NEW: Salon Owners Protest Tax Increases at Statehouse

NEW: Salon Owners Protest Tax Increases at Statehouse

Rhode Island Salons United Against Tax Services held a protest at the Statehouse earlier this afternoon, hoping to keep up the pressure against Governor Lincoln Chafee’s proposed expansion of the sales tax.

“We choose to operate in Rhode Island but we don't have to,” said Lyn Jennings, the founder of the group and the owner of the Calma Salon in Cranston. “We can take our business ten minutes away to Massachusetts or Connecticut where they respect small business.”

“Every minute I stand here and speak to out about this business killing budget I'm losing money,” Jennings added.

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One speaker joked that it was a “good thing” Chafee is taxing eyeglasses and not hearing aids. “I think he might need them—he just doesn’t listen,” said Deborah Tremblay.

Protesters vowed to vote out anyone who supports the tax plan in 2012.

State reps Mike Chippendale and Doreen Costa were also scheduled to speak at the event.

DEVELOPING….

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