-- "Millions of people rent cars every week as their vehicles are being serviced or repaired after an accident -- and these taxes arbitrarily inflate the cost of a replacement vehicle for consumers as well as insurance companies." -- "Rental cars are popular with consumers in major metropolitan areas who prefer to use mass transit -- but then need other transportation options for weekend errands and getaways." -- "Car rental excise taxes are regressive. They are especially hard on local low-income residents who cannot purchase a vehicle of their own -- but who can afford to rent one on an as-needed basis." -- "The majority of National Business Travel Association member companies spend at least half of their car rental budgets in their home markets -- which pulls money straight from the bottom lines of companies from coast to coast." -- "Political marketing campaigns that target interstate travelers are an easy way out. Instead, local government officials should be enacting broad- based tax policies that spread the burden to all who benefit."Taylor stressed that such taxes can distort the free marketplace by transferring revenue from one industry to another, particularly when large construction projects are being marketed to the public. He warned those outside the car rental industry: "Elected officials who feel entitled to go after car rental customers will not shy away from finding other ways to target travelers to fund their pet projects." Taylor further emphasized that he did not intend to diminish the important role of local government authority, only that it was the travel industry's right -- and responsibility -- to thoughtfully consider how financially strapped local governments continue to burden its customers. "That is why I am so passionate about this issue," Taylor said. "These taxes contradict our country's democratic principles. They unfairly and arbitrarily single out one group of customers to fund a wide array of civic projects that benefit the broader community." About the Coalition Against Discriminatory Car Rental Excise Taxes The nonpartisan Coalition, established in 2006, now includes: Advantage Rent A Car, Alamo Rent A Car, American Car Rental Association, American International Automobile Dealers Association, American Society of Travel Agents, Americans for Tax Reform, Associated Industries of Florida, Avis Rent A Car, Budget Car Rental, Dollar Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Hertz Corporation, National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, National Car Rental, National Business Travel Association, National Consumers League, National Limousine Association, National Urban League, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, Rent A Toll, Thrifty Car Rental, Truck Renting and Leasing Association, and WeCar (car sharing by Enterprise).
Contact Information: Contact: Laura Bryant 314-512-4178