WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Latino Coalition (TLC) applauds Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ) for introducing the strongly supported and bipartisan Wireless Tax Fairness Act into both houses of Congress today.
The Latino-owned small businesses across the country that we represent would benefit greatly from this five-year freeze on cell phone taxes and fees as they depend on their phones to conduct business and stay in touch with their families. The Hispanic population is increasingly depending on their mobile phones for calls and online use 53% go online from a mobile phone according to the Pew Research Center. According to one wireless industry estimate, the average American is paying more than 16% in taxes and fees on their monthly cell bill and even over 20% in some states.
We appreciate the pro-consumer steps that Congress is taking to help address the excessive tax burden that is currently placed on our membership who need their cell phones to conduct their businesses every day. We urge both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to pass this legislation quickly.