AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
Policies & IssuesJun 15, 2017
Wisc. Congressman Pushes Back Against Online Sales Tax
Jim Sensenbrenner’s “No Regulation Without Representation” Act would prohibit states from imposing sales tax collection requirements on businesses that have no physical presence in the state.
Washington--One Republican in the House of Representatives is pushing back against legislation that would give states the power to force online retailers to collect sales tax in every state.
On Monday, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) reintroduced the “No Regulation Without Representation” Act, which would prohibit states from imposing sales tax requirements on businesses with no physical presence in the state and no vote in the representation that would implement the tax.
In a release announcing the revival of the bill, which was first introduced last year but died in committee, Sensenbrenner’s office said that states are growing “increasingly aggressive” in imposing regulations on out-of-state businesses in their “never-ending quest for new revenues.”
“Over-taxation and regulatory burdens weigh heavy on American businesses. These practices prohibit economic growth, stunt hiring and make it harder for businesses to expand,” the congressman said in the release. “(This act) helps alleviate these burdens, promotes entrepreneurial endeavors, and is an ally of small business.”
Sensenbrenner’s office did not respond when contacted for further comment Wednesday.
Among the act’s supporters are House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.)--who co-sponsored the bill and has been a longtime opponent of sales tax “fairness”--Jewelry Television (JTV) and online retailer Overstock.com.
“As a remote retailer of colored gem stones and jewelry, JTV supports this bill because it will put a stop to the onslaught of out-of-state legislation and regulation designed to regulate interstate sales without representation and without nexus,” JTV’s Charlie Wagner said in a statement to Bloomberg BNA. “This growing patchwork of state-level laws and regulations undermines interstate commerce and further development of e-commerce, which is so important to our nation’s economy.”
The No Regulation Without Representation Act (H.R. 2887) is in direct contraction with the “Remote Transactions Parity Act,” which Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) reintroduced in the House earlier this year, and the “Marketplace Fairness Act” in the Senate.
While not identical, the aim of both bills is to allow states to require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax, regardless of whether or not they have a physical presence in the state. This, supporters say, would help brick-and-mortar retailers, many of whom find themselves at a further price disadvantage when online sellers don’t have to collect state sales tax.
Retail organizations, including Jewelers of America and the National Retail Federation, have been lobbying for sales tax “fairness” on behalf of their members for years.
Both
JA and the NRF spoke out against Sensenbrenner’s proposal.
“This new bill is not fair to Main Street retailers,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said Wednesday. “It would give online retailers an upper hand by not requiring them to have to charge sales tax ... and that’s what we’re fighting against.
“We don’t agree with this proposal.”
The NRF called the bill “out of step with the modern digital economy.”
Chris Fetzer, of Washington, D.C.-based firm Haake Fetzer, which lobbies in Washington on behalf of JA, said as of now, the No Regulation Without Representation Act doesn’t have a companion bill in the Senate or the support required for its passage there.
He also pointed out Sensenbrenner’s act has a total of eight sponsors, all Republicans, while the Remote Transactions Parity Act, has 20, 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, and that Sensenbrenner and Goodlatte tried but failed to get other Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to sign on as co-sponsors for the bill.
“It’s a positive sign for supporters of federal sales tax fairness legislation that there were no takers,” Fetzer said. “Furthermore, Rep. Sensenbrenner’s previous version of this bill, which was introduced in July 2016, died in committee at the end of the 114th Congress. His new version of the bill may well suffer the same fate.”
The text of Sensenbrenner’s No Regulation Without Representation Act can be viewed here. A full list of the act’s co-sponsors is available on Congress.gov.
“This new bill is not fair to Main Street retailers,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said Wednesday. “It would give online retailers an upper hand by not requiring them to have to charge sales tax ... and that’s what we’re fighting against.
“We don’t agree with this proposal.”
The NRF called the bill “out of step with the modern digital economy.”
Chris Fetzer, of Washington, D.C.-based firm Haake Fetzer, which lobbies in Washington on behalf of JA, said as of now, the No Regulation Without Representation Act doesn’t have a companion bill in the Senate or the support required for its passage there.
He also pointed out Sensenbrenner’s act has a total of eight sponsors, all Republicans, while the Remote Transactions Parity Act, has 20, 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, and that Sensenbrenner and Goodlatte tried but failed to get other Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to sign on as co-sponsors for the bill.
“It’s a positive sign for supporters of federal sales tax fairness legislation that there were no takers,” Fetzer said. “Furthermore, Rep. Sensenbrenner’s previous version of this bill, which was introduced in July 2016, died in committee at the end of the 114th Congress. His new version of the bill may well suffer the same fate.”
The text of Sensenbrenner’s No Regulation Without Representation Act can be viewed here. A full list of the act’s co-sponsors is available on Congress.gov.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
