E-Fairness and the Need for U.S. House Action on the Federal Marketplace Fairness Act

Amazon's recent business decision to drop its Minnesota affiliates in response to the new affiliate nexus law passed by the state Legislature underscores the need for Congressional action on this issue.

Earlier this year the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the federal Marketplace Fairness Act and now it is time for the U.S. House of Representatives - with the support of our Minnesota delegation - to do the same.

Amazon's notice to affiliates voiced strong support for the Marketplace Fairness Act, and mentioned that the company will reinstate the Minnesota affiliate program once the Act is passed. The Minnesota Retailers Association looks forward to the return of the affiliate program, and until then encourages Minnesota businesses seeking affiliate relationships to look to the many brick-and-mortar and online retailers that continue to offer similar programs.

Right now it is up to the U.S. Congress to end uncertainty for retailers by passing legislation that permanently ends special tax treatment for online-only retailers. We urge Minnesota's House delegation to support this important legislation, and to urge their leadership for a vote on this issue.