| For Immediate Release June 27, 2000 |
Vitter to Host Internet Sales Tax
Briefings
Washington, DC - At the invitation of Congressman David Vitter (R-LA),
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Rodney "Jack" Strain will testify this week before
the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law
about the collection of Internet sales taxes.
Vitter also has organized a
series of in-depth briefings on Capitol Hill June 28-29 for local officials from
Southeast Louisiana. The briefings will cover a variety of issues including
alternative taxing methods and pending federal legislation.
Strain will
testify in the subcommittee hearing scheduled for Thursday, June 29, 10:00 a.m.,
in 2237 Rayburn House Office Building. Vitter is a member of the Subcommittee
and feels that this issue is especially important to sheriffs in Louisiana, who
serve as tax collectors, as well as other local and state
officials.
Sheriff Strain commented, "Local and state government is faced
with the important issue of losing sales tax revenue for public services. We are
pleased to have the opportunity to voice our concerns to Congress."
"Currently, 46 states have sales tax laws," explained Vitter. "My goal
is to promote public awareness of this issue and begin engaging in a dialogue
about solutions to this potential problem."
Local officials attending the
in-depth briefings include Tangipahoa Parish Council Member Ronnie Bankston,
Bogalusa City Manager Jerry Bailey, Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon
Gegenheimer, Harrahan City Council Members Kerry Lauricella and Anthony
Licciardi, Bogalusa Mayor James "Mack" McGehee, Hammond City Council President
Nicky Muscarello, State Senator Tom Schedler, Washington Parish Assessor Randy
Seal and Jefferson Parish Finance Director Penny Anderson.