ShoeInfoNet

AAFA - Progressive Policy Institute & The Heritage Foundation Present Joint Policy Paper

Supports the Affordable Footwear Act & Urges Congress to Stomp Out the Shoe Tax

Washington, DC (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)

In today's fiercely bi-partisan world, two well-respected think-tanks from both sides of the aisle, The Heritage Foundation and the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), came to a consensus - that the Affordable Footwear Act (HR3934/ S2372) will help all of America's hardworking families. The Heritage Foundation joined PPI in a panel discussion, on Capitol Hill, of their jointly-published policy paper (PPI / Heritage) on the potential, direct positive impact of the legislation, which eliminates the hidden, regressive and high import tariffs, commonly called the 'shoe tax,' on children's and lower- to moderately-priced shoes.

Ezra Finkin, Legislative Director of Consumers for World Trade, moderated the event, which also included introductory remarks by Affordable Footwear Act primary co-sponsors U.S. Representatives Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Nancy Boyda (D-KS). Both representatives are parents themselves and know first-hand how growing-children frequently need new shoes. The unnecessary cost of the shoe tax is a burden on families across America. Currently, the Affordable Footwear Act is supported by more than 75 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Daniella Markheim, Jay Van Andel Senior Trade Policy Analyst at The Heritage Foundation, discussed the legislation's potential as an economic stimulus, as it saves consumers money. Ed Gresser, Director of the Trade and Global Markets Project for PPI, went on to talk about the cost of the shoe tax for an average family, approximately $80 per year. He explained that $80 was a significant amount for those with lower incomes, resulting in meaningful savings for these families.

"This gathering of liberals and conservatives, like our list of co-sponsors, demonstrates the relevance of the bi-partisan Affordable Footwear Act," said Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). "The stock market's volatile week is an urgent reminder that Congress needs to do more to help the American people. One small way is to stomp out the shoe tax."

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance its members' competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global market by minimizing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restraints.

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tell Congress to stomp-out the 'shoe tax' today!
To learn more about this unfair, hidden tax on the shoes America's hardworking families buy and send a message to your member of Congress urging them to end the "shoe tax,"
please visit: http://www.endtheshoetax.org.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Press release
AAFA