On the Legislative Floor
February 27, 2008
The Alabama Legislature has been in session for a little while now. The session should last into May, meaning that we need to keep our eye on what is taking place in Montgomery. As for now, the news is not encouraging. But perhaps there will be some movement on matters raised by the House Task Force on Poverty.
Report from the Task Force
APP was included as a member of the task force and I attended all the meetings. I’m grateful for the committee’s work and feel that, at least, the conversation about how to address poverty was advanced. You may want to take a look at the group’s report.
This link will take you directly to a PDF document of the Task Force’s final report. You’ll want to note, on pages 3 and 4, the recommendations made. Of particular note is the recommendation to remove the state tax on groceries. This issue has received some attention from legislators and the media, but no movement. The problem is that such a move will require the replacement of 500 million dollars and no one seems to want to touch that. This recent editorial speaks to the issue, noting again that ours is a disgraceful, regressive tax system.
Such are the obstacles we face. Here’s another:
Constitutional Reform Bill Described as Dead
So here’s another opinion article, describing again the walls in the way of change. Over and over there is an effort to give the people of Alabama the opportunity to vote for or against a constitution convention. One has to seriously wonder why it is so hard to gather enough support to move this through the legislature. Still, there are a number of good folks who will continue this struggle – until the walls of resistance are breached.
Economic Reasons for Change
One of the motivating factors that gives opportunity for change in Alabama is the economic development that is taking place. In fact, this article indicates our state should suffer little in the midst of what some predict is an upcoming national recession. The reason? The influx of new industry. But read the entire article to note one disturbing downside – our citizens are not benefiting from the new jobs being created. The expert cited notes that offices and factories are being kept afloat by newcomers to the state. "Lack of a trained work force is the No.1 complaint I hear," he said. "Our public education system has failed us."
Do you see the connections? We depend on a tax system dependent on taxing those least able to pay. Those same citizens receive a substandard education, though they are the ones paying for it. This limits economic development for the state as a whole because workers are not adequately prepared to enter the contemporary workforce.
And yet politicians are reticent to make the hard but necessary changes to bring about a more equitable system.
A Chance to Speak to Legislators
APP does not participate in lobbying directly. Our purpose is to inform. But adequate information will lead to action.
Alabama Arise, led by APP board member Kimble Forrister, does lobby on behalf of legislation that impacts low-income people. Arise will hold its annual Lobby Day on Thursday, February 28 at the state capitol in Montgomery. This offers a great, structured opportunity to speak to your state representatives about your concerns. I encourage you to take part. Click here for a flyer that gives a schedule for the day.
Another Reason to be Hopeful
Though such things as eliminating the grocery tax or allowing a vote for a constitution convention may not happen this time around, there is a good possibility that a permanent task force on poverty will be established by the legislature. One state newspaper thinks this is a good idea. Hopefully, APP and Arise will be included as members again of this permanent group.
Tell your legislator you think this is a good idea too.
Hope from Low-Income Citizens
Take another look at that report from the House Task Force on Poverty. Specifically, read the testimonies contained in Attachment D. I can tell you that the most helpful, the most electric and energizing part of the committee’s deliberations was when we heard from the very folks we were talking about.
I’ve been reminded again in recent days of the way that our society is segregated, divided in very practical ways between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Many of us with means spend very little time with those who have little in the way of resources. The testimony contained in the report makes real the issues of taxation, education, and constitution reform.
Maybe before we can break down the walls that hold us back from substantive change, we must first break down those social barriers that keep us from knowing the experience of our neighbors. Perhaps then we will care enough to see this struggle through.
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