Why is Keizer, OR intent on harming its economy with wireless taxes?
November 12, 2010 Just as the Oregon Trail was essential to the formation and growth of Oregon in the 19th century, reliable and inexpensive wireless communication is essential to the formation and growth of Oregon’s communities in the 21st century. But now, sadly, state and local governments in Oregon who, like other governments across the country, are starving for revenue to pay for overspending are targeting wireless communication services with discriminatory taxes. On Monday, the City of Keizer, Oregon will consider a proposal to impose a “wireless license fee” of five percent on wireless communication services, including cellular phones. Additionally, the proposal callsfor a “per foot” line charge to cover providers with facilities in the city’s jurisdiction. Some think that these taxes will fall only on business. But the reality is that the proposed wireless fees will severely harm consumers and small business owners in Keizer. As the City Manager has pointed out in the proposed
