SAVE YOUR JOB! Oppose Sec. 301 in H.R. 3619 which adds new state and local taxing authority for services on navigable waters.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, H.R. 3619, which passed in the U.S. House, contains a provision, Sec. 301, that authorizes state and local governments to levy new "sales taxes" on goods and services on navigable waters, unless the vessels are primarily engaged in foreign commerce. H.R. 3619 passed the Senate in May without the Sec. 301 provision. The differences in the House and Senate bills will be reconciled in a conference committee soon. If the House version of H.R. 3619 prevails, new layers of taxes and fees will be levied on services on navigable waters in many states. "Sales taxes", which are authorized by the provision and were previously illegal, will be interpreted broadly by local governments, who are strapped for cash. It's their job or yours and Sec. 301 in H.R. 3619 puts the law behind the welfare of public sector jobs at the expense of businesses operating on navigable waters..

What you need to do. Call your member of Congress today. Ask them to keep the language in Sec. 301 out of the conference bill (H.R. 3619) that will have to be approved again by both the House and Senate once an agreement is reached. Contact Your Senators and Representatives. Ask them to ensure that the language in Sec. 301 or similar taxing authority is not in the final Coast Guard Authorization bill. The Capitol switchboard: House of Representatives 202-225-3121. Senators: 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your Senator or Representative.

The bill number H.R. 3619 is the same in the House and the Senate. Key contact: Representative Mica (R-FL), the ranking Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure committee in the House. Others key contacts include Rep. Cummings, Chair of the House Coast Guard Subcommittee (D-MD), Rep. Jim Oberstar, (D-MN), Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

While advocates of the bill claim that "sales taxes" may only be charged where the transaction occurs, states and localities will broadly interpret this provision and no one in Washington will care. Currently, the law allows state and local fees to cover the cost of services to enhance safety or security. If Sec. 301 passes, you face an additional overlay of state and local taxes. Outfitters and guides in TN, PA, ID and AZ has succeeded in getting tax relief under the current law, which will be repealed if Sec. 301 is included in H.R. 3619. Maine just passed a law taxing recreational services throughout the state.

Another overlay of taxes will be authorized by Sec. 301 in H.R. 3619, which could put thousands of people out of work. This is not the time to be adding taxes and fees on small, seasonal businesses. CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY. Ask them to contact members of the Transportation Committees in the House and Senate to ensure that Sec. 301 (in the House bill) is not in the final version of H.R. 3619. THIS ISSUE COULD BE DECIDED BEFORE MID JUNE. Go to http://www.congress.org to get contact information for your member of Congress or call America Outdoors Association.