E-fairness Cannot Wait – Pass Legislation This Year

Minnesota’s retailers lose business each and every day to online retailers however, not everyone realizes that online retailers do not have to pay sales taxes in states they do business. They must do so only in states where they have a physical presence.  

This means Minnesota retailers of all sizes are at a disadvantage because they must include sales tax in the price. Every day, Minnesota retailers lose business to online sites and Minnesota loses tax revenue due to this uneven playing field. 

Call Representative’s Joe Atkins, John Kriesel and Rick Hansen and Senators Katie Sieben and Jim Metzen today.  Visit www.riverheights.com for their contact information. 

Tell them to stick up for Minnesota retailers, their constituents, who need their leadership on this issue. It is not too late to include this provision into a jobs package by the end of the 2012 session.

Minnesota’s economy seems to be improving. Our citizens are spending more, and that means shopping, both online and in main street retailers across Minnesota. 

Unfortunately, Minnesota retailers face unfair competition from online retailers.  Online retailers are not required to collect sales tax—meaning that the store on main street loses business each and every day. 

The Minnesota Legislature can help level the playing field today by requiring those online retailers to collect and remit sales tax—which is needed revenue for Minnesota’s general fund.

Ask your legislator to support e-fairness. Our main street retailers cannot survive without their leadership.

Today, nearly everyone shops online. But what many don’t realize is that the vitality of Minnesota’s main street and retail centers are at risk. Since online retailers do not collect and remit sales tax, they have an unfair advantage over the “brick and mortar” stores in Minnesota.  

Nearly a half a million citizens work in Minnesota retailers—for some, it is their first job, for others, it is a multi generational business. These businesses employ our kids, contribute to the band and the baseball team, and pay local and state taxes.

Why would the Minnesota Legislature allow this practice to continue?  Urge your legislator to support e-fairness today.