As former presidents of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, we join our fellow citizens with grateful anticipation in making a positive contribution to the great State of Alabama by supporting a tax reform and accountability package recommended by Gov. Bob Riley and passed by the Alabama Legislature. Now the people of this State will make the final decision on Sept. 9, 2003.
This is a historic opportunity for each of us to make a significant and positive difference in Alabama. Not since 1901 has Alabama had a leader and legislative body that has given the citizens the privilege of creating a true tax reform that is more equitable than the current tax system in our State. In keeping with a resolution on appropriate tax reform adopted by the Alabama Baptist State Convention, 2000, we believe that the current proposal does “bring relief and justice to the poor who are our neighbors.” Equitable tax reform is long overdue. The disproportionate tax burden on the poor will be erased. At the same time a more proportionate system will spread the tax responsibility among all the citizens of the state. The proposal before the voters may not be perfect, but it is much better than the present system. Also, to our knowledge no alternative plan to address true tax reform has been presented, especially as applied to the less fortunate among us.
The press and others in our state have been critical of the faith community leading in the defeat of a state-operated lottery. We chose the high road of a moral concern about this gambling issue. It was and still remains poor public policy to put state government in the parasitic business called gambling. It is not the function of government at any level to exploit the weakness of its citizens to finance public services through gambling with its destructive, addictive nature. The criticism alleged against the faith community challenged the faith community to offer a better plan. While it is not the function of the faith community to write laws, design tax reform or set governmental policy, it is our opinion that the governor and the Alabama Legislature are offering the people of Alabama a better plan. It is underscored in this proposal that state government can function and offer needed public services in a more legitimate and moral climate than resorting to the underhanded methods of gambling.
According to Romans 13:1–7, God established government as a minister for the good of all people. Under His plan we are to pay taxes. At the same time governmental officials are to be good stewards of these revenues in addressing the needs of each citizen in a fair and equitable manner. In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, we are admonished to pray for those in authority. As ministers and former presidents of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, we stand on the admirable and historic track record of Alabama Baptists in their prayerful support of all elected officials in Alabama. The faith community should continue to be the “salt and light” in the community to make a positive difference in the context of a high moral standard. It is our concerted opinion, even in light of its imperfections, the proposal on the ballot for Sept. 9 should be supported to move Alabama forward and to make necessary changes to not only increase much needed revenue but to improve and enhance needed public services to all our citizens, especially the children, the elderly and the less fortunate.
We plan to vote “YES” on Sept. 9, and urge all Alabamians to join us!
Harrell Cushing, Jerry Gunnells, Dan Ireland, Fred Lackey, Mike McLemore, Walter Nunn, Harper Shannon and Steve Tondera
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