H.R. 1521: The Perfect Call

Avid readers of the blog know that we talk a lot about the ridiculous taxes and fees that wireless consumers are paying.

I’ve never been a fan of taxes but this one really irritates me. In this economy, no one has “extra” money to throw around. So why are wireless consumers, on average, paying an additional 15 percent in taxes and fees? 

These  excessive taxes and fees hurt consumers, small businesses, and those on a fixed income.  It’s not fair and it’s not right. 

Our industry has always been on the side of consumers and we promise to fight to stop these unnecessary taxes and fees for wireless users. Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) introduced “Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2009” (H.R. 1521)  in the U.S. House. We are also supported by more than 20 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.

I assure you that you're going to hear much more from us in the coming months about this as we work together with Congress to get this bill passed. In fact, you might have already seen the advertisement we placed in today's editions of Roll Call and CQ Today, and you'll see the add in The Hill and CongressDaily tomorrow. 

In the meantime, here’s my statement that was issued Tuesday that provides more details about the bill:

“On behalf of the wireless industry and its consumers, I want to thank Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) for their leadership, dedication and continued commitment to defending wireless users across the country from costly and discriminatory taxation. This pro-consumer legislation has gained tremendous bipartisan support, and we are pleased to see Congress moving ahead in the right direction to ease the tax burden on wireless customers. 

Last year, Americans paid nearly $21 billion in federal, state, and local wireless taxes and fees. The Cell Tax Fairness Act will protect consumers from new discriminatory taxes and fees, but preserve existing revenue for states and localities. 

The wireless industry continues to be a critical driver for growth in our nation’s economy by providing essential and affordable services that help millions of Americans cut costs and increase productivity and efficiency. We look forward to working with the sponsors and all Members of Congress to see that this important legislation becomes law.” 

 Click on photo to see full PDF Ad.