DRAFT      letter   for City Commission consideration on May 14, 2013

May 14, 2013

Dear    (insert Senator Roberts, Moran, and Congresswoman Jenkins contact information)

The Lawrence City Commission strongly supports enactment of the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would require Internet and catalog retailers to collect state and local sales tax.   This is a simple matter of fairness:  local brick and mortar retailers collect sales tax and are placed at a competitive disadvantage with Internet and catalog retailers who do not.  When this issue was raised in the past, there was concern that the Internet was a new invention and that taxing sales over the Internet would somehow stymie this infant industry.   As we now know, Internet sales are fast becoming a growing part of American life and these purchases should be placed on par with purchases from our local retailers.  This is not a new tax – it is allowing existing sales taxes – (including City of Lawrence sales taxes which have all been approved by voters) to be placed on all retail sales made by Lawrence residents.

Just as important, the failure to enact the Marketplace Fairness Act means there will be less public tax revenue to support essential local services.   A vote against the Marketplace Fairness Act is a vote to provide less public support for our local law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders and other public servants who protect our community, fix the roads we drive on, and provide other important city services.

We urge your favorable consideration of the Marketplace Fairness Act during this current legislative session.

Sincerely,

Michael Dever

Mayor

C:             City Commission