The Grocery Manufacturers of America commended District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams on Friday (15 December) for signing the Tax Clarity Act of 2000, a bill that overturns D.C.’s selective tax on snack foods. “This historic and much needed tax reform package is great news for DC consumers and businesses alike,” said Chip Kunde, GMA Vice President, State Affairs.
The Tax Clarity Act of 2000 (“Act”) is an extensive tax code reform package that includes among its many provisions language streamlining the definition of food which effectively eliminates the District?s selective tax on so-called “snack foods,” which has been in place for over five years.
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The Act was sponsored by Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and passed by the City Council earlier this year.
The tax reform bill now moves to the DC Control Board. If approved, the bill will be forwarded to Congress where it must remain for 30 legislative days. If Congress takes no steps to reject the measure, it becomes law once the 30 days have expired.
GMA and the Don’t Tax Food Coalition, a broad-based group of food manufacturers, associations, and retailers opposed to selective taxation of food products, will continue to advocate for passage of the Tax Clarity Act as it moves through these final review stages.
GMA is the world’s largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies. With U.S. sales of more than $460 billion, GMA members employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states. The organization applies legal, scientific and political expertise from its member companies to vital food, nutrition and public policy issues affecting the industry. Led by a board of 42 Chief Executive Officers, GMA speaks for food and consumer product manufacturers at the state, federal and international levels on legislative and regulatory issues. The association also leads efforts to increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the food, beverage and consumer products industry.
