Lawmakers are being called on to keep the state from collecting taxes on Internet access.
Wisconsin is one of only nine states that still taxes Internet services, despite a federal ban on the practice. Chris LaRowe with the Wisconsin Telecommunications Association says it needs to stop.
LaRowe says it's short sighted public policy that could stifle innovation in the state and drive businesses away. He also believes it contradicts one of Wisconsin's major goals of attracting high-tech industries to the state, which often rely heavily on Internet-related services.
The state has defended the tax, saying it pre-dates the federal ban. Proposed legislation at the Capitol would end the practice. It's being considered by the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities.
