Food Taxes and Faith

Alabama Arise: Citizens' Policy Project“It’s not fair to take from the rich and give to the poor in a Robin Hood-type way, but it’s certainly not fair to take from the poor to give to the rich… and that’s what we’re doing now. That’s exactly what we’re doing now.”

That’s from a recent edition of PBS Now about the regressive sales tax on food in Alabama, one of only two states that tax groceries at the regular rate. That’s a huge expense for the poorest citizens… say a family of four living below the federal poverty line, who would save $200 to $300 a year with the tax break.

The Alabama state legislature is voting on House Bill 1 this week, which would let voters decide whether to rewrite the state
constitution to remove the 4 percent state sales tax from groceries and over-the-counter drugs.

PHP has supported Alabama Arise‘s efforts to reform the state’s tax codes. If you live in Alabama, you can visit their website to contact your representatives.

www.pbs.org/now/shows/415/video.html

 


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