Groomers barking mad over new taxes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Pet groomers gathered outside the Senate chambers Monday calling the proposed tax increase on grooming a "dirty dog tax."

The budget proposal would impose a 7 percent sales taxes on pet grooming, taxi fares and expensive clothing items.

• Interactive: Breakdown of State Budget
• New taxes on luxury clothing, pet services & car washes

"They sold us out. They are not supporting the small businesses like they said they would," said one opponent.

"People are going to be getting laid off. People are going to be losing their jobs. Lets get with it," one woman yelled angrily.

Senator John Tassoni supports the $8.1 billion spending plan.

"Your still going to have to have your dogs groomed...I'm okay with it. It's my last year up here so it is what it is and I think the budget will pass," Tassoni stated.

The budget proposal would also authorize tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge, increase spending on schools and restore nearly $10 million in funding for services for the developmentally disabled.

• Related: Lawmakers to vote on bridge tolls
• Bridge tolls under RI proposed budget