Red Cross Exempted From Paying Gas Tax

THE Legislative Assembly hasapproved a law exonerating the Costa RicanRed Cross from having to pay the ¢132($0.28)-per-liter fuel tax. According to theRed Cross, it spends ¢50 million ($105,263)a month on gasoline and diesel – mainly tooperate ambulances and rescue vehicles.The law was passed June 2. The nonprofitRed Cross spends ¢300 million($631,578) annually on fuel taxes, accordingto a Red Cross statement.“The approval of this law fills mewith joy… because it will immenselybenefit all Costa Ricans who need thehelp of this honorable institution,” saidEdwin Patterson, legislator for theCitizen Action Party (PAC) andproponent of the bill.