Congress Is on Recess — Now’s Your Chance

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

That’s the message of the Alliance for Main Street Fairness, which highlights three steps that small business owners and other local citizens can take during Congress’ August recess to encourage their U.S. representatives to support the Marketplace Fairness Act.

As lawmakers visit with local groups, hold press events, and meet with constituents in their home states during the Congressional recess, the alliance notes retailers have a great opportunity to make their opinions known to elected officials and their staff regarding sales tax fairness legislation. The Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. 684) has passed the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support, but the legislation is facing tough opposition in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Here’s what the Alliance for Main Street Fairness suggests:

  • Visit your representative’s district office. Meeting with your legislator is the most effective way to deliver your message for marketplace fairness. Even if you can’t meet with your legislator face to face, a visit to his or her district office can give you the chance to discuss the Marketplace Fairness Act with key staff members. To schedule a meeting, find your Representative’s contact information on www.house.gov.
     
  • Attend a town hall or other public event. Many representatives will be holding public town halls or other events, which are often publicized in the local news or on their websites. Come prepared with good questions. Share your experience. Most important, ask your legislator to move the Marketplace Fairness Act forward.
     
  • Submit an op-ed or letter to the editor. Your representative’s activities back home during August Recess is the perfect hook for an op-ed or letter to the editor to raise awareness of the Marketplace Fairness Act.

The American Booksellers Association’s E-Fairness Act Kit offers template letters, talking points, and more. Additional resources are available on the Alliance for Main Street Fairness website, including fact sheets and tips on meeting with your elected officials.

Booksellers with questions about the Marketplace Fairness Act should contact ABA Senior Policy Analyst  David Grogan via phone at (800) 637-0037, ext. 7562, or e-mail at [email protected]. In addition, booksellers who meet with or contact their representatives should let Grogan know so that ABA can track this important advocacy effort.