Update: The Flat Tax was passed as part of the FY2022 budget bills. AIN is part of the InvestInAZ Referendum petition drive to overturn the Flat Tax. Find a petition signing site here.
In an Arizona Republic Op-Ed and gathering at the state capitol, Arizona Interfaith Network Clergy denounced the proposed 2.5% Flat Tax that Arizona legislative leaders are pursuing. AIN brought into sharper focus just how the most vulnerable in Arizona would fare if the flat tax budget is adopted. In light of the harrowing year that we have come through, AIN clergy noted that the essential workers, who have sacrificed the most during the pandemic, would receive the least. “[The budget proposal] would bring no meaningful relief to these families, but instead, will write checks to Arizona’s wealthiest families on the back of our poor, middle-class, and minority families. |
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One of our most basic moral documents, of our home, congregation, or state, is our budget.
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Budget cuts would leave local municipalities with fewer resources to improve neighborhoods or provide basic services. Losses to state revenue would prevent future investment in Arizona’s human capital. Rev. Robert Fambrini spoke of communities like Maryvale, where some in his parish have lost jobs, faced eviction, and, as essential workers, have borne the brunt of the pandemic. “Pope Francis has said that there are three basic elements to living a just life: labor, lodging and land … We have to ask ourselves, is this any way to treat essential workers who desire and deserve to live just lives, just like the rest of us.” |
Rev. Hunter Ruffin called for an open and transparent budget process, taking the time for public hearings and robust public debate. He called for budget investments that would prioritize the poor, including: Increase our investment in public schools, safety nets, and the Housing Trust Fund, restore the Unemployment Insurance fund and expand KidsCare to receive the Federal Match.
“We especially urge the governor and leadership to share the bounty of this surplus budget with all Arizonans through a one-time Arizona Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. This will help those families most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In conclusion, Rev. Ruffin voiced the ongoing commitment of AIN organizations to oppose to this dangerous and irresponsible plan.
"If the legislature feels compelled to still enact this tax proposal, we will be among the first to call for a referendum to refer this to the voters. The public deserves a say in this matter, as it will impact generations to come. We ourselves will be launching a series of community and congregational study sessions to look deeply at the proposal and taxation. “
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Read more: "First the pandemic, now a flat tax. Haven't Arizona's most vulnerable suffered enough?” Arizona Interfaith Network Op-Ed, The Arizona Republic [pdf] “'Not fair nor equitable': Arizona faith leaders condemn proposed flat tax, say they will call for referendum if it passes.” BrieAnna J. Frank, azcentral [pdf] “Faith Coalition Calls Arizona Budget Proposal 'Immoral'”, KJZZ [pdf] “Arizona State Senate can’t find agreement on the budget, joins the House in recess”, ABC Ch. 15 [pdf] |
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Help stop the flat tax by signing the petition and contacting your elected officials:
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