“Shoe shoppers overtaxed” says Congresswoman Kaptur

(Washington, D.C.) The rapidly approaching holiday season is typically an important shoe shopping time of year for moms looking to outfit themselves and their children for holiday parties. This year, accessories are especially important for consumers trying to save money by dressing-up last year's party clothes with new shoes. These economical consumers, like all shoe-shoppers, are unwittingly paying as much as 40 percent at the cash register for the little-known, but very expensive shoe tax.

U.S. Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Kevin Brady (R-TX), along with more than 50 co-sponsors, introduced the Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (HR 3934) in October to eliminate the hidden, regressive and high import tariffs, commonly called the 'shoe tax,' on children's and lower- to moderately-priced shoes. Last month, U.S. Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) formally introduced the bi-partisan, companion bill, S. 2372. The Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (HR 3934/ S 2372) removes tariffs on 60 percent of all imported shoes, will provide significant relief for families stretching their budget to keep shoes on the feet of quickly growing children.

Established in 1930 to protect a domestic footwear industry that no longer exists, U.S. import tariffs on footwear are as high as 67.5 percent and subsequently passed on to the customer. Today, nearly 99 percent of all shoes sold in America are imported, making the tax unavoidable. With the highest rate of tax on the least expensive shoes, these obsolete import duties now serve only as a regressive tax on hardworking low- and middle-income families who spend a larger share of their income on basic necessities, like shoes.

This week, members of the Affordable Footwear Initiative (AFI) - a broad coalition of U.S. footwear industry leaders - arrived on Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and garner support for the bi-partisan Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 (HR 3934/ S 2372).

"It is time to stomp out the hidden, antiquated shoe tax which burdens America's hardworking families," said AFI members meeting with the office of U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). "The Affordable Footwear Act of 2007 will have a direct, positive impact on American families - your constituents and our consumers."

Coalition members visiting Capitol Hill this week include the American Apparel & Footwear Association, Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Outdoor Industry Association, National Retail Federation and many of the individual member companies represented by these associations.

About the American Apparel & Footwear Association

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.