Blogs Congressional Briefing
Boyda sponsors ‘Affordable Footware Act of 2007’
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Here are today’s headlines from the Kansas congressional delegation:
Rep. Nancy Boyda (D)
(American Apparel & Footware Assn. commentary) USA : AAFA urges Congress to end the shoe tax: Fashion fads come and go every year, but the shoe tax has persisted for more than 75 years. U.S. Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Nancy Boyda (D-KS), along with 35 original co-sponsors, officially introduced the Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (H.R. 3934) to roll back the outdated tax. This common-sense tax relief legislation eliminates the import tariffs, collectively known as the shoe tax, on all lower- to moderately-priced footwear as well as all children’s shoes, or about 60 percent of all shoes sold in the United States. “The Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 is genuine tax relief for all consumers,” said Kevin M. Burke, president & CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). “Our association has been working hand-in-hand with members of Congress and the entire U.S. footwear industry to abolish the shoe tax.” The depression-era shoe tax was implemented to protect the domestic footwear industry. Today, with 99 percent of all footwear sold in America being imported, the shoe tax has not only out-lived its purpose but is also unavoidable.
Sen. Sam Brownback (R)
(The Hill) Brownback to meet Rudy: Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) is considering endorsing Rudy Giuliani for the GOP presidential nomination and will meet with him Thursday in Washington to hear his views on abortion. Brownback, who ended his White House run last week and is a champion of social conservative issues, said he would consider Giuliani because he had heard that the former New York City mayor had changed his position on partial-birth abortion and has pledged to appoint to the courts strict constructionists who would not overturn anti-abortion laws. If Brownback pledged his support, it would be a big boost for Giuliani. It might help shore up the biggest perceived weakness of his candidacy — namely, the lack of support among social conservatives because of his stance on abortion. “I’m going to meet with him and I’m going to talk to him and hear what he is specifically saying now because he’s changed on a number of the abortion issues,” Brownback said in an interview. “He’s changed on partial-birth [abortion] and he … has said he would appoint strict constructionists.”
Sen. Pat Roberts (R)
(Des Moines Register) Subsidy provision threatens farm bill: A Senate agreement to set up a new subsidy program sought by Iowa corn growers was threatening to unravel amid opposition from the crop insurance industry. The program, which would reduce crop insurance premiums for farmers who enroll in it, is a key feature of a draft farm bill that the Senate Agriculture started debating Wednesday. Failure of the deal would be a setback for the panel's chairman, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia. But several senators, led by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said the program could hurt the federally subsidized insurance system and increase premiums for farmers who stick with traditional subsidy programs. The new program could cost the insurance industry an estimated $2.3 billion over five years. Roberts proposed changes that would gut key provisions of the plan, rendering it unattractive to farmers, said Ron Litterer, a Greene, Ia., farmer who is president of the National Corn Growers Association. The committee put off a vote on Roberts' proposals until today.
Rep. Dennis Moore (D)
VIDEO: Hearing on Iraq Costs & Interest: Readiness: The Budget Committee holds a hearing, "The Growing Budgetary Costs of the Iraq War," to examine the impact of a sustained presence in Iraq and the additional "borrowing costs" of interest payments on the debt incurred. A total calculation through 2017 brings an estimate of $2.4 trillion. Rep. Dennis Moore questions CBO Director Dr. Peter Orszag on military readiness.
The Congressional Briefing Blog appears semi-regularly during the week to discuss topics involving the state's Congressional delegation and elections. If you have a tip, please contact blog editor George Diepenbrock
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25 October 2007 at 9:42 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
And who said that this Democratically controlled Congress, with lower approval ratings than even the President, has failed in all its major agenda items? I guess now we know where Nancy stormed off to during the Iraq hearings, she was keeping the nation safe from high priced shoes.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/jul/31…
Bravo!
25 October 2007 at 10:02 a.m.
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Agnostick (Anonymous) says…
Well, Sigmund, what we have here, figuratively, is a handful of legislators who pulled on the gloves and the work boots and the little breathing masks, to go in and clean out the “legislative closet.” There are probably at least another hundred or so old, outdated statutes in the federal code that can be eliminated. Nobody ever thinks to do it, though.
Every little bit helps…
As far as “affordable footwear,” though, hats off to this guy:
http://www.starbury.com/
Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
http://www.uscentrist.org
http://www.americanplan.org
25 October 2007 at 10:23 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Well, I, for one, am relieved that Payless Shoes will be able to drop their outrageously high prices on flip flops.
25 October 2007 at 10:24 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Seriously, folks, who wants to bet that this tax relief will not be seen at the counter, but will end up in the pockets of the Chinese manufacturers? After all, Nancy admits that they have no competition.
25 October 2007 at 10:34 a.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
Jesus H, Godot…Nothing satisfies you, does it? It's a G-D tax cut!! From this “crazed liberal” Nancy Boyda.
If Jim Ryun had done this (or anything, frankly) while he was in Congress you'd be on here defending it without questioning it. I would bet my life on it.
