Editorials

Of all the inequities in this state, none are more unfair than (1.) the way we tax the food our residents feed their families and (2.) the way we tax the income of folks who earn below the poverty line.

Now, after years of wringing our hands over this, state legislators may be on the brink of giving Alabamians the opportunity of doing away with both.

Last week, by large majorities, House and Senate committees passed and sent to the floor constitutional amendments that would remove the sales tax on groceries, and by increasing the standard deduction and exemptions, the level at which income taxes are paid would rise to around $20,000.

One of the problems plans like this have faced in the past is that these changes would cost the state much-needed revenue. This is an especially critical concern today when we are facing budget shortfalls. However, this proposal also includes a provision that would remove the state income tax deduction of federal income tax paid. That would make up what is being lost.

This page supports this plan.

Today, only Alabama and Mississippi (sound familiar?) tax groceries. Special interests have gotten sales tax exemptions. Everyday citizens haven't. (As critics of Alabama's system have pointed out, formula to feed a calf isn't taxed. Formula to feed a baby is.)

Moreover, despite recent adjustments in the level at which income taxes are paid, Alabama is still one of the few states that taxes earnings below the poverty line. According to all the religions practiced by our residents, this is unjust.

Of course, objections will come from those who do not want to remove the federal income tax deduction, though once again we are one of the few states that allow what is essentially a benefit for those who already benefit from the system. Only about 20 percent of Alabama families — those
earning $100,000 or more — would see a tax increase. Considering the low state taxes they pay in other categories, and the oft-touted low cost of living we enjoy in Alabama, this is a small price to pay to make this state better for all its residents.

So the House and Senate ought to pass this constitutional amendment and send it to us for our approval. But more than that, senators and representatives who support the amendment in their respective chambers need to go out and campaign for it. All too often legislators have passed hot topics along to the people and then have refused to speak in favor of the issue. This should not be one of those times.