WHEREAS,
Alabama PTA represents over 134,000 members whose mission is to
support
and speak on behalf of children and youth in schools, in the community
and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make
decisions affecting children; and
WHEREAS,
public schools receive a large portion of their funding from income
and sales taxes; and
WHEREAS,
Alabama’s tax system is regressive and unfair because poor
families
pay a higher percentage of their income in state and local taxes;
and
WHEREAS,
property tax limits, income tax rates, exclusions from income tax,
earmarking of income tax funds for teacher salaries and other
appropriations are included in the Constitution of Alabama; and
WHEREAS,
schools, state and local governments and other entities could operate
more effectively
with a tax system that is fair to all citizens; and
WHEREAS,
Alabama’s present tax base consisting of income, sales and
property tax
is not balanced and equitable to all citizens; and
WHEREAS,
schools, state and local governments and other entities would benefit
from
a balanced tax system that is diversified and fairly distributes
the
tax burden among all citizens, corporations and property owners;
and
WHEREAS,
the Constitution of Alabama is the longest and most amended state
constitution
which contains more that 310,000 words, 1240 pages and
more that 700 amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution of Alabama
restricts local governments from developing
an accountable tax base to fund education and other governmental
functions.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
that Alabama PTA will actively
and aggressively advocate for tax and constitutional reform, to
provide a
stable, predictable and adequate source of funding for public education,
higher education
and the welfare of all Alabama’s children.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that Alabama PTA will distribute copies
of this Resolution to each member of the Legislature,
and the Governor of the State of Alabama.
Done the 28th day of April, 2001.
ATTESTED:
Lynne R. Coker
Secretary
Larry L. Hooks
President.
