Posted on 12/16/2018 7:30:56 PM PST by aquila48
Following a new FCC ruling, the California Public Utilities Commission has ditched its planned 2019 vote on taxing text messaging.
The CPUC revealed on Twitter Friday that it has decided not to go forward with a scheduled January 2019 vote to levy a 'text tax' following the FCC's ruling that text messages were an 'information service' as opposed to a telecommunications service meaning that texts aren't eligible for taxation under California state law.
The commission's controversial 'text tax' plans involved a per-text surcharge which would help fund programs that provide cell phone services for low-income and disabled people, as well as those in rural areas, according to Fox News.
The proposed text message tax was apparently being considered because, prior to the FCC's declaratory ruling on December 12, text messaging had not been classified as any kind of specific service under federal law.
But, 'In light of the FCCs action,' CPUC tweeted Friday, its commissioner, Carla J. Peterman, decided to withdraw the January vote which 'proposed to clarify that text messaging service should be subject to the statutory surcharge requirement.'
California Republican state assemblyman Jim Patterson took to Twitter to rejoice over the commission's statement.
'BREAKING NEWS: The CPUC has cancelled the January vote on the #TextTax! You can bet Ill keep a watchful eye on them for future shenanigans. For now...consider the Text Tax cancelled,' Patterson tweeted Saturday.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Even the CA libtards would have gone yellow jackets over this.
Bump
Why do they feel bound by the state constitution?
The idea of taxing texts will very likely come back in the near future. It was dropped like a hot potato for now, sort of like Macron reducing newly raised taxes in France. Anything to let the citizens simmer down and start looking elsewhere.
The notion of increasing the number of Toll Roads or taxing as per miles driven resurfaces every so often too.
Just another colorful trial balloon shot down for the time being by observant taxpayers.
FCC’s ruling that text messages were an ‘information service’ as opposed to a telecommunications service
Amazing what forty million messages will do ...
Well, well, well, you mean the sanctuary state can’t confiscate more wealth to redistribute to people who have not earned it, and don’t deserve it? what a damn shame.
Nice...
No, the California voters are fine with anything bordering stupidity.
The legislature will probably make the Text tax a ballot measure like they did freeing prisoners.
The voters also just approved keeping their insane gas tax.
There is no low bar for these fools.
It’s awful what they get away with, but it serves the majority of Californians right to be taxed out of sight, for voting for these whackjobs. For those citizens who did NOT vote for them, you have my sympathy. It must be awful for you to have to watch your beautiful state being overrun with snakes and skunks.
“Just another colorful trial balloon shot down for the time being by observant taxpayers.”
Not taxpayers but Trump’s FCC!
Legally, untrue.
Don't the "poor" get funding from the Feds' Algor (second phone line) Tax?
what is the difference?
That’s true.
I wasn’t sure what organization would have made this happen.
The commission won’t always have a conservative majority. When that changes, and it probably will some day, look out.
Well thats it then, they better change the law. Cant let that revenue stream get away.
Politicians love it when they make businesses their tax collection arm.
There is a hidden tax or more than one tax on everything. The government makes more off your cell phone line than Verision does. Same with a pack of cigarettes.
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