Local News
National Taxpayers Union Supports Lewis, Wonderling Cell Phone Tax Repeal Effort
By TSN Staffwriter
Jul 5, 2004, 2:20pm

HARRISBURG, PA - The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) has endorsed the efforts of Rep. Kelly Lewis (R-Monroe and Pike) and Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24) to repeal Pennsylvania's 5 percent tax on cell phones, enacted six months ago.

According to a NTU statement on the organization's Web site, "With a budget surplus of at least $500 million projected for the fiscal year that ends on June 30, Pennsylvanians deserve tax relief, not new government spending."

The NTU statement continues, "This onerous new tax on cell phones, combined with the 6 percent sales tax on monthly service, gives Pennsylvania the 'distinction' of having one of the highest cell phone tax rates in the country."

"We're certainly very pleased to receive support from the National Taxpayers Union to repeal the cell phone tax," said Lewis. "We plan on continuing our efforts to repeal the cell phone tax until the entire 5 percent tax is repealed in full. We continue working with legislative leaders and industry experts to get the repeal. I agree with the NTU and others that the cell phone industry provides a preeminent and necessary technology that continues to employ more and more Pennsylvanians. Instead of increasing consumer taxes, Pennsylvania should be taking aggressive steps to promote the cell phone industry."

Lewis continues to promote rapid wireless build out, to ensure timely completion of the statewide network and eliminate 'no service' zones, especially in rural areas.

Lewis has introduced House Bill 2454, which has 79 cosponsors, to repeal the gross receipts tax on cell phones. In the Senate, Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24) has introduced Senate Bill 1156, which has 10 cosponsors, which has a similar intent.