Steve Cohen: “I was intrigued with the comments made by the Senator from Florida. He indicated that this was an important subject…”

“I was intrigued with the comments made by the Senator from Florida. He indicated that this was an important subject matter. He said it was not an insignificant issue. I agree. That is precisely my point. This is not an insignificant issue. This is something that deserves a hearing before the appropriate committee. He also said that $168 million in Florida is not subject to sales tax. I do not believe that is correct. It is subject to a sales tax. The State has a right to collect it from its citizens. As my colleague from the State of Maine has indicated, 10 States now, since the Supreme Court decision, have adopted statutes that impose a collection burden upon their own citizens. Other states can do the same. It is not unreasonable to ask the States to educate their own citizens somehow, perhaps with a notice with their income tax forms saying 'If you have made purchases out of State, mail order or otherwise, a sales tax is owed.' The Senator from Arkansas said, 'If Harry and David can handle the sale of candies and sweets through interstate commerce, why cannot everybody else?' I say, what about Thelma and Louise? Harry and David may be able to do it, but maybe the smaller companies cannot. That is the problem with this approach. Again, this is why a thorough hearing before the Senate Finance Committee is necessary.”