The Indoor Tanning Association praised the House Republican leadership today for fulfilling its campaign promise to the American people and voting to repeal healthcare reform. “As the industry first hit by the bill’s many tax increases, we applaud the steps taken today to protect jobs and support small businesses across the country,” said ITA president Dan Humiston. “We understand that there are many more steps in the process but we are gratified by the House’s action today.”

The healthcare reform legislation was enacted in 2010 and included a 10% tax on indoor tanning services. This tax was added to the Senate bill as a part of a backroom deal to garner support for the legislation from special interests in the medical community. The tax was never reviewed by either of the Congress’ tax writing committees and never received any public scrutiny.

“This industry has suffered significant job losses during this recession and this regressive tax has only added to those losses,” Humiston added. “We hope that the Senate will take steps in the coming weeks to address the job suppressing aspects of this tax.”