Changes Likely Coming to Manifiestos Program
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Apr 6, 2011
Story Updated:
Apr 8, 2011
City and county leaders met with local merchants about the changes that may be on the way to how the state handles manifiestos. Because of abuses of the system, some state leaders have proposed doing away with the system altogether. Our Ryan Bailey was there and brings us more in our top story tonight at ten.
Local storeowners and U.S. Customs Brokers are concerned that by doing away with the manifiestos program, it would severely hamper business in the Gateway City.
"This would kill Laredo. The Mexican shopper comes here because of that, because of the tax rebate."
According to the U.S. State Department, Mexico is the U.S.’s third largest trading partner, with much of their purchases coming from the state of Texas.
"Everything that Mexico buys from the United States, 80% is bought in Texas."
If these bills pass it would not only be the downtown area affected, but also large chain stores like this one.
"They go downtown, they go to the mall, they go to Wal-mart, they go to Target and so if you take away this incentive they won't go there either."
"It not only affects the downtown area and the retailers, it affects the restaurants, the hotels, the entertainment industry. It's a domino effect."
The City is behind keeping this program, but only if changes are made to keep the abuses to a minimum.
"You go to some of the parking lots and people are offering that service of manifiestos, knowing full well that the intent is never to have that merchandise leave the country."
Commissioner Garza was in Austin earlier this week and he believes tweaks will be made but the entire program will not be scrapped.
"I think we've been able to get the message across that the elimination would be very counter productive, not only to Laredo and the border, but San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas."
Those in attendance today are just hoping that they don't see their business driven away over this issue.
"It just makes it more cumbersome, more expensive and drives people away."
Ryan Bailey, Laredo's pro 8 news.
Some of the proposed changes include no longer allowing multiple receipts to be claimed together, as well as charging customs brokers more in fines for merchandise not leaving the country.
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Roe said on Thursday, Apr 7 at 9:59 PM
Hope this happens....many Laredo Citizens will stay here to shop instead of going to San Antonio.....I know I will ship locally.
64423394op said on Saturday, Apr 9 at 9:59 AM
Who cares? If they want to shop here or not. We don't need the extra trash pollution, uninsured drivers, and non-English-speakers.
64538512chill out said on Saturday, Apr 9 at 9:33 PM
Things will get tougher for the local economy its bad enough there is less city revenue from the bridges now less incentive for people to shop. Guess this is a way for Austin to have less people crossing the bridges.
64569202Get rid of them said on Sunday, Apr 10 at 12:12 AM
Our state is missing out in millions annually in sales tax because we're catering to Mexico.
64575267we care said on Monday, Apr 11 at 9:53 AM
if ut weren't for nuevo laredo (mex) laredos economy will worthless. this town will be dead by now.
64644432Sami said on Monday, Apr 11 at 12:27 PM
I really hope that manifestos disappears altogether. Why do we have to pay taxes and all these Mexican citizens get away from paying taxes. We need all the taxes from everyone who shops in the United States. Look at our budget. If the government were smart they would get rid of manifestos. We would make more money from everyone paying their taxes. Just the same thing should be done with our schools. COMMON SENSE: Make sure that ALL of the students are US Citizens, tax paying citizens. If people from Mexico (Nuevo Laredo) want to come to our schools, then they should move to the United States (LEGALLY) and pay real estate taxes and taxes we have to pay. Instead of cutting teachers and education for our student get rid of all the students that are here illegally or charge them an out-of-state fee to get educated her in the United States. I wish people would speak up and get involved by calling our State Representative, Congressman and anyone who can make a change. Wake Up Peop
64656367gone said on Monday, Apr 11 at 12:50 PM
mexicans need to pay sales tax just like we do, or they can shop in thier country.
64658329Manifiestos said on Sunday, Mar 4 at 11:17 PM
Those who think the taxes are being taken to mexico....please read more! Mexican nationals use that money mostly shopping in Texas, weather its more clothes, electronics, food, gasoline or what not! Daaaa! more money overall
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