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Oklahoma Representative Wants Bonus Tax On Violent Video Games
Anyone reading this probably buys enough games to constantly be fretting about the cost, but soon Oklahoma residents may have to pay a small amount more than everyone else.
KOCO-TV reports that Oklahoma state representative William Fourkiller has proposed a new law placing a one percent tax on any game rated teen, mature, or adults only by the ESRB. The extra tax money would go toward programs to prevent bullying and childhood obesity. Fourkiller explained:
"Violent video games contribute to some of our societal problems like obesity and bullying, but because they raise a lot of revenue, they can also provide part of the solution."
The KOCO report notes that "a typical $50 game would cost 50 cents more," but as most readers probably know that would actually be a 60 cent increase for the average PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 new release. Do you think this kind of law makes sense or is it unfair to target video games specifically in attempts to help with the serious problems of obesity and bullying in our schools?
[via Kotaku]
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