Association of National Advertisers Commends Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Veto of the Maryland Digital Ad Tax Bill

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2020

Association of National Advertisers Commends Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Veto of the Maryland Digital Ad Tax Bill

Washington DC (May 7, 2020) - The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) commends Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s decision today to veto HB 732, the first digital advertising tax measure ever passed by any U.S. state legislature. At a time when businesses are facing unprecedented challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Hogan’s decision will substantially help Maryland consumers and businesses. This tax now will not be passed on to consumers.

The veto of this counterproductive proposal is an important victory for ANA and our members. It relieves small and large businesses of a major burden on their efforts to market their products and services, which in turn helps protect the almost 400,000 Marylanders whose jobs are supported by the sale of products and services generated by advertising – nearly 15 percent of the 2.6 million jobs in the state.

We appreciate that Governor Hogan listened to the concerns expressed by ANA and others regarding HB 732. As we continue to navigate the ongoing global health crisis, we are encouraged by the support of public officials like Governor Hogan, who recognize our industry’s contributions to our nation’s economy.

ABOUT THE ANA:

The mission of the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) is to drive growth for marketing professionals, brands and businesses, the industry, and humanity. The ANA serves the marketing needs of 20,000 brands by leveraging the 12-point ANA Growth Agenda, which has been endorsed by the Global CMO Growth Council. The ANA’s membership consists of U.S. and international companies, including client-side marketers, nonprofits, fundraisers, and marketing solutions providers (data science and technology companies, ad agencies, publishers, media companies, suppliers, and vendors). The ANA creates Marketing Growth Champions by serving, educating, and advocating for more than 50,000 industry members that collectively invest more than $400 billion in marketing and advertising annually.

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