'TIS the SEASON of ACTION NEEDED NOW!
Rep. Tina Wildberger has introduced groundbreaking legislation based on the successful Irregulators federal lawsuit that enables states to collect big money from big telecom...
But the Chairs of the assigned committees have not scheduled this important bill for a hearing!
We must save it from dying in committee!
Time is of the essence! Sample email below...
The potential of this legislation cannot be overestimated. The Irregulators lawsuit was just ruled on last year, and Hawaii could be the first state to enact legislation on it.
This would set precedent for other states to follow. The enormous amount of money to be collected by various states from big telecoms' accounting swindles over the years could actually bankrupt them!
But we must be careful in our message.
Important guidelines:
1) DO NOT mention 5G in your message (that would be the kiss of death in this legislature)
2) DO NOT talk about bankrupting big telecom (also the kiss of death)
3) DO focus on how this bill would help the state recoup funds at a time when money is badly needed. The state is operating at a deficit due to the pandemic shutdowns.
4) INCLUDE how the updated reporting is necessary, how they should be required to use the correct reporting.
5) If live in Hawaii, please say that. If you live in the District of any of the four Chairs, please say that.
6) Please create your own subject line. If all of our emails have the same subject line it appears like spam to them.
7) Best to email them individually. Notice below the Bill numbers are different for HOUSE AND SENATE.
The Proposed Bill:
Requires the Hawaii Dept. of Taxation to audit telecommunications companies operating in Hawaii to identify past underpayments of gross receipts taxes and property taxes, if any, dating back to January 1, 1990. Requires all telecommunications carriers that operate in Hawaii to use generally accepted accounting principles in calculating their tax liabilities to the State and counties.
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The bill is in front of 2 House committees:
Consumer Protection & Commerce(CPC) and Finance (FIN)
And 2 Senate committees:
Government Operations (GVO) and Ways and Means (WAM).
Sample Testimony for you to PLEASE MODIFY WITH YOUR OWN WORDS:
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HOUSE (Bill # HB1203):
HOUSE:
Aloha Chair _________,
Please schedule a hearing for HB1203. This important legislation can bring in much needed money for the state at a time when we desperately need it! It costs nothing, and can greatly benefit us. Telecoms should be required to follow the proper reporting rules and the audit would show how much money could be recouped. We need this.
Mahalo for your time.
(Your name)
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SENATE:
Aloha Chair __________,
Please schedule a hearing for SB626. This important legislation can bring in much needed money for the state at a time when we desperately need it! It costs nothing, and can greatly benefit us. Telecoms should be required to follow the proper reporting rules and the audit would show how much money could be recouped. We need this.
Mahalo for your time.
(Your name)
