Representative proposes fee for largest retailers

PROVIDENCE — State Rep. Joseph A. Trillo, R-Dist. 36 of Warwick, is proposing
legislation that would impose a 5 percent annual impact fee on Rhode Island sales
of retailers whose worldwide revenues exceeded $20 billion. Trillo said he’s concerned
that major mega-stores are forcing smaller retailers out of business. He is proposing
that for each $100 million collected from the impact fee, the state would lower
the sales tax 1 percent.