In a further effort to kill all forms of small business, the governor takes another swipe at the state’s fishing industry, this time taxing in the form of additional fees on those involved in the charter fishing business.
New this year, kept secret until the forms were sent out for renewing captain’s licenses, are two new fees.
First, there is a new big water user fee for those who run charters off the Great Lakes. These people are not rich, in a good season a boat might bring in $60,000. Not clear, bring in only. Then you put in fuel costs which are taxed, boat and tackle which are already taxed, bait which is taxed, repairs, inspection fees, insurance for boat and passengers….the list keeps going folks. Then kick in mother nature, and you do not even come close to making that much!
Second, if you use live minnows, you will be required to have a bait license. Why? They already buy bait from licensed dealers, they already have to carry around the VHS certified free paperwork!
Guess they figured there wasn’t any more room to tax tobacco and alcohol, they had to come up with new and inventive ways to steal from those trying be independent.
I have emails sent out to Senator Randy Richardville, and Representatives Kate Ebli and Kathy Angerer to get their responses. When they show up, will let you know how they stand, agree/disagree and what they had to say on the matter.