WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp applauded Senate passage of the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013, onwhich she played a key leadership role.

“I am pleased to see this legislation pass the Senate. After numerous tests and hurdles, it is clear that it is unfair to let out-of-state businesses benefit from tax loopholes, while brick-and-mortar North Dakota businesses are held to a different standard,” said Heitkamp, an original co-sponsor of the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013. “I’ve been involved in this issue for more than 20 years and I was pleased to join my colleagues in leveling the playing field and telling small businesses that it isn’t okay for them to be at a competitive disadvantage, while internet companies are able to sell their products at a lower price.”

In 1991, when Heitkamp was North Dakota’s Tax Commissioner, the state of North Dakota attempted to make catalog retailers collect the sales tax the state and municipalities were already owed on sales. The debate went all the way to the Supreme Court, which found that the U.S. Congress had the ultimate power to resolve the issue. Since then, the sharp increase in internet sales has sparked renewed interest from state and local governments in leveling the playing field for brick-and-mortar businesses and closing a gaping loophole in our tax system.  The bill had wide bipartisan support in the Senate. During the recent Budget debate, a bipartisan majority of Senators expressed support for the Marketplace Fairness Act. It is also supported by Amazon.com, the National Governors Association, the National Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities.  

-END-