Strip Joint Tax Proposed to Bail Out Rape Crisis Center Budgets

(Kankakee, IL) -- Illinois strip club patrons might have to start sticking dollar bills in the state treasury pay for rape prevention and treatment, according to Kankakee Daily Journal reporter Jon Krenek.

Krenek, reports today that State Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), right, is sponsoring legislation to impose a $2 adult entertainment facility tax to generate money for rape crisis centers across Illinois that are slated for budget cuts this year.

The plan aims to compensate for a $1.4 million shortfall in state funding. The legislation would slap a $2 tax on every strip club patron who enters a club to keep 33 rape crisis centers open.

A similar tax exists in Texas, according to Krenek’s story.

The idea emerged from a budget hearing recently co-hosted by State Rep. Careen Gordon (D-Morris) as one of several solutions offered to plug state budget holes this year.

Krenek's story says Gordon expressed an interest in the idea but made no commitment.

“Is it perfect? Probably not,” said Gordon. “We’ve heard a lot about what will happen if agencies don’t get funding…”

Yeah, agencies will close and the people they help will get squat. Lawmakers ought to support Koehler's plan. That's our two cents. Yours?

Your Two Cents Less