The Iowa Senate and House will be negotiating on tax reform provisions during the next several weeks on the 2018 session.
The bishops of Iowa have said there are two basic moral principles that should govern the collection and distribution of taxes as they benefit the State of Iowa and its people.
- Legislators should practice distributive justice wisely, so that all people can share in the benefits of life in society, for example, education, health care, protection of the environment and security. There should be a special concern for the poor and vulnerable who cannot provide themselves with what is needed to live in dignity. The Iowa Catholic Conference supports raising adequate revenues for a strong social safety net.
- Taxpayers should practice contributive justice, cooperating with the government to contribute to the common good by paying their fair share of taxes. Through contributions collected by taxes, we share the blessings that God has given us so that these resources can be used for the good of all. A just and equitable system of taxation ensures that everyone contributes to society according to his or her ability to pay.
You can find the Iowa Catholic Conference’s comments on specific proposals here:
http://iowacatholicconference.org/2018/03/icc-comment-on-house-tax-reform-bill-hsb-671/
In 2003, the Iowa bishops released a statement on taxation, which you can find here: http://iowacatholicconference.org/2014/02/taxation-2003/.
Our latest action alert on the issue: https://votervoice.net/ICC/Campaigns/58483/Respond.
