This simple document has been created to enable you to add personal information, print 2 on store letterhead and mail 1 to each Ohio Congressman. On behalf of MAJA, thank you for your support!
(enter date), 2012
Congressman Jim Jordan
1524 Longworth House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20510
Senator Rob Portman
338 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Congressmen Jordan and Portman,
I am contacting you on behalf of (enter name of store), representing (enter list of cities or counties-some description of your consumer base). As an independent jewelry retailer, it is my goal to make every transaction a stone in the foundation of confidence and to promote all things that are good in the communities that I reach. It is with this mission in mind that I contact you about the Marketplace Equity Act. As a store owner, I have formally endorsed this legislation because I believe it is critical to saving Ohio’s retail economy.
The Marketplace Fairness Act is a bi-partisan bill currently introduced in the Senate by Sen. Enzi and Sen. Durbin that aims to close an online-sales tax loophole that is currently undermining Ohio’s retail community. Every retail store in Ohio is required to collect sales taxes on every item sold. However, online-only companies, such as Blue Nile Diamonds, exploit an online sales tax loophole that allows them to avoid collecting sales tax on sales to Ohio customers. This loophole allows online companies to market and sell goods and avoid collecting sales taxes. In effect, this means that online companies are able to gain about a 7% price advantage simply because they do not operate in Ohio. This loophole has undermined the Ohio retail industry, and with more and more transactions occurring online every year we need to make sure to level the playing field between big online retailers and local retail stores.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider this legislation. As you know, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. I urge you to consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will empower small business owners and help to improve Ohio’s economic climate.
Sincerely,
(insert name and signature)