Press Release
NEW CONSUMER ADVOCACY COALITION KICKS OFF GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO SUPPORT CAPPING LOCAL WIRELESS TAXES IN MISSOURIWashington, D.C. - MyWireless.org, a new consumer advocacy non-profit, is encouraging Missouri’s more than 3 million wireless users to actively support Missouri House Bill 209, which would prevent Missouri cities from increasing local taxes on wireless service by up to 500%.
“3 million Missourians enjoy the personal freedom, safety and security that wireless offers every day, and they have a personal stake in making sure wireless services remain affordable and accessible in the future,” said Kimberly Kuo, Executive Director of MyWireless.org. “Our grassroots efforts are aimed at educating wireless consumers about the huge wireless tax increases they may face, and encouraging them to make their voices heard before they’re stuck paying some of the highest wireless taxes in the nation.”
Most Missouri cities have not modernized their business license tax ordinances to legally impose taxes on wireless service because such changes would require voter approval under the “Hancock Amendment” to the Missouri Constitution. Instead, cities are trying to circumvent this direct voter approval requirement by suing wireless companies, claiming that their antiquated ordinances have applied to wireless services all along. HB209 would allow for a reasonable level of local business license taxation of wireless services -- capping almost all taxes at a maximum of 3% on all telecommunications services subject to state sales tax.
Wireless users are urged to visit www.MyWireless.org -- an informational and interactive Web site that allows them to learn more about wireless issues in Missouri and nationally, to voice their support or opposition to proposed wireless taxes and regulations by directly contacting policymakers, to read about the latest wireless developments, and to help promote the innovation, affordability, and accessibility of wireless services.