Rhode Island State Representative Arthur Corvese (D - North Providence) has sponsored a new bill in the RI General Assembly that would apply local property tax on all boats owned by residents of the state. The bill (H5129) was introduced on January 22, 2009 and sent to the House Finance Committee for consideration.

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NOTE: Just minutes after posting this article, we received an email via the Wickford Yacht Club listserve from Representative Laurence Ehrhardt (R - N. Kingstown), a member of the House Finance Committee, stating that Rep. Corvese has "decided not to push this bill at this time." This is good news, but, "not pushing" and "withdrawing" are two very different things in our book. We still think it's worth a quick email to your representative to express your opinion on this issue!

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Considering the current economic climate in Rhode Island, which sports the nation's second-highest unemployment rate, do you really think increasing the tax burden on the customers of one of Rhode Island's most important industries is a good idea? Slammed by astronomical fuel prices last season, boating activity in the Ocean State took a huge hit, and the repercussions were felt throughout our area. Now, just as it's looking like we might have gotten out from under those depressive effects for the coming season, our legislature is proposing to administer the coup d'grace to one of our state's major economic engines.

According to the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA), there are 2,300 marine-related businesses in Rhode Island that employ about 6,600 people. These businesses produce an estimated annual revenue of $1 billion, and pay their employees an average salary of $39,400, well above the statewide average. We need these jobs, but we'll lose many of them if shortsighted legislation like H5129 becomes law, making boating too expensive for most Rhode Islanders.

We urge our members and readers to make your voices heard! At right, is a downloadable PDF file of the proposed legislation so you can decide for yourself if you think it's a good idea for our state. In addition, you'll find the names and email addresses and phone numbers for all members of the House Finance Committee who are charged with considering this bill. Just click a name to send email, or use this link to access the full list of all RI House Members, including their phone numbers, to give them a phone call.