Sunday, May 12, 2013

"We are presiding over the destruction of the traditional retailer."

The words in the header were uttered by a Republican. Perhaps Todd Young is reading?

Senate OKs Internet sales tax, by Jim Puzzanghera (Los Angeles Times)

The Marketplace Fairness Act allows states to require large online retailers with no physical presence in those states to collect sales taxes. The legislation now moves to the House.

WASHINGTON — The Senate gave strong bipartisan approval to landmark legislation that could largely lead to the end of the nation's decades-long Internet sales tax holiday.

Now the issue shifts to the more skeptical, Republican-controlled House, where the debate will revolve around one fundamental question: Does helping governments collect an existing and owed tax constitute a tax increase? ...

... some Republicans are pushing back on his interpretation. They said the legislation raises no new taxes and just helps level the playing field between online and traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers.

"There are people on my side of the aisle admittedly who are not going to be favorable to anything that may even hint of a tax increase," said Steve Womack (R-Ark.), the lead House sponsor.

"And that's regretful," he said, "because we are presiding over the destruction of the traditional retailer that has been the backbone of American business for a long, long time."

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