Something called the Main Street Fairness Act has to be a good piece of legislation, right? Designed to help out retailers, small mom and pop businesses? Um, no
A Democratic senator is preparing to introduce legislation that aims to end the golden era of tax-free Internet shopping.
The proposal–expected to be made public soon after Tax Day–would rewrite the ground rules for Internet and mail order sales by eliminating the ability of Americans to shop at Web sites like Amazon.com and Overstock.com without paying state sales taxes.
Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second most senior Senate Democrat, will introduce the bill after the Easter recess, a Democratic aide told CNET.
“Why should out-of-state companies that sell their products online have an unfair advantage over Main Street bricks-and-mortar businesses?” Durbin said in a speech in Collinsville, Ill., in February. “Out-of-state companies that aren’t paying their fair share of taxes are sticking Illinois residents and businesses with the tab.”
Dick has his talking points down pat in that quote, but, that doesn’t cover up the fact that his is simply trying to enact yet another tax on the American consumer, which is part of the 4 legs of the Democrat party (raising taxes, making sure abortion is available and paid for with federal money, reducing national security, and giving “free” money away to special interests for votes). And, consider, quite a few of these “brick and mortar businesses” don’t have the same level of products. Consider: if you want to purchase a Tablet, what are your choices at the b&m businesses? Slim. iPad. Galaxy. Xoom. Velocity Micro T301. That’s pretty much it. But, if you go to Amazon, you have 405 results, giving a better selection to find the one you want. Same with so many other Internet vs. b&m businesses.
But, really, “protecting” b&m businesses and competition is not what this is about, it’s simply about giving the federal government more spending money. Unfortunately, there is at least one Republican who plans on going along with Durbin
Durbin’s bill will be called the Main Street Fairness Act, which follows legislation introduced last July in the House of Representatives bearing the same name. A possible co-sponsor is Sen. Mike Enzi, a Wyoming Republican who backed a similar proposal before and did not respond to a request for comment. (See related update below.)
Update 10:30 a.m. PT: I’ve heard back from Sen. Mike Enzi’s office. It sent me e-mail this morning saying: “Senator Enzi plans to co-sponsor the Main Street Fairness bill with Senator Durbin. As far as a timeline or drafts, you’ll have to check with Senator Durbin’s office.”
And there’s the TEA Parties next guy to “take out”, Mike Enzi, who still supports this travesty.
