Lawrence Schweitzer, President of CMIT Solutions of East and
West Nassau Visits Washington to Champion IT Industry Priorities.
Businesses like mine are the lifeblood of our national
economy. These businesses employ more
than half of the country’s private sector workforce.
I was thrilled to join forces with fellow IT colleagues to
advocate in Washington, D.C. on February 10-11, to speak with Members of
Congress about issues that are critical to the future of my business.
This annual “fly-in” was organized by TechAmerica to
advocate on behalf of the tech community.
TechAmerica is the public sector and public policy department of
CompTIA, advocating before decision-makers at the state, federal, and
international levels of government.
Representing technology companies of all sizes, TechAmerica is committed
to expanding market opportunities and driving competitiveness of the U.S.
technology industry around the world.
Innovation is a key force behind a strong 21st
century economy, and our leaders should prioritize issues that affect growing
companies like CMIT.
I recently visited Congressman Steve Israel’s Washington
office to advocate on tax reform, workforce development, cybersecurity,
broadband communications, global trade, as well as government procurement and
acquisition – all central to our industry.
These legislative issues are key ingredients for helping technology
firms like mine to become more competitive.
I particularly discussed with my elected officials the
importance of:
Passing the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA).
Since its initial enactment in 1998, ITFA has banned
federal, state and local governments from taxing Internet access charges as
well as from passing multiple taxes on electronic commerce. The internet has brought astounding changes to
both our economy and our daily lives. We
now learn, shop, do business and communicate with friends and family
online. The Internet provides a dynamic
mode of communication for our American society, as well as our neighbors around
the world. Accordingly, we believe that
access to the Inter should remain unburdened by taxes.
The current moratorium will expire on October 1, 2015. It is now time to make this ban permanent.
