Congressional break is chance to talk Performance Tax

posted on 3.23.2015

The two-week Congressional recess starting this week-end is a prime opportunity for radio broadcasters to address concerns about an anticipated push for a Performance Tax on radio stations by the international record labels. Members of Congress will be on Easter break from March 30 through April 10.

With 16 out of 133, Texas to date has more co-sponsors than any other state for the anti-Performance Tax resolution H. Con. Res. 17 advanced by Texas Reps. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, and Gene Green, D-Houston.

The measure is a non-binding resolution expressing opposition to any measure that would mandate radio stations pay hundreds of millions of dollars more in royalties. The industry collectively already pays such sums in royalties to composers, authors and publishers.

Broadcasters need the support of at least 218 members of the House to beat back this effort, and exceeding that number by another 50 or so would further cement the industry’s standing.

In addition to Conaway and Green, the following lawmakers already have signed on and deserve radio broadcasters’ thanks:

• Joe Barton, R-Ennis
• John Culberson, R-Houston
• Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi
• Bill Flores, R-Waco
• Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth
• Ruben Hinojosa, D-Edinburg
• Will Hurd, R-San Antonio
• Kenny Marchant, R-Irving
• Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock
• Beto O’Rourke, D-El Paso
• Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land
• Ted Poe, R-Humble
• Pete Sessions, R-Dallas
• Marc Veasey, D-Dallas

The Texas Members of Congress listed below have yet to sign on to H. Con. Res. 17, and radio broadcasters should encourage them to do so when visiting with them during the two-week Easter break.  Issue Overview & Talking Points

• Brian Babin, R-Woodville
• Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands
• Michael Burgess, R-Flower Mound
• John Carter, R-Round Rock
• Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio
• Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo
• Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin
• Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler
• Al Green, D-Houston
• Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas
• Sam Johnson, R-Flower Mound
• Michael McCaul, R-Austin
• John Ratcliffe, R-Heath
• Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio
• Mac Thornberry, R-Amarillo
• Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville
• Randy Weber, R-Pearland
• Roger Williams, R-Weatherford

Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, and Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, have supported imposing a Performance Tax on radio stations in the past.

Questions?  Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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