Advocacy

SB 1338, a bipartisan sales tax fairness bill introduced in late January, cleared Arizona’s Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, February 8. If the bill is enacted, Arizona could recapture more than 5,400 total jobs and stop future job losses, according to a recent study.

On Tuesday, February 7, the Virginia State Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 597, legislation that would require retailers with warehouses or distribution centers in the state to collect and remit sales tax for purchases made by Virginia residents.

Arizona tells Amazon to pay up; Pennsylvania extends deadline for nexus compliance; Massachusetts governor urges Congress to support sales tax fairness; Maryland introduces sales tax fairness legislation

ABA is urging members to meet with their federal lawmakers in person in their local, district offices to express their support for bipartisan sales tax fairness legislation currently under consideration.

A national survey conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance in partnership with ABA and other organizations has found that independent businesses experienced strong sales growth over the holidays and appear to be benefitting from increased public interest in supporting locally owned stores, banks, restaurants, and other enterprises.

A Virginia state senator has introduced legislation aimed at closing the state’s sales tax loophole. Meanwhile, Amazon.com is seeking a sales tax exemption in Florida that would be similar to the ones granted by Tennessee and South Carolina in 2011.

Tuesday, January 17, is the deadline for responses to an important post-holiday survey, which seeks to gauge how independent businesses are faring in today’s economy and to assess whether people are more aware and supportive of locally owned, independent businesses.

ABA is urging members to participate in an important post-holiday survey of independent businesses. Last year’s survey provided unique and important data about the viability of independent businesses and the effectiveness of “Buy Local First” initiatives and garnered attention from more than 200 media outlets.

George Fox Rishel, the proprietor of The Sly Fox in Virden, Illinois, recently shared his thoughts on the future of bricks-and-mortar bookstores in a letter to ABA CEO Oren Teicher. Published here, with permission, is his letter and ABA’s response.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) have introduced a proposal that they say would strengthen Medicare and, in the process, expand health care choices for seniors, individuals under 65, and small businesses.