25 October 2007 at 10:37 a.m.
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Defender (Anonymous) says…
Godot cannot appreciate anything unless it is done by a self serving, so called conservative. Idiotic, but that is how Godot functions.
25 October 2007 at 10:40 a.m.
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Agnostick (Anonymous) says…
staff04 nailed you, Godot.
Your word for the day is:
***_PWNED_***!!!!!
25 October 2007 at 10:47 a.m.
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Oracle_of_Rhode (Anonymous) says…
This is not a misstep. Boyda is no loafer — she's well-heeled and interested getting off on the right foot with her constituents. Indeed, she's proud to toe the line on this issue with no flip-flopping. Let's give taxes the boot, instead of pumping taxpayers. Seriously, the sole reason for this is because Payless has a big footprint and of lots of workers — more than just a toehold — in Topeka. Sock it to 'em, Nancy.
25 October 2007 at 11:07 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
“eliminates the **import tariffs**, collectively known as the shoe tax, on all lower- to moderately-priced footwear as well as all children’s shoes, or about 60 percent of all shoes sold in the United States.”
Just where does Boyda think these **imported** shoes are made? When the Democrats and their Union cronies realize they just made Chinese products cheaper at WalMart, will there be hell to pay from their working family constituents, now that the free trade shoe is on the other political hoof?
25 October 2007 at 11:21 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
The tax cut is for the foreign shoe manufacturers. Who says that tax cut will reach the consumer, especially after the remaining (i.e. competing) USA manufacturers have been driven out of business?
Think, folks, think!!
25 October 2007 at 11:23 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Can anyone spell “Hsu”?
25 October 2007 at 11:25 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Actually, I think Oracle has it right, and quite cleverly so.
25 October 2007 at 11:41 a.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
Yes, Godot, just like the Bush tax cuts you loved so much reached the consumer…
BTW, the taxes are lifted on American companies that manufacture their shoes outside the U.S. too…
25 October 2007 at 11:59 a.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Yes, but staff04, you want to punish those American companies who move their manufacturing offshore, remember? Remember your argument against shipping high paying manufacturing to offshore sweatshops? So, why, again, are you happy with Miss Nancy over this move?
25 October 2007 at 12:20 p.m.
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notnowdear (Anonymous) says…
What I don't understand, Sigmond, is why you are opposed to Kansas concerns. “Affordable footware” employees Lawrencians. One of the biggest shoe chains in the country sleeps, eats and breaths in Topeka. Boyda is supporting her home.
Open your awareness, dear. If you need some couch time, Sigmond, I am sure there is someone here who can service you. Assess why you are against reducing taxes.
25 October 2007 at 12:32 p.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
Godot, I haven't at any point in this discussion said anything that even remotely reflects my feelings about this legislation—I've merely pointed out your obvious lack of thought and the hypocrisy that you have put on display today in your effort to just keep on hatin' Democrats…
Or is lowering taxes only a good idea when a Republican thinks of it? You want to have it both ways, and I'm telling you that you can't.
25 October 2007 at 1:13 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
I am not against the “Affordable Footwear Act of 2007.” In fact, I look forward to the “Affordable Footwear Acts of 2008, 2009, and 2010!” What I don't understand is why the liberal Democrat's reducing taxes and tarriffs on “Made in China” shoes to be sold at Walmart is such a legistlative accomplishment? Typically, this is exactly the type of “Corporate Welfare” that the Lawrence loonely left wing likes to rail against, yet not a word. Where are the the editorials condemning cheap Chinese products and condemning Boyda for hurting American cobblers? I just can't help pointing out their hypocrisy.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/aug/20…
Shoes For Industry!
http://www.firesigntheatre.com/albums/al…
25 October 2007 at 1:17 p.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Does this mean Birkenstocks will be cheaper?
25 October 2007 at 1:34 p.m.
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BigDog (Anonymous) says…
Does anyone know how much this tax is? I mean if it is $1 or $2 a pair ….. this might save my family $10 to $20 a year …… early retirement here I come.
25 October 2007 at 2:49 p.m.
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MyName (Anonymous) says…
Hilarious Oracle, you have me convinced that we should step behind this legislation!
25 October 2007 at 3:03 p.m.
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webmocker (Anonymous) says…
Sigmund says:
“I am not against the “Affordable Footwear Act of 2007.” In fact, I look forward to the “Affordable Footwear Acts of 2008, 2009, and 2010!” What I don't understand is why the liberal Democrat's reducing taxes and tarriffs on “Made in China” shoes to be sold at Walmart is such a legistlative accomplishment?”
Boyda is not a liberal democrat.
She is a lifelong Republican who switched parties simply because she could not get the Republican Party to run her over Ryun.
25 October 2007 at 3:15 p.m.
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jasonc_22 (Anonymous) says…
BigDog- the release from the AAFA said it's up to 40% of the cost of each pair of shoes.
25 October 2007 at 3:48 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
Lifelong Republican, if you don't count that decade long stint as running as a Democrat?
