Taxes are one of the most important tools of public policy. Taxes shape the way each of us earns, saves, and spends money. Reforming our tax system is critical to the elimination of poverty and progress toward economic justice. Although the federal income tax is broadly progressive (charging poorer people lower rates), the tax system as a whole is tilted in favor of the rich and powerful. State and local income taxes, social security taxes, and some sales taxes are disproportionately levied against poorer people.
Economics and justice both dictate that the poor should pay the least percentage of their income in taxes. A pro-poor tax system is good for everyone. The current system is broken, and while we all suffer for it, the poor suffer most.
Just Harvest is advocating for better federal, state, and local tax policies. In 2010, we are advocating to make the 2009 expansions to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit permanent. We’re also supporting progressive tax changes at the state level, such as closing corporate tax loopholes and taxing Marcellus Shale production, to raise the revenue necessary to continue funding for state human service programs during this economic recession. We plan to work with the City of Pittsburgh Finance Department to make filing local taxes easier. To find out more about our work, and how you can get involved in our advocacy efforts, contact Kristie Weiland Stagno.
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