Missouri May Tax Umpires

[jeffrey]

A state lawmaker and Cardinals fan says umpires should pay for what he sees as bad calls made during the playoff series in which St. Louis lost to the Houston Astros.

Rep. Jeff Roorda wants to expand the state athlete and entertainer tax to cover officials such as umpires and referees. The tax is charged to out-of-state residents who earn money in Missouri while performing in such events as baseball games and concerts. The revenues are supposed to go to the arts, public libraries and other cultural programs.

Roorda said his idea grew out of his frustration with umpires in the NL championship series. But he also contends that it is logical to tax the officials affecting a game's outcome, not just the athletes who play it... Entire Story