Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington signed a measure encouraging Internet and catalog-based companies to collect and remit state sales taxes on purchases made by Washington residents. The governor, who originally requested the measure, stated that the bill “is absolutely about tax fairness to the businesses of the state of Washington” The Washington Department of Revenue expects that the state will see an additional $35 million to $40 million in state sales taxes by joining the Streamlined Sales Tax Project. The measure is set to go into effect in July, 2008. (Senate Bill 5089, Source: Associated Press)