Kicking us when we're down - the NY ticket tax

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 10:57am

Just what we all need, New York govenor Paterson is proposing taxes on tickets and real estate that will add $10 to the cost of $120 Broadway tickets (if any of these tickets are ever actually sold that is...)

This would be a lot easier to stomach if we didn't have the federal government simultaneously flushing untold billions of debt down the toilet bailing out all those idiots on Wall Street who never once produced a decent show (or anything else of real value.) Bail out Broadway instead, at least a few jobs would be saved (unlike the current fiscal insanity) and there'd be something to show for it!

Gov Paterson proposes 8% tax on theater tickets

Updated On: 2/4/09 at 10:57 AM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:17pm

"This would be a lot easier to stomach if we didn't have the federal government simultaneously flushing untold billions of debt down the toilet bailing out all those idiots on Wall Street who never once produced a decent show"

Actually, I've worked for a few Wall Street idiots who have been silent investors in Broadway shows.

Updated On: 2/4/09 at 12:17 PM

[jordangirl]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:26pm

Old news hon.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:33pm

This proposed tax is something most of us know about, jordangirl, but the article techeverlasting linked to was yesterday's New York Times. There is a bit of new information there. Yesterday's news maybe, but not so old.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:36pm

Ah.

[winston89]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:42pm

Said it once and I will say it again. Despite what many on this forum think, we don't NEED theatre to live. Yes, we love going to it, talking about it, listening to cast recordings. But, it isn't something we need like food and clothing are.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 12:57pm

They should raise the tax on tobacco before adding a tax to theatre tickets.

[Dangerous Divine]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 1:05pm

Winston, the problem with that reasoning is that theatre is where many people make a living so that they can procure food and clothing.

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 1:31pm

And not to mention the affect losing the theater would have on businesses in the theater district.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 2:25pm

This would be a lot easier to stomach if we didn't have the federal government simultaneously flushing untold billions of debt down the toilet bailing out all those idiots on Wall Street who never once produced a decent show (or anything else of real value.)

My god, I am sick of this ignorance.

Wall Street hasn't produced anything of real value? Just because you don't understand it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Without "Wall Street," the mortgage market wouldn't be nearly as efficient as it is today. You would either have to buy a house with cash or borrow from your local credit union. Then, when you default, your credit union bears the entire hit and goes out of business. Then no one else can get a mortgage.

Ugh, the ignorance and vilification of Wall Street escalated by the media and politicians is SO FRUSTRATING.

Not to mention, the state budget has NOTHING TO DO with a government bailout, which is federal. And it's not GIVING BANKS MONEY. It's buying investments THAT HAVE VALUE from them.

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 3:49pm

"Without "Wall Street," the mortgage market wouldn't be nearly as efficient as it is today."

I really can't think of what to reply to that. Do you have any idea what percentage of Americans are currently upside down on their mortgages?

[TheCharleston]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 3:57pm

you're an IDIOT.

do you even understand how the economy and stock market and wall street works???


you need those "idiots".

I'm with tony... some people are such ignorant fools when it comes to the economy. I'm so sick of it.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 4:02pm

I really can't think of what to reply to that. Do you have any idea what percentage of Americans are currently upside down on their mortgages?

If by "upside down" you mean negative equity, about 15%. I think you're taking for granted the value of the system, even when it's not running well. You have no idea how few people would own homes, own small business, or do anything that requires borrowing on the individual level without it. Larger companies, as well, would have no way to raise capital, so all those jobs that are created when a company goes public and gets a capital infusion? Gone. All those companies that are currently having trouble meeting payroll because they're unable to borrow short-term money? They'd be stiffing their employees instead.

I think one of the consolations of this whole thing is that more people are finally realizing how important financial services are to the industry. When credit markets seize up and won't lend, we finally realize how many industries outside of finance rely on it.

OK, I'm done in this thread. I actually agree with the title of the post--an entertainment tax that weighs on an already money-tight industry is not the way to balance the budget.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 5:09pm

You know what? Theatre is a luxury. I'm sorry. And I really doubt $10 is going to prevent people from buying tickets. Broadway will survive. It made it through the freakin' Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods. We're in some tough economic times, and everyone's going to have to make some sacrifices. So shut up and deal with it.

[TheCharleston]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 5:20pm

^^^ For once I COMPLETELY AGREE with you. Well said, my boy.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 5:58pm

Without Wall St pumping billions into the city over the years, the city would be more of a basket case than it already is.

