ABA Goes to Washington in Support of Sales Tax Fairness

On Wednesday, March 26, the American Booksellers Association met with key U.S. representatives in Washington, D.C., in support of sales tax fairness.

ABA Senior Public Policy Analyst David Grogan met with the staff of six U.S. representatives on the House Committee on the Judiciary, which held a hearing on sales tax fairness in mid-March.

ABA met with the staffs of Representatives Tom Marino (R-PA), Randy Forbes (R-VA), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Spencer Bachus (R-AL). Most agreed that sales tax fairness was an issue that needed to be addressed, but some cautioned there was not yet a consensus in the House on how best to tackle the issue.

Congressman Chaffetz is currently drafting sales tax fairness legislation, which is expected to be introduced sometime in the fall. “We are grateful for Congressman Chaffetz’s continued support of this effort,” said ABA CEO Oren Teicher. “While we understand there are complexities that must be ironed out in any draft legislation, ABA firmly believes that legislation must be introduced sooner rather than later. Our bookseller members have waited long enough for a level playing field. The time to act is now.”

The efforts of bookstores and other independent retailers over the past several years has played a large part in building the growing bipartisan support for sales tax fairness. “When independent booksellers reach out to their legislators, their words have a significant impact,” Teicher explained. “Both parties understand that small businesses are the drivers of the economy, so it is crucial that they hear from you on this issue. It will make a difference.”

ABA is encouraging booksellers to urge their members of Congress to pass sales tax fairness legislation this year. For more information, contact Grogan at [email protected].