Scholarship applications are being accepted now, and the window for the grant will open in May.
A year later, Internet sales tax bill still stalled
One year after the U.S. Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, the bill is seemingly going nowhere in the House of Representatives.
New York--One year after the U.S. Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, the bill is seemingly going nowhere in the House of Representatives.
On May 6, 2013, the Senate voted to pass the Marketplace Fairness Act, which is designed to help brick-and-mortar businesses by forcing e-tailers to collect sales tax, by a 69-27 vote.
However, the legislation remains stalled in the House of Representatives, where it faces a tougher fight in the Republican-controlled body.
The 2013 Internet sales tax legislation was introduced by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). On Wednesday, these four took to the Senate floor to urge the House to take action on the bill.
Durbin spoke of the bill’s benefits and gave examples of local businesses and businesspeople that have been suffering at the hands of Internet commerce, including Chris Koos, the mayor of Normal, Ill., who also runs a shop selling bicycles, running shoes and other athletic equipment.
Koos sees people come in, find products, try them on and say they will come back, but never do because they’re buying over the Internet instead, according to Durbin.
“When those sales are made on the Internet, instead of in Chris Koos’ shop, there is no revenue coming back to the city of Normal, Ill., or McLean County. That is Chris’s story, but it is the story of thousands, maybe millions, of businesses across America that are losing out now to Internet competition that is not collecting the sales tax that is supposed to be paid,” he said.
He added that the bill has been supported by more than a thousand businesses, but also hundreds of labor, business and government organizations.
Durbin also noted that the bill is supported by Amazon, which is “prepared to collect that sales tax and remit it to the states” rather than fight the bill in all states and cities. This news comes despite the fact that a recent study has shown that Amazon suffers in states where it has to collect sales tax.
RELATED CONTENT: Sales up, but Amazon losing ground in some states
It is unclear what is next for the House in terms of the bill. In March, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on “Exploring Alternative Solutions on the Internet Sales Tax Issue” to explore proposed tax solutions. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA),
Durbin said Tuesday, “We sent it (the Marketplace Fairness Act) to the House of Representatives, and nothing has happened. Nothing. There have been some statements made over there, and I hope those statements lead to action, but it is time for them to pick up this bill and this responsibility. If they have a better approach, let’s see it. Let’s work on it. Let’s do it on a bipartisan basis. Let’s come up with an approach that works.”
The bill also has the support of Jewelers of America, which has been encouraging retailers to take action to support tax fairness.
The Latest
She is remembered by loved ones as a “guiding force” behind the store and an active presence in her community.
The emerald earrings reference objects from designer Melinda Zeman’s childhood.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.