Would legalizing prostitution help the US Economy?

[KCQuestor]

Even if prostitution were legal, there would be lawbreakers! People want to avoid paying takes or conforming to other bothersome regulations. Moonshining is still a thing, even though liquor is legal most places. Underground casinos and bookies still exist despite there being legal casinos all over (and online).

The desire to screw "The Man" is just as big as the desire to screw a woman.

[The Sixth Beatle]

There is no question that the declaring of 'underground' income would increase revenues, but it's questionable whether it would be a significant addition. And if it were a large increase, I personally have no faith in our government not to just spend the additional monies on pet projects and entitlements. Administrations and Congresses controlled by either major political party have shown no discipline when it comes to finances.

If prostitution were legal, businesses (escort services, brothels and spas) and independent contractors would be subject to withholding taxes, FICA, Medicare taxes and everything else to which legitimate business and contractors are subject. The end result would be much higher rates than we are currently charged. If you don't think so, check out the rates at any of the legal brothels in Nevada. It would be legal, but there would be a trade-off.

Historically, prostitution has been a good deal for older, wealthier males and younger, less wealthy females. The reverse is also been historically true - it has been a bad deal for older, wealthier females and younger, less wealthy males. Since our demographics have been skewing older with women outnumbering men, it's unlikely this would ever gain traction in the United States.

[KCQuestor]

Originally Posted by The Sixth Beatle

The end result would be much higher rates than we are currently charged. If you don't think so, check out the rates at any of the legal brothels in Nevada. It would be legal, but there would be a trade-off.

I'm still unsure about how big an effect that would have, and if it would be balanced out by the "supply influx" caused by more providers who would be willing to do the job. One of the reasons that prices are high is that the providers need a high return to justify the higher risk. A perfectly legal occupation doesn't require such mitigation. We think it is valid to pay an "unskilled" (relatively; compared to doctors or lawyers or mechanics; please don't think I mean a sex worker doesn't have skills) worker 20-40 times the minimum wage is that they are at constant risk of arrest or violence inherent in working in a criminal enterprise.

As examples, look at the rates for prostitution in countries with similar economies to the United States. A brothel or individual escort in Canada or Australia does not charge outrageous prices. Presumably those countries have taxes and license fees that you would envision happening here. As a ratio of minimum wage to an hour with an escort, they are actually cheaper. That's because when afforded a safe working environment, people are willing to work more and for less money.

[scottish.wolf]

Although being a business owner I agree about the tax revenue and I do agree that it would clean up things like human trafficking slightly. You will never get rid of sleazy people who try to take advantage of others and as for the STD's that is a risk even if you just go to the bars so I don't believe that would be cleaned up a lot either. Maybe a little but not a large enough percentage to notice.

Revenue would be the greatest thing to come from it as well as no need to house any of the inmates or use up police and city resources on prosecuting those who get caught.

Originally Posted by Mistress Chanel

I do think that legalizing prostitution would not only bring in a huge revenue for our struggling economy, but it would clean up the profession. It doesn't take a genius to see that if they were to regulate and tax the providers, it would bring in a huge amount of revenue... It would also clean up alot of the problems affiliated with the ~Industry~ ((human trafficing ~ pimps ~ std's ~ drugs ~ ect))

[i'va biggen]

I remember the gas wars of years ago and dream of provider wars where they keep lowering prices and give out premiums for customers.

[Guest102513-1]

Ahhh yes i'va biggen, I can just see it now $125 per two hours and a brand new toaster on your second visit

How did Doc Hook say it, in the song "Cover of the Rolling Stones"....

"It would be beauutifulll, Man"

[i'va biggen]

+1

[cynic]

Originally Posted by vkmaster

Ahhh yes i'va biggen, I can just see it now $125 per two hours and a brand new toaster on your second visit

How did Doc Hook say it, in the song "Cover of the Rolling Stones"....

"It would be beauutifulll, Man"

Awww, dat's beautiful (1:47)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ux3-a9RE1Q

[Taylor Sims]

I wish it would become legal. If I could start the petition here in Texas I would. If the right people could get together and figure out the yes and no and all it could be alot safer for everyone. When someone goes gets a haircut u can walk in do a name and go on. No matter what the buisness is there will always be good and bad about them. If it was legal and I could work from my home I would be one happy escort. I hear of escorts checking into hotels and DL being ran and then asked to leave if they find anything. I wonder do they also ask a person that was busted for drugs to leave or nt. In some ways that is like discrimation. I hope that it will become legal in my life time but I wont hold my breath.