U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) gave the OAN and its members prominent mention last week while testifying against <A href=”http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d113:SN743:” target=”_blank”>S.873</a>, which would require retailers to collect sales taxes for remote jurisdictions in a greater number of instances. Wyden said it would effectively create an Internet transaction tax. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) also testified against the bill.
“Sen. Merkley and I are very proud of our Oregon nurseries,” Wyden said. “They produce extraordinarily high-quality products. … Oregon growers are far away from their markets, and we need to look to knock down barriers to sales of green goods.” Wyden’s full testimony can be viewed below; the portion mentioning Oregon growers begins around the 2 minute, 20 second mark.
Although the bill would exempt businesses with retail sales of less than $1 million annually, the OAN is concerned it could open a dangerous door if passed. The Senate voted 63–30 to close debate on the bill, a likely indication it will pass the Senate and next be considered in the House of Representatives.
