Jackson Free Press

I can't say I disagree with this: The Hill is reporting that Haley Barbour endorsed it in a letter to lawmakers today, urging them to close a loophole that lets online retailers forego sales taxes that are sorely needed at home (and hurts local businesses):

"I am writing to congratulate you on the introduction of the Marketplace Fairness Act and offer my support for its timely passage," Barbour wrote in a letter to Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), two co-sponsors of the bill. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is also a leading supporter." ...

"Fifteen years ago, when e-commerce was still a nascent industry, it made sense to exempt startups like Amazon.com from collecting and remitting sales taxes in states where they had no facilities," Barbour wrote. "But today, e-commerce has grown, and there is simply no longer a compelling reason for government to continue giving online retailers special treatment over small businesses."

Previous Comments

ID

165514

Comment

When you do the math, it will help with state revenues when they do enact it. If you go online to Amazon buy a $1500 flat panel TV, you save $105 just because your not paying sales tax. I can't lie, I'm a amazon prime buyer myself.

Author

Duan C.

Date

2011-12-01T11:25:03-06:00

ID

165515

Comment

I love Amazon prime no tax, free 2 day shipping. I tried to buy a tv from Cowboy Maloney's but they don't take Amex. Local merchants simply enacting poor business policies will be their own downfall.

Author

RobbieR

Date

2011-12-01T11:33:46-06:00