04 Feb Largest US Footwear Association Fights New Illinois Shoe Tax
WASHINGTON, DC – The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) today sent the attached letter to Illinois State Representative William Davis. Rep. Davis recently introduced HB 0978 in the Illinois General Assembly, which would add an additional 25-cent state tax on each new pair of athletic shoes sold in Illinois. It would also require footwear retailers in the state to file additional burdensome tax paperwork, which could impact retail worker hours or even jobs.
“What Rep. Davis may not realize is footwear is taxed up to 67% BEFORE state sales taxes are tacked on to the cost of sneakers,” said FDRA President Matt Priest. “These hidden taxes, which are accessed at the U.S. border, are one reason why shoe costs are increasing. Shoes are in fact one of the highest taxed goods families and children need, and often purchase multiple times a year. While 25 cents may not seem like a lot, it certainly is a major burden to moms who are trying to put shoes on their kids growing feet. We should be working to lower the cost of shoes for working moms and families, not increase them. That is why FDRA is asking Rep. Davis to reconsider pushing this bill in the Illinois General Assembly.”
About FDRA: As the largest footwear trade association in the United States, FDRA accounts for approximately 80% of all footwear sales, representing the industry’s leading retailers, brands and buying agents. It works to lower footwear costs for its members and all footwear consumers. Including the Affordable Footwear Act, which would lower costs on almost all children’s footwear. For more information visit www.fdra.org.