and remote control racing now a service but karate is a ‘retail item’?
Story Idea: What does Washington State have against martial arts?
Story Idea: WA Department of Revenue ignores new law and taxes martial arts schools anyway
Story Idea: Home state of world famous Bruce Lee targets martial artists for taxation
Contacts
Andy Wilson
Acting President – Washington State Martial Arts Association
School Owner – MKG Martial Arts in Seattle, WA
206-261-7015
andy.wilson@mkgseattle.com
Joni Sharrah
Board Member – Washington State Martial Arts Association
School Owner – USA Karate Academy in Shoreline, WA
206-228-2392
usakarateacademy@gmail.com
Korbett Miller
Board Member – Washington State Martial Arts Association
School Owner – Miller’s Martial Arts Academy in Kirkland, WA
425-444-5242
korbett.miller@gmail.com
Resources
Washington State Martial Arts Association
http://www.wamartialartsassoc.com
Facebook Page – Washington State Martial Arts Association – Help Us Fight For You
https://www.facebook.com/nosalestaxonmartialartsinwashingtonstate/
Petition on Change.org with 6,400 Supporters
https://www.change.org/p/reverse-taxation-cultural-discrimination-of-martial-arts-lessons-in-washington-state
HB1550 That Caused the Issue
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1550
HB2334 To Fix the Issue
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2334
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