SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- A tax on Illinois strip clubs may start bringing in new funding to help rape and sexual assault victims, under a measure passed by the Illinois legislature.
The measure passed the House on a 92-23 vote Thursday. It now goes to the governor's desk for approval.
Although some Republicans balked at creating a new tax, lawmakers seemed to agree they needed to fund sexual assault prevention and critical services for rape victims. Budget cuts to nearly every state agency has whittled away state funding for rape crisis centers over the last several years.
The measure would place an annual surcharge on strip clubs that have live nude dancing and permit alcohol. Businesses could pay $3 per person who enters or pay a graduated amount based on their sales.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
