"Alabama Partnership for Progress" Supports Education and Tax Reform Proposal

On September 9th, Alabama voters will decide the fate of reforms proposed by Governor Bob Riley and placed on the ballot by the Alabama Legislature during the June 2003 Special Session. This proposal has been described as "the most comprehensive accountability, education and tax reform in Alabama's history." Created to cover the $675 million gap in the state budget and to fund future operations of social services, the plan would raise $1.2 billion in annual tax revenues and also create new levels of educational accountability. The proposed plan utilizes a broad tax increase of income taxes, sales taxes, cigarette taxes, and property taxes. In the battle for the public's support, the Alabama Partnership for Progress has emerged as an enthusiastic advocate for those who would benefit from passage of the plan.

The Partnership describes itself as a "non-partisan, broadly diverse, grassroots coalition of organizations and individuals from across Alabama who have come together with a common commitment to help build a better Alabama." Boasting a statewide alliance of more than 60 organizations, including education, business and industry advocates, senior citizen groups, civic and philanthropic organizations, law enforcement organizations, and community groups, the Partnership allows a powerful collection of public citizens to express their support for the plan.

In their effort to promote the plan, the Partnership works to inform the public of the facts and details of the tax package. They invited experts, such as Dr. Carl Ferguson of the University of Alabama's Center for Business and Economic Research, to perform a detailed analysis and to educate the public about the plan. As a method of gaining support at the grassroots level, the Partnership also sponsors forums and rallies throughout the state.

Supporters emphasize the rewards of the proposed tax reform, such as the expansion of the Alabama Reading Initiative, additional incentives and bonuses for teachers, and the hiring of fiscal managers for local school districts. Those opposed to the broad tax increase claim higher taxes, decreased money in the economy, and a potential rise in unemployment as reasons for defeating the plan.

Caroline Novak, Chair of the Partnership, describes its mission when she states:

"We have a very real opportunity to change Alabama fundamentally and forever, and that possibility has created a sweeping groundswell of support. The realization that this plan allows us to achieve excellence in education, government accountability and tax fairness all at once, has spurred a movement made up of widely diverse groups and individuals who have three things in common: They love Alabama; they're tired of the antiquated, unfair policies and mediocre education that have held her back for so long; and they're ready to turn this historic opportunity into reality."

Prepared July 28, 2003