In the effort to balance California's huge state deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has publicly stated that a tax on services—including tanning—is not out of the question. This would be a huge hit on California’s indoor tanning industry if should it happen. As of now, nothing has been formally introduced; however, the California Indoor Tanning Trade Association (CITTO) has a game plan in mind, just in case, which includes working with the state associations of other service-related industries to oppose any such effort.
In other California news, Joe Nation, the state assemblyman who introduced the teen tanning ban in 2004, is now running for state senator in District 3 (San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties). He is running against incumbent Carole Migden and current state assemblyman Mark Leno. Migden and Leno have the same liberal/progressive base, which is split between them, resulting in polls showing Nation is currently in the lead.
Though his proposed ban—which sought to make 18 the minimum age to tan—was ultimately amended to classifying age 14 as the minimum age, The CITTO urges tanning supporters in District 3 to oppose Nation’s candidacy.
“CITTO is the state organization representing, promoting and protecting the interests of California ’s professional indoor tanning industry,” says Pennie Curet, CITTO's membership chairman. “Its goal is to encourage responsible tanning and to provide programs, informational support, media liaisons and legislative representation for its statewide membership. By working together, we benefit all tanning salon owners across the state.”
If you are not already a member, visit CITTO’s Web site for more information on CITTO, the benefits it provides, and to fill out a membership application. Yearly membership costs $99, which includes the new Tanning Salon Best Practices document, based upon the AB 105 legislation.
