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Legislators, Industry Stakeholders, Consumer Groups Call for Repeal of Gross Receipts Tax on Wireless Services; Event to Highlight Impact of Double State Taxes on Cell Phone Service in Pennsylvania


WEBWIRE

News Advisory:

WHAT: A coalition of industry stakeholders and consumer groups will join Pennsylvania State Legislators at a press conference next Monday to highlight the negative impact of double state taxes on cell phone services in Pennsylvania, and to push for a repeal of the unfair and excessive Gross Receipts Tax on wireless service.

WHEN: Monday, June 6, 10 a.m. (EDT)

WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg, Pa.

The press conference will begin with a discussion of the impact, and efforts to repeal, the state’s Gross Receipts tax on wireless service. In addition, industry representatives will showcase the latest wireless innovations from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.

The Issue: In December 2003, the Pennsylvania legislature added a five percent state Gross Receipts tax on wireless services, on top of an existing 6 percent state sales tax. Pennsylvania consumers pay nearly 20 percent in wireless taxes, fees and government mandates -- one of the highest wireless tax rates in the country.

The regressive “double taxation” caused by the state’s Gross Receipts tax on wireless service hits people on fixed incomes especially hard -- including working families, seniors and small businesses. The GRT is also harming the state’s economy, by impeding job growth and reducing investment, especially in rural and underserved areas. In short, Gross Receipts tax on wireless service tax takes Pennsylvania a step backwards, by stifling economic growth, innovation and consumer benefits.

The Participants:

-- Pennsylvania Sen. Robert Wonderling, primary sponsor of SB 691 to repeal the GRT

-- Pennsylvania Rep. Mario Scavello, primary sponsor of HB 338 to repeal the GRT

-- Pennsylvania Re. Dennis Leh, HB 338 co-sponsor

-- Pennsylvania Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, HB 338 co-sponsor

-- Additional Legislative co-sponsors are expected

-- Kelly Lewis, president, & CEO Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania

-- Jim Broussard, chairman, Citizens Against Higher Taxes

-- National Federation of Independent Businesses, Pennsylvania Chapter

NOTE: All media welcome to attend.

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MyWireless.org is a non-profit advocacy organization giving wireless consumers a clear and powerful voice to protect the freedom, value, security and mobility they enjoy with wireless services. MyWireless.org is dedicated to wireless freedom in a world where powerful forces are trying to shackle that freedom with harmful regulations and heavy taxes. For more information about the GRT repeal effort in Pennsylvania, please visit http://www.MyWireless.org.



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