That Christmas tree you bought likely included a hidden 15-cent federal tax most Americans have never heard of.

Cato’s Adam Michel, Director of Tax Policy Studies, reveals in a new blog post how this obscure “checkoff program” is one of 22 similar schemes that raised nearly $1 billion in mandatory industry taxes last year. These government-backed boards force producers to fund marketing campaigns—even when they disagree with the message.

The abuses are striking: the American Egg Board once tried to divert millions to fight a ballot initiative and launched campaigns against vegan mayo alternatives. Dairy boards wage war on plant-based milks. Michel argues these programs violate the First Amendment through compelled speech.

Michel is available for interviews. Please reach out to Cato PR at pr@​cato.​org.