The Indiana House overwhelmingly passed a bill requiring online retailers like Amazon.com to charge consumers a 7% sales tax as of June 1st of this year. Though the bill has yet to pass the Senate, it appears probable the state will ultimately begin collecting tax revenue it has deprived itself of until now. Some, including the bill's sponsor, Rep. Tom Dermody of La Porte, argue that it also helps to level the playing field with "brick and mortar" businesses. Unfortunately, the price of gas will need to go down a ways before that playing field is fully leveled. I might add that businesses with a physical presence should also take advantage of selling their products online to offset foot-traffic losses in a ruthlessly convenient digital age.