Gov. Bonehead Quinn Misdirected PR on Amazon

Do I look like a brick and mortar retail store?

Don't answer that.

But does my blog require police and fire protection?

Earlier this evening I got a notification from Amazon that they were ending their contract relationship with me and other Illinois bloggers. Amazon on my site was a way to earn a bit to defray blogging costs, as well as share some book choices. I like Amazon.

Hello,

For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of Illinois residents. Unfortunately, a new state tax law signed by Governor Quinn compels us to terminate this program for Illinois-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by Illinois-based affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.

We had opposed this new tax law because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It was supported by national retailing chains, most of which are based outside Illinois, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that its enactment forces this action.

As a result of the new law, contracts with all Illinois affiliates of the Amazon Associates Program will be terminated and those Illinois residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to April 15, 2011 will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule. Based on your account closure date of April 15, 2011, any final payments will be paid by July 1, 2011.

You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of Illinois. If you are not currently a permanent resident of Illinois, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates accounthere. And if you relocate to another state after April 15, please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.

To be clear, this development will only impact our ability to continue the Associates Program in Illinois, and will not affect the ability of Illinois residents to purchase online at www.amazon.com from Amazon’s retail business.

We have enjoyed working with you and other Illinois-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to Illinois residents.

Regards,

The Amazon Associates Team

This was not a surprise.

But this email was, from our sorry excuse for a governor, Pat Quinn and his PR shop:

Illinois has chosen e-fairness over special interests and the status quo. Today, Gov. Pat Quinn stood with Main Street by signing into law a bill, HB 3659, that closes the sales-tax loophole exploited by online-only retailers and levels the playing field for all businesses.

Under previous state tax law, online-only retailers simply would not charge sales taxes on purchases, thus leaving the responsibility to consumers. The exploitation of that loophole by online-only retailers like Amazon.com put small businesses and local communities at a severe disadvantage.

The e-fairness law takes effect immediately and will help brick-and-mortar businesses keep and create jobs. Our client, theAlliance for Main Street Fairness, praised Gov. Quinn for his action to promote e-fairness for Main Street businesses. AMSF spokesman Danny Diaz stated:

"In Illinois, small business retailers are the backbone of the state’s economy and are vital components of the community, and they have been operating at a significant disadvantage as online-only retailers have exploited a decades-old loophole to gain an unfair and artificial advantage in the marketplace. By signing HB 3659, Quinn ensures that all businesses will compete on the same playing field, collecting the sales tax at the point of purchase whether they operate on the Internet or in Illinois’ communities."

Any time you hear "fairness" beware. Dems have their hands in your wallets. WSJ story here.

Gov. Quinn, you may not have Blago's hair but you have some of the same issues. Not surprisingly, as you were on his team for two terms. Check out the comments from Illinois.

Another reason to leave the state. Have computer, will travel.

...On every border of this state there are better governors.

P.S.Arthur

Today at 6:42 pm

This is terrible. My income will be significantly reduced due to this new law. I have already received a termination notice from Amazon. The irony is that the signing of this bill kills job growth in the very industry that Quinn wishes to grow with his newly created Illinois Innovation Council (http://1.usa.gov/ieyZia). Thank you Governor, for ruining my online affiliate business that I’ve spent years building. Talk about “fairness”.

Another press release. Another day in Dem Illinois.

Chicago's population is back to what it was in 1920 as people flee this broke state.