Broad Coalition Calls for Veto of Maryland’s Digital Ad Tax Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2020

Broad Coalition Calls for Veto of Maryland’s Digital Ad Tax Legislation

WASHINGTON (April 2, 2020) – A wide-ranging group of companies and trade associations today called on Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to veto a controversial bill that includes a tax on digital advertising.

The group, which included the ANA, sent Hogan a letter arguing that the proposed tax is unprecedented, counterproductive, and places an unfair burden of all sales activities during a dramatic economic downturn and health pandemic.

The letter also said the bill, HB 732, violates the Federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, the Commerce Clause, Due Process Clause, Equal Protection Clause, and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The group argued that the bill would generate expensive litigation rather than providing funding for educational activities in Maryland and will compound the severe economic problems facing the state and the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The letter can be found here.

ABOUT THE ANA:

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the definitive voice of the marketing industry. Since 1910, we have set and advanced the agenda for marketing transformation, connecting over 1,600 member companies to an influential global network, insights and resources that drive growth. Our members represent 20,000 brands and $400 billion in annual marketing investment. Through industry-leading research, the CMO Growth Council, and our proprietary Growth Agenda and Practices, the ANA empowers marketers to shape the future of marketing and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Jaffe
Group EVP, Government Relations, ANA
Phone: 646.369.4886
Email: [email protected]