The House Agriculture Committee approved an amendment to its farm bill that would lift the stay blocking implementation of the Christmas tree tax. We should be thankful the Agriculture Committee does not have jurisdiction over toys.
Some in the Christmas tree industry sought to develop a promotional program to assist its industry. After three failed attempts to set up a voluntary system, they turned to the federal government to do what it could not: Force Christmas tree producers and importers to pay for a Christmas tree promotion program.
On November 8, 2011, the Obama Administration issued a final rule that approved a new program to help promote Christmas trees. The government would set up a Christmas Tree Promotion Board, with one of its goals being “to enhance the image of Christmas trees and the Christmas tree industry in the United States.” The new program would include a 15 cent “assessment” on fresh cut Christmas trees, which could eventually rise to 20 cents per tree.
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