Puerto Rico legislators narrowly approve sales tax increase
Puerto Rico legislators narrowly approve sales tax increase
By DANICA COTO, Associated Press | May 21, 2015 | Updated: May 21, 2015 8:15pm
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Legislation that would increase Puerto Rico's sales tax from 7 percent to 11.5 percent squeaked by late Thursday with the minimum amount of votes needed in the U.S. territory's House of Representatives.
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Among those who opposed the bill was Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez, spokeswoman for the main opposition party. She said in a phone interview that the legislation would give Puerto Rico a higher sales tax than any U.S. state.
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Opposition legislators argued that the government should instead crack down on tax evaders.
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Legislators are now preparing to debate a $9.8 billion budget that Garcia proposed late Wednesday that includes $674 million in cuts and calls for the closure of nearly 100 schools and 20 public agencies.
http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Puerto-Rico-legislators-narrowly-approve-sales-6279673.php