Internet retailers that have a physical presence or affiliated companies in Michigan, such as Amazon.com, would have to collect sales taxes on purchases under legislative proposals debated Wednesday in a House committee.

The House Tax Policy Committee held its first day of public testimony on Republican-sponsored legislation that would change the definition of legal presence for out-of-state companies that sell merchandise toMichiganians on the Web. Amazon owns Brilliance Audio in Grand Haven.

The Republican response:

"These are not bills that constitute new taxes, rather they're measures that aid in (the collection of) taxes that are already owed," said state Rep. Rob VerHeulen, R-Walker.

Blow it out your ass, Rob.  If you don't have the funds currently, it's a new tax.  And, it's a nightmare of paperwork for business.

Rep. Jon Switalski, D-Warren, said the bill sponsors can't sugar coat the end result of taxing Internet purchases after years of Michigan consumers enjoying tax-free Web shopping.

"We talk about this as fairness ... but the reality is people are going to pay more after these bills pass than they're currently paying," he said.