[omega4412]

The transient occupancy tax — and any other tax on travelers at a higher rate than the local sales tax — ought to be ruled unconstitutional. Nominal grounds: an interference with interstate commerce. Actual grounds: taxation without representation.

[Dr. Sivana]

The transient occupancy tax — and any other tax on travelers at a higher rate than the local sales tax — ought to be ruled unconstitutional. Nominal grounds: an interference with interstate commerce. Actual grounds: taxation without representation.

Nope.

It is not unconstitutional.

First, most of the items you might consider transient tazes (e.g. hotel and rental car taxes) apply equally to those who use the services who are in state, so it does not interfere with interstate commerce.

Second, the taxation without representation bit not only is NOT in the Constitution, but was never intended to apply to transient folks.

Third, if NH, for instance, scaled back their transient taxes, it would be impossible for them to meet numerous fed mandates, stay solvent, and still have neither an income nor a sales tax.

Fourth, such taxes have existed from the very beginning of the Republic.

States rights.

I live in Illinois, I would certainly know better than to schedule a convention in the greater Chicago area. Besides parking (I paid $60 total in parking last time I wen to Chicago ... and on a SUNDAY, when many cities have free street parking), the tiniest amenity requires an electrician or a carpenter from the Union or an exorbitant fee (this includes such luxuries as an electrical outlet or useable cell or wifi).

Word gets out, and more events get scheduled in Ft. Myers than in Chicago.