Suspend Internet Sales Taxes to Battle Economic Impact of Coronavirus, Says RI Advocacy Group
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
The RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity is calling on lawmakers to provide internet sales tax relief to residents during the coronavirus emergency.
Read the Policy Brief Here
As GoLocalProv reported, there are 23 cases of coronavirus in the state as of Wednesday.
The threat of the spread of coronavirus has forced restaurants to close, other than for take out and delivery, while many other businesses have had to close or operate from home.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"We see the federal government considering bold ways to keep businesses running and money in people's pockets. Our state must do its part. The government-distancing we are recommending can help people remain at home and practice healthy social-distancing. Plus, every sales tax dollar saved might be vitally important to families who are suffering a loss of income during these trying times,” said Mike Stenhouse, the CEO of the Center.
Case for Internet Sales Tax Relief
In its policy brief published Wednesday, the Center says that by temporarily suspending its Internet Sales Taxes for as long as COVID-19 is still a problem, state government can provide a financial incentive for people to follow government's own guidelines and mandates to work, eat, and shop at home.
According to the Center, the temporary $5 million monthly loss of revenues can be easily paid for by cutting other non-essential corporate and political hand-out programs.
In the brief, the Center adds that individuals and the private sector also have a responsibility to help combat the Coronavirus by purchasing gift certificates and take-out orders, which provide cash-flow to impacted businesses and could save jobs.
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