I think the issue for most states in regards to getting sales is getting what they are due and need. In my home state you are suppose to (by law) pay use tax on all purchases made out of state unless you pay sales tax in the state where you bought the item. I’ll be willing to bet that most states in the US have the same laws. What is happening is that people are buying online to “save” the tax they are supposed to be paying anyway but are not. As a result the tax coffers are smaller and services get cut. Thus this affects the people not paying their fair share by reducing services that they need. Yes some of the stuff cut is junk but many places are loosing police and other necessary services. Just look at Minnesota. They are facing a full shutdown on June 30th because of a huge shortfall. BTW I unlike many, report my use tax on out of state online purchases and pay it when I do my states taxes every year. Thus I pay my fair share.

So why do we fight paying for something we need and want? That being better services for us and ours.

Via Amazon cuts affiliate ties in more states over taxes | Digital Media – CNET News.

Update 03/26/17

A lot has changed since I wrote this in 2011. According to Forbes Amazon will soon be collecting sales tax in most states that require it.  The only exceptions being Alaska, Delaware, Oregon, Montana, or New Hampshire.  These states don’t currently collect sales tax.