Press Release
NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF CONGRESS URGES LOUISIANA LEGISLATORS TO VOTE "NO!" ON H.B. 688Bill Expected on House Floor Proposes Wireless Tax Hike!
Washington, D.C. - A vote in the Louisiana House is expected on H.B. 688, which will raise taxes on wireless services – such as cellular phone and wireless internet services – by 2%. The National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has a mission to economically empower African American communities throughout the United States and represents over 1 million Black owned businesses including the 40,000 based in Louisiana. In addition, the NBCC has affiliated chapters in Lafayette, Monroe and the Shreveport/Bossier metropolitan area.
Imposing the new taxes encouraged by H.B. 688 would cost wireless users an additional $30 million a year in Louisiana alone. Not only is this a steep price to pay for businesses and individual consumers, but cell phone cost increases disproportionately affects the minority community and will not encourage further use by minority consumers.
“This is a steep price for consumers and a very steep price for small business. We want to keep rates low for all consumers in order to help them keep in touch with family and friends” said Morris Little, Chairman of the NBCC.
NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford adds, “We want to ensure that our Black owned businesses are protected from such actions like this by the Louisiana legislature. To increase taxes on small business is to further hinder the backbone of our economy. By the way, Louisiana is 33% Black. My folks come from Bossier Parrish where I own property.”
“Louisiana legislators need to stand their ground and reject this cruel attempt on the meager pockets of Louisiana businesses and citizens”, concludes Alford.