[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      MOBILE WORKFORCE STATE INCOME TAX SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2015

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                               speech of

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 2315. I'm glad 
to see that the House of Representatives is taking up legislation to 
address a confusing state income tax issue that is leading to some 
unfair results. But I am concerned that another issue important to my 
state is being ignored.
   Many states currently face legal limitations on their ability to 
collect sales tax from out-of-state sellers. With the boom of the 
internet, economic transactions are increasingly moving online. For 
states that rely on sales tax revenues to fund state agencies and 
programs, they've seen a real hit to their balance sheets.
   What's worse, we're seeing brick and mortar retail outlets all 
across the state and country--businesses that have made real 
investments in their communities--face a competitive disadvantage 
against online retailers. That means more empty storefronts on Main 
Street and fewer jobs in local communities.
   That's why I've supported efforts to help level the playing field 
and ensure that Washington retail stores have the ability to compete. 
The Remote Transactions Parity Act would authorize states to collect 
sales on products sold to Washingtonians that cross state lines. This 
bill now has nearly seventy bipartisan cosponsors.
   Mr. Speaker, there are very few legislative days left before the end 
of this Congress. I'd encourage my friends in the majority to make a 
real effort to address this important issue before we adjourn.

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