The "Bo-Tax" has been officially defeated and removed from Senate bill on Health Care Reform. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, amidst organized pressure from the medical community, lobbyists and various women's groups, decided to remove the proposed 5% tax on elective cosmetic procedures. While the proposed Bo-Tax was estimated to raise $3.7 billion over the course of 10 years, it was argued that the tax discriminated against middle-class women.
In its place, Sen. Reid has added a proposed 10% taxation on indoor tanning services with excpetions to "phototherapy" services administered by a licensed medical professional, such as those used to treat various skin diseases. The majority of tanning salons are not staffed by medical professionals. Democrats cite increased concerns over skin cancer as the prime motivator behind imposing the tax.
Thank you to all of the medical professionals, organizations and citizens who contacted their senators and took action against the Bo-Tax!