D.C. Council members, seeking to avoid more cuts in services and jobs, are in the early stages of considering a series of tax increases to generate more revenue for the city and close a $550 million budget gap.

One idea, suggested by several advocacy organizations, calls for the city to extend the 6 percent sales tax to more than 25 services, including health clubs, tanning salons, kennels, carpet cleaning, private investigation and day spas. From The Washington Post.