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 ANA (Association of National Advertisers) accelerates growth for marketing professionals, brands, and the entire industry. With a mission to shape the future of marketing, the ANA sets the agenda for the industry, connecting its members to unparalleled expertise, industry-leading resources, and an influential global network. Representing over 1,600 companies — including 1,000+ client-side marketers, 600 marketing solutions providers, and 20,000 brands — ANA members collectively influence $400 billion in annual marketing spending. By championing the 12-point ANA Growth Agenda and the CMO Growth Council, the ANA drives actionable change, empowers marketers, shapes the marketing ecosystem, and delivers exceptional experiences at every touchpoint. Since 1910, the ANA has been setting the agenda for industry transformation. It enables marketers to advance their ambitions, make better decisions, and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dan Jaffe
Group EVP, Government Relations, ANA
Phone: 646.369.4886
Email: djaffe@ana.net