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WHAT'S WRONG?
 It Locks in an Unfair Tax System

The current constitution forces our poorest citizens to pay a disproportionate share of their income in taxes.

For example, the wealthiest one percent of Alabamians pay about 4% of their income in state taxes, while the poorest fifth of our citizens pay nearly 11% (see PDF chart).

Moreover, Alabama families begin paying income taxes after just $12,600 in earnings, one of the lowest thresholds in the nation. By contrast, Mississippi does not begin collecting income tax until a family makes more than $19,000 in a year.

Alabama is one of only a handful of states that still collects sales taxes on groceries and non-prescription drugs.


WHAT'S WRONG?
• It restricts local democracy
• It hinders economic development
• It limits budget flexibility
• It is the longest known constitution in the world
• It has undemocratic origins

RELATED DOCUMENTS
• Who pays Alabama's taxes?
(PDF file)
Grocery Shopping with Judy
"Grocery Shopping with Judy" is part of the "Testament to a Travesty" series in the Anniston Star.
Grocery Shopping with Judy
Anniston Star, April 3, 2002

Judy Harrington spoons orange Gerber baby food into her daughter's mouth. As all 9-month-old babies do, Michelle chases it with formula and dribbles it on her chin. That drool cost a few cents. Across the table, two of her boys, Andrew and Daniel, fix tacos for themselves, adding vegetables and cheese to tortillas filled with ground beef and beans. They drink Pepsi and Dr. Pepper. That's a few dollars going into their stomachs.
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Who Pays Alabama's Taxes?
PDF Document

Download this chart displaying state and local tax statistics for 2002 and shows just who is paying the taxes in Alabama.
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