Reps. Ruth Johnson, Woronchak, Wenke, Pappageorge, LaJoy, Bieda, Caswell, Middaugh, LaSata, Caul, Accavitti, Brandenburg, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farrah, Garfield, Gieleghem, Huizenga, Hummel, Koetje, Kooiman, Meyer, Palmer, Richardville, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Vander Veen, Rocca, Voorhees and Phillips offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 252.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to prevent any initiatives to tax email transmissions.

            Whereas, Email has rapidly moved from the realm of a narrow group of computer professionals to being a routine and efficient method of communications for tens of millions of Americans in their personal lives, for education, and for commerce. No longer just a novelty, email is a necessary component of our everyday lives and business transactions; and

            Whereas, Budgetary pressures are being felt across the nation as the federal government and state and local governments seek to match resources to needs. Tax revenues have not kept pace with past levels while health, safety, social, and security needs have grown. Past discussions of ways to allow governments or telecommunication companies to assess fees on internet access have not led to any form of email tax. However, with budgetary shortfalls still widespread, many people worry that such discussions might be renewed and could lead to forms of email taxation; and

            Whereas, For the general public, which has come to rely on email for business and home life, the chance that such a tax could be implemented is highly disturbing. Widespread uncertainty on this issue could also stifle innovation in a growing component of our economy. Congress should allay the worries of many that federal, state, or local governments might seek to impose some form of email tax to cover budget shortfalls. A clear statement by Congress that it would not allow any such law or regulation to become the law of the land would be of great help in reassuring many computer users; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to prevent any initiatives to tax email transmissions; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.