Here's a trend that has been shot down much to the happiness of Texan strip club patrons and owners. An Austin judge has struck down the controversial "$5 Pole Tax" as unconstitutional. Since January 2008, the pole tax had been implemented so that a fund to help victims of sexual abuse could be set up to reap the financial benefits. Many strip club owners balked at the idea citing the new tax would "run them out of business". After much protesting and litigation the judge deemed the tax a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and is therefore invalid. Estimates have shown that the new tax would have generated $44 million dollars this year alone so the state is left high and dry in the extra revenue department.
