PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says he’s opposed to a proposed new surcharge levied on guns and ammunition in Rhode Island.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo is seeking a 10 percent surcharge on the purchase of guns and ammunition as part of her budget proposal.
Mattiello, also a Democrat, told WPRO-AM Wednesday that he won’t tax a constitutional right and there will not be a new tax on guns or ammunition. He says it would be inappropriate.
The surcharge, in addition to the current 7 percent state sales tax, is projected to generate about $800,000 in revenue.
A recent hearing on the proposal drew hundreds of opponents to the state house. Raimondo also wants to extend the state’s sales tax to shooting ranges for archery and firearms and memberships to shooting clubs.
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