25 October 2007 at 4:46 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
Come to think about it, I guess Ronald Regan was a life long Democrat and Union leader, till he ran for President as a Republican!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Rega…
25 October 2007 at 4:47 p.m.
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BigDog (Anonymous) says…
Jason
BigDog- the release from the AAFA said it's up to 40% of the cost of each pair of shoes.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––—
Okay. Having worked in the corporate offices of Payless ShoeSource for ten years, that would mean roughly $1 to $2 a pair for Payless shoes. The average cost of a pair shoes was $3 to $5. Most of the cost of the shoes was after manufacturing/importation. The cost of the employees at corporate, warehouse, shipping costs, transportation to warehouse/stores and advertising, along with markup account for a majority of the cost of shoes.
This would be a big benefit to the company to not have to pay these taxes, I doubt it will have any impact on the consumer. Given almost 100% of their shoes are imported and they import hundred of millions pairs. Nice break for them, I doubt Nike or any other shoe company will be decreasing prices due to this legislation.
25 October 2007 at 4:51 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
and, protesting the absolutely legal and necessary invasion of Afghanistan was miss nanB too. not much republican.
25 October 2007 at 5:06 p.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Well, I am sure China and Viet Nam will appreciate the extra boost from the US, considering that the EU has increased its tarriffs on shoes.
25 October 2007 at 8:01 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Well, the unions and the DemonRats so damaged US production of darned near anything, what do you expect?
I remember in about 1970 while I was a student at KU saving up about $100 and ordering a pair of bespoke wingtips from Bond Street.
Had those shoes for fifteen years.
25 October 2007 at 8:11 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
Marion, too bad it took 16 years for them to come back in style!
25 October 2007 at 8:23 p.m.
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toefungus (Anonymous) says…
Sammy isn't happy the conservative religious right did not support him. So now he is thinking about endorsing the least religious conservative candidate. Sammy also votes for more immigrant amnesty yesterday. Looks like his true nature is coming through. Sammy is running to the center so he can run for governor. Wow. Everything I thought about him has turned out to be true. Sometimes instinct pays off.
25 October 2007 at 8:38 p.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
“And you would be the one whining about “better things to do.”
Hypocritical much?”
Thanks for the projection, weak one. I can tell you that, since I have been a subscriber of this forum, that I have never used the phrase, “better things to do” in reference to activities of members of Congress.
How's the crow tonight?
25 October 2007 at 10:03 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Siggie:
A good double-breasted or a good pair of wingtips NEVER goes out of style in the circles which respect tradition.
25 October 2007 at 10:15 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
siggy, he wears them while he is playing Nick Danger, don't you know…it's the 1950's FBI G-Man look.
25 October 2007 at 11:03 p.m.
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jasonc_22 (Anonymous) says…
This is slightly off topic- but we're told all the time that if we lower corporate taxes we'll all see our prices go down because of basic supply side economics. Why won't it work when we're dealing with shoes?
Hmmm….is it always a lie, or is it sometimes true?
Regardless, I don't care how much it effects us- the law is outdated and does make it more expensive to do business..I'm glad it might get repealed.
25 October 2007 at 11:21 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
Marion, glad to see you are still as good natured as ever!
Jason, to the extent that taxes are passed on to consumers and corporations compete with each other with similar products that are considered substitutes in consumers minds for one another, prices to consumers will decline in a free market. This is apparently because when given a choice consumers prefer to pay lower prices. If one corporation is able to lower its price for its goods and it is a substitute for another corporations similar goods it captures larger market share.
26 October 2007 at 10:56 a.m.
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EndTheShoeTax (Anonymous) says…
There is a new website about the Affordable Footwear Act of 2007, which includes links to specific examples of the shoe tax.
www.EndTheShoeTax.org
I hope you will check it out to learn more about the shoe tax, the legislation to eliminate it and what you can do to help.
Thanks.
26 October 2007 at 11:24 a.m.
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matahari (Anonymous) says…
Does this mean Birkenstocks will be cheaper?
I doubt it…and I am pretty sure Boog wears these shoes….also, tell that to the guy that runs Footprints..
are Birkenstocks german made?
more info here on shoes in generaL..
http://thegreenguide.com/reports/product…
at least when they are taxing them they are watchdogging the sweatshops! or are they?
26 October 2007 at 12:26 p.m.
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staff04 (Anonymous) says…
Okay jackarse…
Foolish one says: “It's called interpretation.”
You don't know me, so eff off and enjoy it.
26 October 2007 at 3:37 p.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
Wow, now we are hearing from the shoe import lobby. The LJW must be coming up in the world.
26 October 2007 at 4:38 p.m.
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bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
and is the poster endtheshoetax the soul proprietor of www.endthe shoetax.org? or is he/she tied up with some others, stringing us along.
26 October 2007 at 6:19 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
You should remember that high taxes and punitive union contracts instituted and supported by the DemonRats caused the US shoe industry to go offshore in the first place.
26 October 2007 at 8:27 p.m.
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Godot (Anonymous) says…
“bearded_gnome (Anonymous) says…
and is the poster endtheshoetax the soul proprietor of www.endthe shoetax.org? or is he/she tied up with some others, stringing us along.”
It is clear the poster is an arch rival of the shoe tarriff.