Op-Ed Template Added to E-Fairness Action Kit

This week, the American Booksellers Association announced the addition of an op-ed template to the new E-Fairness Action Kit (E-FACT). Booksellers are urged to adapt the op-ed and to e-mail it to their local newspapers as a way of promoting the issue of e-fairness.

"Most states are faced with significant budget shortfalls, and e-fairness will be a major focus in 2010," said ABA CEO Oren Teicher. "The op-ed template provides booksellers with an effective way to educate the public about the current sales tax inequity and, we hope, to get the attention of state legislators. It's important that the real facts about e-fairness are widely publicized. We hope booksellers will use the op-ed template to help set the record straight."

ABA launched E-FACT earlier this month to provide booksellers with crucial, state-specific tools to help them in their e-fairness outreach efforts. E-FACT provides booksellers in the 42 states that collect sales tax but do not have e-fairness legislation with state-specific template letters calling for e-fairness that can be sent to their state legislators and governor.

Booksellers can go to E-FACT and navigate to their state, where they will find relevant documents, including the new op-ed, that can be adapted and then e-mailed to the appropriate person. Look for E-FACT to continue to grow over the next few weeks to include FAQs, news articles, and practical suggestions for advocating on behalf of e-fairness.

Booksellers who have questions, need assistance, or want more information on ABA's e-fairness efforts should contact David Grogan at (914) 373-6662 or via e-mail at dave@bookweb.org.