Issues

Technology Policy

Technology Policy

The Issue

Innovations in communications and technology have fueled the Information Age. New discoveries emerge daily, rendering yesterday's technologies obsolete. The pace of change is so rapid that high-tech companies can lose competitive edge if they are not first-to-market with their idea or concept.

The FreedomWorks Position

Taxes and government regulation slow down the growth of technological innovation. Government lawsuits against high-tech developers hamper the pace of innovation while costing the taxpayer money. Outdated government regulations pigeonhole companies - especially telephone companies - and make it difficult for them to react in a dynamic marketplace.

On This Issue

By Abraham Hamadeh on August 01, 2011

In the Shadow of the Senate: A New Tax Emerges

In the midst of chaotic negotiations between the Senate and the House over the debt ceiling, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) had another priority: introducing the Main Street Fairness Act, a new quasi-federalized Internet sales tax.

By Abraham Hamadeh on July 12, 2011

Battle Over the Internet Sales Tax Intensifies

In recent weeks, several states have debated imposing an Internet sales tax on businesses operated within the state. California has already pushed through a new Internet sales tax, with Governor Jerry Brown signing the legislation and hailing it as a ‘tax revenue’ increaser. As with all government actions, there have been some unintended consequences with the new California law; Amazon and O.co have shut down their affiliates based in California, taking thousands of jobs with them.

By Abraham Hamadeh on June 26, 2011

Congressman Barton Goes 'All In' for Online Gambling

Last week, Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX) introduced a bipartisan bill that would end the federal online gambling ban.  The Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2011 has nine original cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) and Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), who have advocated for similar legislation in the past.

By Abraham Hamadeh on June 02, 2011

The Fight Has Just Begun: The Internet Sales Tax

On Tuesday, Governor Rick Perry issued his first veto of the year, vetoing HB 2403, an Internet sales tax bill which FreedomWorks opposed. By vetoing HB 2403 Governor Perry has saved taxpayers and business alike from burdensome regulations and new taxes. In vetoing the legislation Perry cited that a key reason for his veto was that there was no consensus between lawmakers, tech experts, consumers and retailers.

By Abraham Hamadeh on May 17, 2011

A New Internet Sales Tax in Tennessee?

Tennessee lawmakers are pushing SB 0529, which would force Internet retail giant Amazon to collect state sales taxes that would be passed along to consumers. Amazon has threatened not to build planned distribution centers in Tennessee if the measures are put in place; they have already left Illinois, South Carolina and are threatening to leave Texas for similar legislation.