The Affordable Footwear Initiative announced that 145 U.S. Representatives, or one-third of the U.S. House of Representatives, and 12 U.S. Senators – have become co-sponsors of the Affordable Footwear Act since the bill's introduction less than 10 months ago. The bill would eliminate the regressive, old-fashioned import duties, known collectively as the “shoe tax,” on certain lower to moderately priced footwear and all children's shoes.


  


In a statement, Affordable Footwear Initiative (AFI), a coalition of footwear industry associations and their member companies, said it's goal is to educate parents and Congress this summer about the 'shoe tax' – as footwear import tariffs are collectively known – and the need for the Affordable Footwear Act (HR 3934/ S 2372) to eliminate it. The shoe tax is factored into the final price, just as all other costs are, at the cash register as a hidden tax that can be nearly 40% of the price of a pair of certain types of shoes. The proposed legislation would abolish the shoe tax on lower- to moderately-priced footwear and all children's shoes, or about 60% of all shoes sold.


 


AFI said that because of the regressive nature of the shoe tax, these types of shoes typically carry the highest rate of duty — as high as 67.5% — despite being the lowest priced. The shoe tax can ultimately contribute to as much as 40% of the retail price.


 


“Just in time for back to school shopping, momentum is growing to enact the Affordable Footwear Act and I am working to build support among my colleagues in the House and the Senate to move this legislation forward,” said U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY), primary co-sponsor of the legislation. “The shoe tax is obsolete and it costs hard-working American families every time they buy a pair of shoes for their kids. During these difficult economic times, removing this regressive tax would be an easy way to help ease the financial burden on millions of families who are struggling to meet all of their financial obligations.”


 


“As we see the cost of living increase, with gas and food prices rising, American families are already finding their pockets pinched,” stated U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX), Affordable Footwear Act primary co-sponsor. “That is why it is time to untie the shoe tax and relieve Moms and Dads from paying up to an additional 40% on the cost of a pair of shoes because of a tariff put in place over 70 years ago.”


 


“Ninety-nine percent of all shoes sold in the U.S. are imported and subject to tariffs as high as 67.5 percent,” added U.S. Representative Nancy Boyda (D-KS), also a primary co-sponsor of the Affordable Footwear Act. “The additional expense to footwear importers is passed on to hardworking American families…to the tune of four to five-billion dollars every year.”


 


“That's just wrong, especially when people are struggling just to pay the bills,” continued Boyda. “I am proud to champion the Affordable Footwear Initiative, alongside Congressmen Crowley and Brady and this coalition. It is an important tax-relief for American households.”


 


The coalition's website is http://www.EndTheShoeTax.org,.