Will Maryland s Tax on Digital Ads Hold Up in Court?
Maryland made history last week, becoming the first state in the country to codify a tax on digital ads. The move would have a significant financial impact on big tech, but the bill will probably face multiple legal challenges. Shutterstock
Overriding a veto from Gov. Larry Hogan late last week, the Maryland Legislature enacted a bill that would allow the state to be the first to collect taxes on digital advertising. While this move might make the history books, experts told
Government Technology that legal challenges are likely on the way and that other states will watch the fireworks as they consider their stance on the issue.
The Chamber of Commerce and Internet Association are suing to block Maryland’s new digital services tax, arguing the state tax is unconstitutional and preempted by federal law.
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States eye flurry of new taxes on Amazon, Facebook and Google, trying to force tech to pay its fair share
Tony Romm, The Washington Post
Feb. 12, 2021
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State lawmakers across the country are exploring a range of new taxes targeting Amazon, Facebook, Google and other Internet giants, seeking to capture some of Silicon Valley s eye-popping profits and soaring share prices in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Even as the U.S. economy struggles to regain its footing, some of the tech industry s most valuable companies have thrived as Americans spend more time - and money - shopping and communicating on the Web. The disparity has caught the eye of policymakers across the United States who increasingly say it is time for the Internet s cash-flush companies to start paying their fair share.
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Pratt Library to provide Baltimoreans free internet and technology
News Highlights: Pratt Library to provide Baltimoreans free internet and technology
Heidi Daniel, president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, announced Friday that Baltimore’s library system has partnered with Project Waves, the Digital Harbor Foundation, and the PNC Foundation to provide free in-home internet to 50 families in the Southeast from Baltimore. Image via Facebook Life.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library provides free internet access to 50 households in southeast Baltimore as part of an ongoing effort to close the digital divide in Baltimore City.
“We know that COVID-19 has exacerbated and exploited pre-existing inequalities, including the digital divide here in Baltimore City,” Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference on Friday. “In real time, we are seeing our world becoming more digital and virtual and we have left too many people behind.”