April 18, 2008
Food and Taxes
The big news out of Montgomery this week is the vote by the House of Representatives to remove the state portion of tax on food. The vote was razor-thin, but does move the bill on to the senate, where supporters say they have the votes to pass the measure.
The bill does several other things that impact the taxes Alabama citizens pay. It raises the threshold at which income taxes begin to be paid and eliminates the federal income tax deduction for Alabama’s income tax.
Go to this newspaper report for more information on the bill. You can, of course, also visit the Alabama Arise site to find the Knight plan, the bill that was passed.
There was a very timely show on PBS last week that examined the tax system in Alabama. NOW did a terrific job of outlining the issues, visiting with some citizens who have to deal especially with the tax on food, and legislators who set tax policy. Go the NOW site here to view the show.
To say this issue is timely is perhaps to say the least. Food prices have skyrocketed over the past year worldwide. I’ve been reading, watching, and listening to several sources that describe the problems.
Go to Bill Moyer’s Journal site for a series of stories that focus on the U.S. From farmers who struggle in the face of misguided policy, to food pantries who struggle to provide, to individuals who struggle to make ends meet, we are facing hard times in a time of rising costs. Moyers reports, “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices rose by 4% last year, the largest increase in 17 years. And, the USDA predicts they will rise another 4% this year. Eggs are up 40% in the past year; milk up 26% a gallon; a loaf of standard bread, 20%.”
I’ve seen in more than one place that wheat costs alone have risen by over 100% in the past year.
The impact is worldwide. Here are several outlets for learning more:
The Diane Rehm show about the food shortage.
NPR’s series this week on the worldwide crisis.
An editorial outlining the issues and calling for legislative action.
Here the president of the World Bank also calls for action.
Bread for the World’s website always has helpful information.
And the ONE campaign gives options for advocacy.Cost is not the only issue that has an impact on low-income folks when it comes to food. The poor are disproportionately represented among those with diabetes. This is especially true among African-Americans.
A radio soap opera has been developed to address this issue. It’s called “BodyLove” and its written and produced right here in Alabama. My friend Frances Ford is a regular guest in studio when the show is broadcast in Marion, Alabama. Check out this story from the Los Angeles Times.
And Then There’s the Alabama Constitution!
While big changes are afoot in our tax structure, there is a big vote also looming regarding our state’s constitution. Reports indicate that the House of Representatives has scheduled a vote next Tuesday on House Bill 308. This would allow the state’s citizens to vote as to whether or not we want to hold a constitutional convention in order to write a new constitution.
Go to the website of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform for updates and to learn more.
(205) 939-1408