BATON ROUGE, LA — Over the opposition of “anti-tax” Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, the Louisiana House overwhelmingly approved a proposed monthly internet usage fee.The 15-cent monthly fee, to be added to all internet-access accounts much as federal and state surcharges are added to other utility bills, is designed to fund a division of the state attorney general’s office dedicated to fighting internet crime, specifically sex crimes against children. If also approved by the state Senate, the surcharge will become effective in 2010 for all users except public libraries and schools.
Although Rep. Mack “Bodi” White [R-Denham Springs] insists the $2.4 million the fee is expected to raise annually is necessary to provide safety and security for internet users, critics call the charge a tax. Some opponents have suggested the surcharge could face a court challenge because it appears to violate a federal law that prohibits taxing internet services.
“Today it’s internet access. Tomorrow, what’s it going to be? A subscription to DirecTV?” asked Rep. Austin Badon [D-New Orleans], one of only nine House members to vote against the bill. “I don’t think we should start instituting a revenue stream for every criminal element that’s out there.”
“Instead of taxing each and every person, are there alternative sources of funds?” asked Rep. Neil Abramson [D-New Orleans], another of the bill’s nine opponents.
Eight-one House members voted to approve the bill, including Rep. Simone Champagne [D-Jeanerette].
“I don’t think that 15 cents per month is too much to ask for our children’s protection,” she said.
“As the anti-tax man, I can’t think of a better fee, tax that we can impose…,” Rep. John Schroder [R-Covington] added. “I don’t know a better use for 15 cents.”
Jindal has not agreed to sign the bill should the Senate approve it.
“While we absolutely support cracking down on sex offenders that prey on our children, we’re opposed to raising taxes on the people of Louisiana,” an official statement from the governor’s office noted.
