You've probably already read the articles. The ones about the two brothers who thought they would make a killing off the virus that is killing people not just in America but around the world. The day the first American death from the COVID-19 was reported, the
Colvin brothers took a whirlwind trip around Tennessee and Kentucky, stopping at Dollar Stores and other small shops and buying as many bottles of hand sanitizer, masks, and wipes that they could carry. By the time they arrived back home, they had a U-Haul and then a garage full of the now highly-sought-after items.
The two had planned to hoard the items and sell them for
exorbitant prices on Amazon and other marketplace platforms. The brothers admitted to selling these Dollar Store items for anything from $8 to $70! Then reality hit, and so did the law.
Sign to demand your state pass an anti-price gouging law to help protect American consumers during times of crisis. After realizing that vendors were taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis and charging ridiculous prices for basic staples, Amazon cracked down and blocked vendors like the Colvins. But Tennessee, the state where they live, also took action. Tennessee is one of
34 states that have anti-price gouging laws. Depending on the state, the statute is triggered when the governor, president, or other designated official declares a state of emergency. The laws put strict controls on how much vendors can sell vital products for during times of crisis, usually barring price hikes of above 10-20% depending on the state. Products crucial to sustaining life such as food, water, and housing are usually the most protected.
The coronavirus crisis has shown that in capitalist America when there is a tragedy, someone is willing to turn it into an opportunity to unfairly and immorally bilk their fellow citizens to line their pockets. Some states have put laws in place that will severely punish those who do. Yet, there are still 16 states that have no laws on the issue whatsoever. It's time the 16 other states protect their citizens from crisis opportunists and pass price gouging laws as well.
The following states still have no anti-price gouging law:
AK | AZ | CO | DE | MD | MN | MT | NE | NV | NH | OH | NM | ND | SD | WA | WY
Sign to demand each and every one of them pass anti-price gouging laws today!