I got an alert (http://www.congressweb.com/cweb4/index.cfm?orgcode=IWLA) from The Izaak Walton League of America on some new legislation in Congress and the Senate. HR 510 and S 632. They have a nice, short What's at Stake (http://www.congressweb.com/cweb4/index.cfm?orgcode=iwla&issue=38) explanation and form letters / email you can use to send to your Congressman or Senators.
Firearms Manufacturers Fairness is about setting the Pittman-Robertson tax payment frequencies for firearms dealers from every 2 weeks to quarterly, which is the time frame the newer participants added by the Wallop-Breaux amendments - the fishing and other outdoor companies.
The legislation would not change the payout amount, the tax amount or the payout frequency, which is annually to each state.
I edited the form email to be a little different and personal hoping it has a little more impact. My versions follow in this thread. Please take action if you are interested and agree.
To my Congressman:
I write to urge you to co-sponsor HR 510, which would provide for collection of excise taxes on firearms and ammunition on a schedule identical to other outdoor products, including fishing tackle and archery equipment. This legislation would provide consistency across similar industries without changing the amount of the tax or undermining the annual conservation investment made by hunters, recreational shooters, and others who pay the tax. I live for the outdoors so this legislation is very important to me. I also understand these are tough times and do not want something that benefits myself and others to create a hardship for companies that could possibly harm the effectiveness of the program in the long run.
Since revenue from these taxes in the Pittman-Robertson account and funds is distributed annually to state fish and wildlife agencies it seems quarterly payments from all companies would be fine and fair, and make it less of a hardship for the firearms companies to participate.
Presently, under Pittman-Robertson, excise taxes on firearms and ammunition are collected bi-weekly. However, taxes on fishing tackle and archery equipment, which were assessed many years after the original taxes on firearms, are collected quarterly. I don't think firearms manufacturers should have to borrow money to pay taxes every two weeks.
HR 510 is simple and straightforward - it would require collection of excise taxes on firearms and ammunition on a quarterly basis. The legislation does not change the tax rate or affect how Pittman-Robertson funds are allocated to states.
I urge you to co-sponsor this commonsense bill. It will provide a level playing field between outdoor industries while maintaining the historic investment in wildlife conservation made by America's hunters and firearms owners. I appreciate your willingness to consider my views and I look forward to hearing from you soon about this issue.
To my Senators:
I write to urge you to co-sponsor the Firearms Fairness and Affordability Act (S 632), which would provide for collection of excise taxes on firearms and ammunition on a schedule identical to other outdoor products, including fishing tackle and archery equipment. This legislation would provide consistency across similar industries without changing the amount of the tax or undermining the annual conservation investment made by hunters, recreational shooters, and others who pay the tax. I live for the outdoors so this legislation is very important to me. I also understand these are tough times and do not want something that benefits myself and others to create a hardship for companies that could possibly harm the effectiveness of the program in the long run.
Since revenue from these taxes in the Pittman-Robertson account and funds is distributed annually to state fish and wildlife agencies it seems quarterly payments from all companies would be fine and fair, and make it less of a hardship for the firearms companies to participate.
Presently, under Pittman-Robertson, excise taxes on firearms and ammunition are collected bi-weekly. However, taxes on fishing tackle and archery equipment, which were assessed many years after the original taxes on firearms, are collected quarterly. I don't think firearms manufacturers should have to borrow money to pay taxes every two weeks.
S 632 is simple and straightforward - it would require collection of excise taxes on firearms and ammunition on a quarterly basis. The legislation does not change the tax rate or affect how Pittman-Robertson funds are allocated to states.
I urge you to co-sponsor this commonsense bill. It will provide a level playing field between outdoor industries while maintaining the historic investment in wildlife conservation made by America's hunters and firearms owners. I appreciate your willingness to consider my views and I look forward to hearing from you soon about this issue.