In some great news for local communities, the US Senate is posed to take a vote on the Marketplace fairness bill as early as next week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) made the motion to start the process of moving the bill to the Senate calendar, bypassing the committee process. The bill, S. 336, would provide sales tax parity with online retailers. It would allow states to collect sales taxes on internet purchases that are made from companies out of state. It is sponsored by Senators Enzi (R-WY), Durbin (D-IL) and Alexander (R-TN). A few weeks ago, a “test” vote was cast during the budget negotiations and both of Michigan’s two Senators were among the 75 yes votes on the measure.

Summer Minnick is the Director of Policy Initiatives and Federal Affairs. She can be reached at 517-908-0301 or [email protected].