Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.279 - To direct the United States Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for Fairlawn, Virginia, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.279 directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) to designate a unique ZIP Code for Fairlawn, Virginia. This bill addresses the issue of misallocated sales tax revenue due to Fairlawn and Radford, Virginia, sharing the same ZIP Codes. The bill aims to rectify this by ensuring that electronic commerce sales tax from Fairlawn is properly allocated.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill will be the creation of a new, distinct ZIP Code for Fairlawn, Virginia. This should lead to more accurate allocation of sales tax revenue, particularly from electronic commerce. The change will directly impact the local finances of Pulaski County and the city of Radford.

Potential Benefits

  • More accurate allocation of sales tax revenue for Fairlawn, Virginia.
  • Potential increase in revenue for Pulaski County due to proper tax allocation.
  • Reduced administrative burden associated with correcting misallocated tax revenue.
  • Increased financial autonomy for Fairlawn.
  • May serve as a template for addressing similar issues in other localities with shared ZIP codes.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential costs associated with implementing the new ZIP Code, including administrative and logistical expenses for the USPS.
  • Possible confusion among residents and businesses during the transition to the new ZIP Code.
  • Limited impact beyond the specific locality of Fairlawn, Virginia.
  • Potential for unforeseen complications in tax collection and distribution.
  • The bill does not address broader issues of tax fairness or revenue distribution beyond this specific case.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the general principles of governance and does not directly infringe upon any specific constitutional provision. Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States, including the establishment of post offices and post roads (Article I, Section 8). The bill's focus on tax allocation indirectly relates to the power to lay and collect taxes.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).