On The Hill

Vote No on HR1002 - Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011

On October 27th, NATOA, along with its national local government association partners, sent a letter to every member of the US House of Representatives asking that they oppose the “Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011” (HR 1002).  The bill, which is expected to be voted on the week of October 31st, would severely limit state and local taxing authority over wireless goods and services.  NATOA strongly urges its members to contact their Representatives and tell them to vote “NO” on HR 1002.  Click here to read the letter.   

NATOA Call to Action re: Letter in Opposition to Wireless Tax Bill

This letter was sent yesterday to all House members in opposition to the “Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011” (HR 1002).  The bill is expected to be voted on by the full House early next week.  The legislation would severely limit state and local taxing authority over wireless goods and services.  NATOA strongly urges its members to contact their Representatives and tell them to vote “NO” on this bill.  The letter was sent on behalf of NATOA, NLC, NACo, ICMA, USCM, and GFOA.   

Cell Phone Tax Letter 102711.pdf

NATOA Sends Letter Opposing Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011

On July 13, NATOA, along with its national local government partners, sent a letter to House Judiciary Committee members in opposition to the Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 (H.R. 1002).  The letter reflects our associations’ long-standing opposition to federal intrusion into state and local taxing authority.  If enacted, the bill would impose a 5-year moratorium on new “discriminatory” taxes on mobile services and property. 

Read the letter here 

Legislative Report - June 2011

NATOA’s staff, leadership, and P&L Committee have been working hard on many critical projects for our members. Following are reports on Congressional, FCC, and state legislative activities. While the report appears daunting, please skim to your topic of interest for a review of that subject.  Feel free to use this report to update your board, council, or commission on the important work that NATOA is doing for its members. I call your special attention to:

•    CAP Act
•    FCC Further Notice on Video Competition
•    FCC Notice of Inquiry on Broadband Deployment and Rights of Way Management
•    Digital Broadcasting OVS application for 50 largest markets in U.S.
•    FCC Definition of Broadband
» Continue reading this entry

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Approves SPECTRUM Act

On June 8th, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted 21-4 to approve the Strengthening Public-safety and Enhancing Communications Through Reform, Utilization, and Modernization Act (the “SPECTRUM Act”)(S. 911).  While supporting the goals of the legislation, NATOA has raised concerns with Section 528, which would essentially negate state and local government authority over wireless collocation applications and mandate state and local government approval of all such applications, except where the modification may result in substantially changing the physical dimensions of a tower.

NATOA will continue to work with its national local government association partners in an effort to protect local authority as the legislative process continues.