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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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TAXPAYERS TO SENATE: DON'T LET THEM TAX MY E-MAIL!
Americans for Tax Reform calls on Senate to pass Internet Tax Non-Discrimination Act, reject harmful amendments

WASHINGTON - As early as Thursday, the Senate is expected to consider the Internet Tax Non-Discrimination Act (S. 150), which would make permanent the temporary moratorium on Internet taxes that expired last Saturday. Right now, Americans in every state are vulnerable to new taxes on everything from e-mail to dial-up connections. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) is calling on the Senate to immediately re-impose the ban, before states begin piling on taxes that could put the breaks on the economic recovery.

Thus far, groups favoring taxes on the Internet, such as the National Governors Association, have fought the bill coming to the floor. Now they have shifted their strategy. When the bill comes before the floor later this week, advocates of Internet taxation aim to poison or water down the bill with amendments, knowing that Senators will find it difficult to vote against the permanent moratorium on a straight up or down vote.

"We expect several amendments to be offered that will weaken or destroy the Internet Tax Non-Discrimination Act, but Senators should know that taxpayers are watching. Americans don't want their Internet bill to have a second page for taxes imposed by federal, state, and local entities, and those in the technology sector don't want to see their jobs destroyed by the disincentives of taxation," said ATR President Grover Norquist.

ATR is worried that as time lapses it will become impossible to maintain the Internet as a tax-free zone. A lack of stifling taxation has been critical to the growth of the Internet, the organization says, and new taxation would put the brakes on the new economic recovery.

"This is the number one priority for Americans for Tax Reform right now, and one of a very few top issues for taxpayers this Congress," said Norquist. "Leaving the door open to Internet taxation is leaving the door open to a second or third place for the United States in the technology economy of the 21st Century."

"That is why we will be double rating critical votes on S. 150. It will be difficult or impossible for a lawmaker to receive the 'Friend of the Taxpayer Award' if he or she votes to destroy the bill by amendment or by voting against the bill itself," Norquist concluded.

To take action immediately visit www.StopInternetTax.org

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.