USA : Affordable Footwear Act gains momentum

March 4, 2008

The cost of everyday purchases are inching up, and Americans are anxiously watching their mailboxes for their tax rebate to arrive.

Now, Congress is moving forward with more relief legislation. Today, the 100th U.S. Representative agreed to co-sponsor the Affordable Footwear Act (S 2372/ HR 3934).

Introduced less than six months ago, the bi-partisan legislation eliminates the import tariffs, collectively known as the shoe tax, on all lower- to moderately-priced footwear as well as all children’s shoes, or about 60 percent of all shoes sold in the United States.

“In such a contentious political climate, 100 Representatives of all political opinions uniting to eliminate the shoe tax is significant,” said Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA).

“Everyday consumers are pushing for more co-sponsors for the Affordable Footwear Act by emailing their members of Congress at www.EndTheShoeTax.org,” continued Burke.

“Several thousand constituents have already told Congress to stomp out the shoe tax”. The Affordable Footwear Act is bringing together more than just constituents and members of Congress.

In January, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) and The Heritage Foundation, a liberal and conservative think tank respectively, presented a joint policy paper (PPI / Heritage) to Congressional staffers regarding the potential direct, positive impact that the abolishment of the import tariffs on lower- to moderately-priced footwear and all children’s shoes would have on families.

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