Resolution to Support Congressional Efforts to Ban Internet Access Taxes Exposed

The Resolution to Support Congressional Efforts to Ban Internet Access Taxes does not included adoption or approval information, however, according to ALEC.org, technical corrections were adopted at the 2012 States and Nation Policy Summit, approved by the ALEC Board of Directors on January 29, 2013. Language removed from the original resolution is indicated with strikethrough text. (Accessed on 1/22/2016).

ALEC Resolution Text

Summary

This resolution supports a permanent Internet Access tax moratorium. The current moratorium will expire November 1, 2007 2014. This resolution recognizes that taxing Internet access would slow broadband deployment, particularly in rural and low-density areas, would decrease telework opportunities, and widen the digital divide.

Resolution

WHEREAS, broadband Internet access for all Americans is an important public policy objective, and

WHEREAS, taxing Internet access will have a chilling effect on broadband investment into rural and low-density areas where fewer consumers will buy a higher-priced product, and

WHEREAS, less deployment in rural and low-density areas means fewer people can telework, which would reduce personal quality of life and the public good effects, such as reducing commuting traffic and pollution, and

WHEREAS, taxing Internet access widens the digital divide and limits the economic and educational opportunities available to lower-income Americans, as only 11 45 percent of households with incomes below $30,000 have adopted broadband service compared to 61 87 percent of households with incomes above $100 75,000, and

WHEREAS, taxing Internet access raises costs for distance learning, interactive medicine, and new online business models, and

WHEREAS, hidden taxes on backbone internet transport increase costs to consumers and have the same impact as direct taxes on internet access, and

WHEREAS, the current federal moratorium on Internet access taxes will expire on November 1, 2007 2014, and

WHEREAS, extending or making permanent the current moratorium on Internet access taxes would have substantial positive downstream effects for Internet infrastructure and services throughout the country.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that {insert state} supports a permanent ban on direct and hidden taxes on Internet access.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that {insert state} urges the U. S. Congress to act quickly to enact new legislation to ban Internet access taxes before the current moratorium expires.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that {insert state} shall convey its support to the members of Congress and the Executive Branch.