Ban Coupons to Stimulate the Economy?

I was reading through the couponsurfer.com blog and came across a story about Legislatures proposing a deal to restrict the useage of coupons for large retailers. It's believed this will help boost the economy and corporate profits.

They quoted the U.S. Treasury Undersecretary P. Gregory as saying. "Due to excessive use of coupons, many large retailers have reported record losses. If we allow coupon usage to continue, we risk companies declaring bankruptcy and putting hard working Americans out of work." Although a very small temporary decline in retail sales was expected as consumers were weaned off most coupons, followed by increased sales and record corporate profits to result in expanded economic activity.

The ban is expected to take effect on July 1 with restrictions only against retailers with over $800 Million in annual sales. There was a link at the bottom of the page to help fight this proposed legislation.

I searched couldn't found anything else about it online. Have you heard anything about it? What do you think? I thought that the manufacturer's that produce the coupons reimburse the retailers that honor them - so how can coupon use hurting the profits of retailers?  

I can tell you I was pretty ticked off. I just started paying attention to coupons 3 months ago and now they're taking them away? That figures, just as I finally catch on - someone takes it away. Of course, I clicked on the link to send in my opinion - and it was an April Fool's joke!

Did anyone else see this? I might not have fallen for it on April 1st - but I sure wasn't watching for it a week later! I wish they'd take it down before some government official decides it is a good idea and proposes it for real!