Internet Sales Taxes

With every school district in Florida facing huge budget cuts, along with every other agency in the state, I must say a couple of things to our legislators.

First, take a suggestion from the St Pete Times and enact a sales tax on internet purchases. Without such, the state loses revenue and, as important, our local retailers lose business.

Here is my personal example: Last year, I bought about $1000 worth of golf equipment and supplies, all over an internet site. The clubs and balls were the same price as my local golf shop. Though the three total purchases cost me $15 shipping, I saved $70 in state taxes…..and my local golf store lost whatever profits that are built into those purchases.

Second, I smoke cigarettes. I know, I know…..very nasty. But I must say, for the legislature to resist raising taxes on packs of cigarettes is nuts. When I fly to New Jersey or Connecticut to visit relatives and know that a carton of smokes can cost over $50, I certainly take extra Florida cigs. And I have no doubt our state’s beer and alcohol taxes could be raised a bit as well without bars or restaurants losing business. Heck, I doubt the average drinking class Floridian or tourist would balk much if an extra nickel were imposed on each beer can or bottle if those funds went directly into education.

Supposedly, we already fund education with gambling. Why not continue that example with direct funding from other vices.

posted by admin @ 10:26 AM