Make Internet Sales Fair Act [On the President's Desk]

[Хahar 🤔]

Why should the Internet recieve an unfair advantage?

[Franzl]

Why should the Internet recieve an unfair advantage?

This is what I don't understand. If he wanted to eliminate Sales tax for all purchases anywhere....He would at least be consistent.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

Why should the Internet recieve an unfair advantage?

The internet's not receiving an unfair advantage. It's brick-and-mortar businesses that are being put at an unfair disadvantage by our current tax policies. We need to fix the latter problem to level the playing field, not expand it.

[Franzl]

Why should the Internet recieve an unfair advantage?

The internet's not receiving an unfair advantage. It's brick-and-mortar businesses that are being put at an unfair disadvantage by our current tax policies. We need to fix the latter problem to level the playing field, not expand it.

At least that's consistent.

[Badger]

Why should the Internet recieve an unfair advantage?

The internet's not receiving an unfair advantage. It's brick-and-mortar businesses that are being put at an unfair disadvantage by our current tax policies. We need to fix the latter problem to level the playing field, not expand it.

At least that's consistent.

I respectfully disagree. Leveling the playing field by forcing internet sales companies to charge the same sales tax as brick and mortar businesses is part of the solution, not part of the problem. Opposing this common sense plan in the name of "protecting" brick and mortar businesses is convoluted.

[Badger]

NAY

I see no advantage in this Act. It would only mean more bureaucracy.

You don't see how small businesses are being put at a disadvantage without taxing Internet sales?

I'm not the biggest fan of capitalism, but want this bill wants is socialism for small business owners. I see it more with the view of the consumer. The internet bring us the chance for lower prices and this is good for all of us.

When small businesses want to have a chance in the "new Internet world" then they need to develop new ideas to survive.

I find it funny that you want to protect business owners, but I'm 100% sure you would say no to an extended protection of employee rights.

But I support protection of employee rights and support this bill, Hans.

With the amendments added there is no reason this has to tax consumers more. Regions don't have to impose the tax, but it grants them the flexability to at least consider doing so. Even a region does so, it can lower overall sales taxes so consumers aren't paying any more than before, but the taxes are merely paid more evenly between internet and non-internet consumers.

Internet commerce is unquestionably important, but there is no need to coddle companies like Amazon to the detriment of local bookstores.

[bullmoose88]

Internet commerce is unquestionably important, but there is no need to coddle companies like Amazon to the detriment of local bookstores.

Respectfully, I find the notion that enabling an internet sales tax is really going to significantly level the playing field between a local bookseller and amazon a bit difficult to buy.  It won't allow such a small firm to achieve the same sort of bulk buys and other cost efficiencies that allow big firms like amazon or even a brick and mortar like walmart to succeed.

[bullmoose88]

As much as I appreciate Badger's efforts to make the bill more tolerable, it is still only tolerable if it passes despite my vote.  After much thought, I cannot support this measure.

Nay.

[Bacon King]

This is just a notice; the vote is still ongoing...

Senators voting aye: Bacon King, Franzl, Badger (3)
Senators voting nay: NCYankee, Libertas, Hans-im-Glück, Bullmoose (4)
Senators yet to vote: The other three

[Bacon King]

bump...

[bgwah]

I'm still uncomfortable with the $500,000 exemption part. I would definitely vote aye if not for that. I'm going to have to abstain for now...

[Bacon King]

This is just a notice; the vote is still ongoing...

Senators voting aye: Bacon King, Franzl, Badger (3)
Senators voting nay: NCYankee, Libertas, Hans-im-Glück, Bullmoose (4)
Senators abstaining: bgwah (1)

Senators yet to vote: Dallasfan65, AHDuke (2)

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

God, I'm torn here, as I have said privately. I think in theory its a good idea to help out small businesses by eliminating one of the advantages larger corporations have over them, but I am wary of adding new taxes during these economic times. Can any brother relate?

[Badger]

God, I'm torn here, as I have said privately. I think in theory its a good idea to help out small businesses by eliminating one of the advantages larger corporations have over them, but I am wary of adding new taxes during these economic times. Can any brother relate?

I honestly can, Duke, but the issue is more about granting regions flexability rather than increasing tax rates. Regions don't have to impose the tax overall, but can merely not continue to grant Amazon and similar companies special unnecessary exemptions. For example, if this bill passes I will push the Mideast Assembly to impose the tax as permitted by law, but to lower the overall sales tax to a level that comes out to being revenue neutral. That way taxpayers aren't hit up in the middle of a recession, and all businesses are taxes on the same consistent fair basis. Some regions will likely impose the tax across the board <*coughPacificcough*> others will probably maintain the unequal taxation regardless <*coughNorthcougheast*>. But, fundimentally, shouldn't the regions be able to decide for themseves?

Besides, there are some tax shelters and loopholes so devoid of economic merit and fairness that don't deserve to survive even in the middle of a recession. I submit that sheltering a purchase made through Amazon that is applicable to buying the same product at a local store is just such an outdated undeserving tax.

So please vote aye?

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

So what you are saying is that regions can implement the tax or not? It's simply their choice? If that's the case, then I'll vote aye, but it's a very, very reluctant one.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

Nay.

[Bacon King]

This bill has the votes to fail; Senators have 24 hours to
change their votes.

[Hans-im-Glück]

I'm still not convinced but I change my vote to

AYE

[Marokai Backbeat]

I'm still not convinced but I change my vote to

AYE

[Badger]

I'm still not convinced but I change my vote to

AYE

[Bacon King]

After 24 hours, the final vote tally is as follows:

Senators voting aye: Bacon King, Franzl, Badger, Hans-im-Glück, AHDuke (5)
Senators voting nay: NCYankee, Libertas, Bullmoose, Dallasfan65 (4)
Senators abstaining: bgwah (1)

It is hereby presented to the President.

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I meant to vote aye, if that wasn't clear in my post...