Friday, January 12, 2007
Bell wants assembly to analyze 'fair tax' structure
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roanoke.com/politics
RICHMOND -- State Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, wants the General Assembly to examine the pros and cons of creating a "fair tax" structure that could eliminate taxes on income, real estate and personal property and replace them with a sales tax on goods and services.
Bell is sponsoring legislation (SJ 326) seeking such a study. He floated the idea to a statewide audience Wednesday while delivering the Republican Party's response to Gov. Tim Kaine's State of the Commonwealth address.
"Much has been said about tax reform, but real tax reform should keep revenues level and focus on fairness to our citizens," Bell said in his televised remarks. "We must think outside of the box and look at overhauling our tax system."
The state sales tax is levied on goods but not on services. Bell said a sales tax on services should be considered as the state's economy becomes more service-oriented.
Bell said his proposal was inspired by a national debate about creating a tax structure in which federal income and payroll taxes would be replaced with a sales tax. Bell said constituents also have expressed interest in such a system. Bell stopped short of endorsing such a structure, but said lawmakers should examine whether they can "come up with something that will work."
Lawmakers should have explored the possibility more thoroughly when they passed a package of tax code changes in 2004, Bell said.
Selling bands as real deal could lead to real fines
Your band might perform a crowd-pleasing version of "Under the Boardwalk," but that doesn't make you the Drifters. And under legislation being considered by the General Assembly, you could be in trouble if you advertise your imitation band as the real thing.
The House Commerce and Labor Committee on Thursday endorsed House Bill 1969, dubbed the Truth in Music Advertising Act. The legislation would make it illegal to advertise or conduct a live music performance by using "a false, deceptive, or misleading" association to a recording group.
The bill's sponsor, Del. Dave Albo, R-Fairfax County, said the legislation was prompted by complaints of bands misrepresenting themselves as recognized doo-wop bands from the 1950s and 60s.
"If you've never been in the Drifters and you're running an ad saying "come pay $35 to hear the Drifters," you're ripping people off," Albo said.
Similar legislation has passed in Pennsylvania and is other consideration in 12 other states. Jon Bauman, a former member of the band Sha Na Na, is trying to build support for such legislation nationwide.
Albo's bill calls for fines of $5,000 to $15,000 for violators. The bill contains exceptions for bands that own trademarks for their advertised names, bands that have at least one member of the original group and a legal right to use the name, and shows that are advertised as "salutes" or "tributes" to recognized bands.
