Senate leadership advances Internet tax

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., reaffirmed her opposition to an Internet sales tax Tuesday after reports that Senate Republican leadership has agreed to advance the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act.

Both Shaheen and New Hampshire's other representative in Senate, Republican Kelly Ayotte, have been vocal critics of attempts to pass bills that would impose sales tax collection requirements on Granite State businesses.

"Internet sales tax legislation would be bad for New Hampshire's economy and our small businesses," Shaheen said in a statement. "I will continue to do everything in my power as U.S. Senator to prevent this legislation from advancing in Congress."

Although New Hampshire does not have a sales tax, the legislation would force businesses to collect sales taxes for 46 states and 9,600 taxing jurisdictions across the country.