Did Hartford Really Just Tax Yoga?

To the Editor:

History shows in times of high unemployment and anemic economic growth raising taxes worsens the problem. On Friday, July 1, Hartford raised taxes. I understand sometimes taxes need to be raised but this is really not the time. The current budget deficit comes down to one problem, health care (Medicare and Medicaid).

In a March issue of Forbes magazine health care was said to be the biggest threat to our nation’s fiscal health. President Obama said the same thing. So what did Connecticut do? Imposed a tax on yoga studio services. Really?

How stupid can our government really be? Medicare and Medicaid are our biggest fiscal threat so Hartford now discourages preventative medicine? Yoga’s health benefits include lower blood pressure, weight loss, reduced stress, improved mental health, and much more. Statistically, Americans who practice yoga are in better health, visit doctors less frequently and take less medication versus ones who don’t. Looking at the financials, I interpret that as if more people practiced yoga health care spending could potentially drop. Unfortunately, as of last Friday it will cost more to practice yoga, and if you are an entrepreneur with visions of opening a studio (aka create jobs) the incentive is lower. Hartford, your reputation of incompetence has once again been confirmed.

Daniel M. Patti, CFP

84 South Main Street, Building C, Newtown              July 12, 2011