The Pumpkin Tax

The Iowa Department of Revenue officials attempt to tax pumpkins got squashed.

The statement didn't say why the department changed its policy, but the controversy apparently spooked Gov. Chet Culver. He issued his own statement after administrators went public with their reversal. "It has come to my attention that a policy change made in December of 2006 - before I took office - is resulting in this ridiculous pumpkin tax," Culver said. "I have directed the Department of Revenue to do the common-sense thing and suspend collection of this tax and offer refunds to consumers or retailers who have been affected."

Hey, that'll teach them to mess with our holiday fruits and vegetables.