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Sponsors
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 Friday
Facts - Archives -
Month
of March 2003
Current
Week
March 28, 2003
Democrats on the Finance Committee offer revenue plan that includes an increase in the sales tax. Governor's budget eliminates sales tax holiday. General law Committee finishes work for the year passing privacy bill over our objections. CRMA golf classic invitation in the mail.
· Early this week, RB 1160, "An Act Concerning Revenue Adjustments" was introduced by Democrats on the Finance committee
· Among the highlights of the bill, is an .5% increase in the sales tax.
· This change would, if enacted by the committee and then by the full general assembly, change CT's sales tax to 6.5%.
· This increase, if enacted, would put CT further behind its bordering states. Massachusetts has a lower tax level (5%) and a higher exemption level ($175), while RI does not charge sales tax on clothing and footwear.
· We will be meeting with key lawmakers within the next week to discuss this bill, but would encourage all members to contact their legislators today and let them know your thoughts.
· If you are unsure of who your legislators is, please call or email me at
tim@crmaonline.com and we will help you out.
· In addition to this bill the Finance Committee will also hold a public hearing on the Governor's proposed budget plan that includes, among other things, the elimination of the sales tax holiday that CRMA members have fought so hard to keep.
· Like the increase in the sales tax proposal, we need to let legislators and the governor know that retailers oppose these bills. I urge you to call or write your legislators today to give them that message.
· Again, if you need assistance in identifying your legislator, please do not hesitate to call or email us today.
General Law Committee update
· The General Law Committee's deadline to report bills out of their committee passed this week. The Committee reported out a number of bills that may impact retailers, but more importantly they took no action on a number of other bills.
· One bill that the General Law committee did take action on, despite our strong objections, was HB 5182, AAC Financial Privacy.
· This bill would require that prior to sending any information to customers a special notice would have to be first sent informing customers that the information gathered may be shared with a third party
· The bill exempts all customer information that is covered in the Federal Graham, Leach, Bliley Act
(GLBA) leaving only name and address as possible customer information that retailers would have to send notices out to customers for.
· We have argued, and will continue to do so, that this information is critical for retailer's (large and small) ability to communicate with their customers as well as to compete in the marketplace.
· We were successful in getting a number of members of the General Law committee to support our position, but unfortunately not enough. We will continue to do our best to stop this bill from passing and will update you on its progress in upcoming Friday Facts.
· One final note on legislative issues: I would encourage all members who can, to participate on our legislative committee conference calls that are held bi-weekly via conference call. It is a great forum to get updates on bills and other legislative information.
· If you are interested in joining the legislative committee conference calls please email us at www.crmaonline.com or call the office at 860-527-1044
CRMA Golf Classic
· Final plans for our 2nd annual golf classic have been made and invitation will be in the mail today.
· The key information on the day is as follows:
· DATE: June 10, 2003
· PLACE: Blackledge Country Club, Hebron, CT
· TIME: 9:00 - 10:00 Registration - 10:00 Shotgun Start (Promptly!)
· COST: There are a number of packages that folks can choose from, including gold, silver and bronze packages that include a number of great benefits.
· The cost for an individual golfer is $190.00
· SPONSORSHIPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE
INFORMATION.
· The Golf Committee, lead by Chairman Tom Wholley of Better Bedding, encourages all members to participate in this years event, it is a great way to help the association as well as enjoy a great day out of the office.
· You can find all the information about the event by visiting our website, www.crmaonline.com
· We hope to see you on June 10, 2003
COR Update:
· 81 applications from students at Platt High School were sent to retailers in Meriden and surrounding area's.
· Retailers should expect to receive these applications in the mail early this week.
· Stamford high schools will participate in COR this fall!
March 7, 2003
Governor proposes spending plan to legislature this week. Plan includes elimination of sales tax holiday while supporting more aggressive efforts to collect online sales. Other news and notes from the state capitol. Upcoming events. COR update.
· On Tuesday of this week, Governor Rowland presented his fiscal 2004 - 2005 budget to a worn out General Assembly.
· The governor's budget attempts to balance the state budget that by most estimates is already in the red by some in $700 million.
· Among the Governor's proposals to help close this deficit are, consolidations of state agencies, lowering of the property exemption from $500 to $400, increasing the Cable TV Gross Receipts Tax, and a another corporate tax surcharge of 10% for 2004
· In addition, the Governor has proposed eliminating the sales tax free week that is held annually on the purchase of clothing and footwear.
· The Governors speech was met with usual opposition with members on both sides of the aisle finding fault. We expect, as the governor does, that the budget that was presented will not be the same one that is eventually agreed to by all parties.
· We will work very hard to see that the sales tax free week is not eliminated. Retailers have already given at the office, having the clothing exemption lowered in the last budget round, not to mention having to pay the corporate surcharge.
Governor supports collecting tax from remote seller
· There was some good news for retailers in the governor's budget report.
· For the first time, the governor has gone on record as supporting taxing internet sales
· The governor has directed the Department of Revenue Services to change CT's status on the Streamlined Sales Tax project from observer status to voting participant status.
· In the his budget report the Governor states that CT, is currently losing between $300 - $400 million a year in sales tax to remote sellers. We completely support the Governor's action.
· For more information on the Governors budget report we suggest you visit
www.opm.state.ct.us/budget/2004-2005BudgetBooks/GovBudget.htm
Other legislative news
· With the budget dilemma still staring legislators in the face, there has not been a whole lot of action on other bills.
· The General Law committee, which has primary jurisdiction over matters affecting retailers, did not meet this week, but, is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to vote on bills. We will update on their action in next weeks Friday Facts.
· The Labor committee is holding a public hearing next Thursday to hear a number of bills effecting workers compensation insurance.
· There are no House or Senate sessions scheduled for next week.
Upcoming meetings:
· Our next legislative breakfast meeting is scheduled for March 20, 2003 at Stamford Town Center. Look for more information on this event in next weeks Friday Facts.
· Also in the upcoming weeks information will be sent to members regarding our 2nd annual golf tournament.
· The CRMA Golf Committee is putting the final touches on the event and we will send invitations to members in the very near future, in the meantime PLEASE HOLD JUNE 10th open on your calendar for this year's event.
COR Update.
· Capital Community College partnership moves forward.
· Students enrolled in the Customer Service Institute of Connecticut at CCC will undergo 6 weeks of specialized training in customer service, which will include COR training, beginning April 21, 2003.
· We will keep you updated on this partnership and other new COR developments via our weekly Friday Facts.
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