The Mayor & the rest of the gang have no idea how the city will function after the economic smoke clears . Whe Wall st returns, the days of sky high salaries & bonuses & taxes paid to the city will be a memory.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 8:07pm

"The Mayor & the rest of the gang have no idea how the city will function after the economic smoke clears"

Yes, but he thinks he can handle it, which is why he's going against the will of the people and running for a third term.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 8:27pm

Good heavens!! I feel for you NYkers who have to endure clueless and dense leaders such as your present Governor and the last one who got caught with his suspenders down. What part of Broadway is tanking does Gov. P. fail to comprehend? His proposed NY ticket tax makes no sense. from RC in Austin, Texas

[TheCharleston]

Posted: 2/4/09 at 9:01pm

Broadway isn't the only thing that exists, you know.

I'm sorry but I will worry about Broadway and "the arts" after we've taken care of healthcare (and the medical field), education, the economy as a whole, and the political chaos occuring within our own damn parties.

Broadway will always prevail. That much is true. People MIGHT have to endure a $10 tax for a stretch of time. It happens. Suck it up and shell out the extra $10 (that you would usually spend on a CD or DVD or snacks or something...)

we all make sacrifices. whether you agree with it or not, you can't stop it if it goes through. You'll be doing everyone a dishonor by not going to the theatre over a lousy $10.

I don't get what all the whining is about. It's absolutely ridiculous.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:07am

For MANY of us however, we are already paying more than the tix price since so many of us must resort to Telecharge for our purchases.

SO....if I buy a full price tix the cost now comes to almost 150 bucks. I know it's ONLY another 10bucks....but added all together it's too much.

It will DEF curtail how often I come in.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:24am

Or *gasp* You can stop being a seating snob and sit in perfectly fine seats in the mezzanine that are less expensive to begin with.

Does it suck? Yeah. But they haven't been taxed before now, which considering their impact on tourism really shocked me to discover.

You decide on your own priorities. If you're not willing to use discount codes and sit in less expensive seats and that extra $10 will break you... Basically sorry, but that is your decision. There are cheaper options than $150 tickets.

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:33am

"you're an IDIOT.

do you even understand how the economy and stock market and wall street works??? "

If you are implying that Wall Street and the economy are currently working then I have to ask who the "IDIOT" is here. The amount of wealth that has been sucked out of the American economy in recent years by the reckless abuse of credit and bizarre financial instruments like derivatives and mortgage backed securities is staggering, and we're all being asked to subsidize this failure in the form of endless bailouts.

When a Broadway show tanks it closes, we don't expect the American taxpayers to keep it running because it's "too big to fail".

Updated On: 2/5/09 at 06:33 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:41am

Why the attack?

I am not a seat snob and often do utilize discount codes, probably about 80% of the time. All I'm saying is that this does make a difference in how freely I purchase tickets.

I understand they are thinking of the tourist dollar which, i suppose is not a big deal. But, as often as I come into the city...usually once a month, seeing 3 to 8 shows a clip depending on how long I'm in town, this ADDS up to a big deal...regardless of what the ticket price is. When I bring my KIDS, I am more inclined to buy the more expensive seats so that they can see well.

I think for the frequent theater-goer...this is a big deal. Could it also be a deal breaker for a family of four on vacation? Don't know.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:53am

It wasn't directed just at you, and it wasn't meant as an attack. But when you only say "$150 per ticket" it certainly seems like you only go for full-price top-regular-price tickets.

As far as coming in once a month and seeing 3-8 shows, why not plan out the shows you want to see in advance so you can go to the box offices on your trip the month before and save the service fees? Just a thought. :) Does it cut down on spontaneity? Sure. But it saves those stupid fees!

Just curious...since most orchestra levels are not that raked, how does sitting there help the kids see "better"? Doesn't that make it more likely there will be someone tall in front of them? I'm genuinely curious on that one. Not attacking or criticizing. Just wondering.

[nmartin]

Posted: 2/5/09 at 6:58am

"Said it once and I will say it again. Despite what many on this forum think, we don't NEED theatre to live. Yes, we love going to it, talking about it, listening to cast recordings. But, it isn't something we need like food and clothing are."

Thank you!! I have friends who have been laid off and are losing their homes. Live theatre is very low on the list of concerns for any responsible person.