Free Republic

AUSTIN — A coalition of strip clubs has filed a lawsuit seeking to block a state law that would add a $5 surcharge for every strip club visitor. The new fee, which was approved this year by the Texas Legislature, is set to take effect on Jan. 1. It's expected to raise about $40 million to be dispersed for sexual assault prevention programs and health care for the uninsured. The Texas Entertainment Association and Karpod, Inc., the operator of an Amarillo club, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Travis County against Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and Comptroller Susan Combs. The...

LDP agrees to 2 trillion yen tax cuts, more vice taxes The ruling Liberal Democratic Party agreed in principle Thursday on a tax reform plan for fiscal 2003 that features some 2 trillion yen in tax cuts mainly for companies and higher taxes on tobacco and some liquors.Earlier in the day, the LDP's coalition partners -- New Komeito and the New Conservative Party -- gave the greenlight for tax hikes on tobacco and liquor.The ruling triumvirate is expected to finalize the tax reform plan Friday, said Sohei Miyashita, a senior member of the LDP's powerful Tax System Research Commission."We want...