NTU is proud to be among the 29 groups from across the political spectrum that signed a letter urging Congress to block potential tax hikes on Internet access. Specifically, the letter calls upon the House and Senate to pass the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (H.R. 3086) or the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act (S. 1431), bills that would make permanent the moratorium on multiple and discriminatory taxes on the Internet. The current moratorium is scheduled to expire on November 1, 2014.
As the letter explains:
Internet taxation affects all Americans from all political views and all walks of life. From healthcare to education, small business entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, the Internet has dramatically transformed the way everyone lives, works, and learns. In 2010, the Internet accounted for an estimated $684 billion, or 4.7 percent of all U.S. economic activity. While the Internet was a nascent technology when the current moratorium was established in 1998, it has become the economic engine driving innovation and growth in our 21st century economy. Throttling that engine at a time when our economy is struggling hurts not only those trying to invest in America’s future, but also those who can least afford it and have the most to gain from the Internet’s potential.
Let’s hope Congress heeds the letter’s advice and works to reduce barriers to Internet access.