|
Untitled Document
5-9-13
Internet sales tax bill ~ Pandora’s box?
By Tami Stevenson
The Internet sales tax bill - called the Marketplace Fairness Act - passed the Senate Monday with a 69-27 vote. It is now going to the House Judiciary Committee where it is expected to pass with ease before going to the House of Representatives.
Advocates of the bill say online sales tax is only fair, since traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have to charge it.
Opponents of the bill argue it will force larger companies to move their businesses outside the U.S. A press release from the Heritage Foundation (Heritage Action) on Monday said the House of Representatives must reject this bill. One of the statements in it said, “...It is also unfair to require online businesses to collect and remit sales taxes from all their customers based on their residence but not to require brick-and-mortar businesses to do the same. No such requirement should exist for any type of business.
The release also stated that a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report suggests the compliance burden associated with the bill would force businesses to set up shop outside of the United States, leading Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) to call the proposal the ‘Shop China Bill.’
The Heritage Action press release was signed by 52 influential conservative leaders, which included Grover Norquist, Phyllis Schlafly, Duane Parde - President of the National Taxpayers Union, a number of former members of Congress, former White House advisors and many other presidents and CEO’s of organizations and foundations.
The bill, only 11 pages in length, was kept simple intentionally so it could pass easily. Businesses with less than $1 million in online sales would be exempt from the tax.
Those opposed to the bill say it isn’t so much about the tax they want to impose with this bill but they are wary this will open the door for more internet regulations with methodical small increments that may not add up to much in themselves but as a whole over time it could be another Pandora’s Box.
|
|
|
|
Untitled Document
5-16-13 SUWANNEE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JUDICIAL ANNEX BUILDING
218 PARSHLEY STREET SOUTHWEST
LIVE OAK, FLORIDA 32064
TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR MAY 21, 2013, 6:00 P.M.
Invocation
Pledge to American Flag
ATTENTION:
The Board may add additional items to this agenda.
Dinner Break –
PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMMENTS:
(Come forward to podium – limit comments to five minutes.)
CONSENT:
Approve payment of processed invoices.
Permission to advertise for bids for Apron Rehabilitation and New High Mast Lights for Airport. (FAA)
Permission to piggyback off contract from Madison County through Unifirst Company for employee uniforms for Public Works Department.
Authorization to exercise the buyback of three (3) graders and replace same by purchasing from Florida Sheriff’s Contract.
Approval of Subterranean Termite Control Contract with Live Oak Pest Control in the amount of $97.71 for the Luraville Community Center.
Approval of Amendment No. 1 with Arcadis, US, Inc. for Engineering Services Agreement to include required language for the CDBG grant program and indicates the grant and County share of funds for engineering services.
Award bid for Suwannee County Class I Transfer Station Tipping Floor Slab Remediation to Cornerstone Construction Services in the amount of $41,650.00. (Bid Solicitation No. 2013-06) (Bids were opened on May 7, 2013)
Award bid for Commercial Dishwasher for Suwannee County Jail to Patterson Scale and Restaurant Equipment in the amount of $18,725.60. (Bid Solicitation No. 2013-05) (Bids were opened during April 2, 2013 Board meeting)
TIME SPECIFIC ITEMS:
At 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, presentation of the Florida Department of Transportation’s County Transportation Priorities. (Jordan Green and Bill Henderson, Florida Department of Transportation)
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ITEMS:
COMMISSIONERS ITEMS:
Discuss, with possible Board action, meeting format. (Commissioner Ricky Gamble)
COUNTY ATTORNEY ITEMS:
GENERAL BUSINESS:
The Chairman calls for additional items. (Any items the Board agrees to consider will be heard under Agenda Item No. 14, Additional Agenda Items.)
Discuss, with possible Board action, replacement of roof on 1963 addition of Courthouse. (Randy Harris, County Administrator)
Discuss, with possible Board action, any items requiring action regarding Catalyst Site (if necessary). (Randy Harris, County Administrator)
Additional Agenda Items.
Board Members’ Inquiries, Requests and Comments.
| 4-25-13
Free Entrepreneur’s interactive workshop
Do you own a business, or are you thinking about starting one? SCORE is holding a free entrepreneur’s interactive workshop on Monday, May 20, from 6-8 pm, at the downtown Columbia County Public Library, located at 308 NW Columbia Avenue,Lake City, FL. You can ask questions, get advice, meet other entrepreneurs, receive free educational materials from the Small Business Administration and other sources, and can arrange for one-on-one business counseling from qualified SCORE volunteers. Call 386-752-2000 or email scorelakecity@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
|
|
|
|
