BrianGarst.com

Senators Wyden and Snowe are proposing a 5-year ban on state increases on cell phone taxes.

According to a copy of the bill seen by Ars Technica, “No State or local jurisdiction shall impose a new discriminatory tax on or with respect to mobile services, mobile service providers, or mobile service property, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.” Local tax raises are fine, but they cannot single out wireless service.

I applaud the belief that such taxes should be kept to a minimum.  I cannot, however, support the federal government usurping the right of the states to make such decisions simply because I do not like the decisions they are making.  It is up to voters to hold their state reps accountable.  That is the proper functioning of our federalist system; this bill is, therefore, misguided.