Thursday, February 11, 2016

Senate Passes Permanent Extension of Internet Tax Freedom Act

Today, February 11, 2016, the Senate passed a permanent extension of the Internet Tax Freedom Act, which would permanently ban state and local taxes on Internet access. Because the House passed its version of the bill in June 2015, the legislation now waits for President Obama’s signature. (See my June 2015 blog on the House passing the bill.)
As I have written many times, along with FSF scholars who have written on the subject, Internet access taxes at any level of the government would make Internet access less affordable for all consumers and, therefore, stifle broadband infrastructure investment from Internet service providers.
Thanks to Congress for passing this important piece of legislation. Now, President Obama must sign the bill in order to keep the Internet affordable for all!