Alabama Tax Justice
Feature, Original Broadcast Date: August 1, 2003 (Show #648):

In September, Alabama voters will go to the polls to decide whether to ratify an amendment to the state's constitution that would dramatically change its tax code. The tax reform package, proposed by the state's new governor, Bob Riley, a conservative Republican, calls for radical reforms, shifting the tax burden away from the poor and towards wealthy individuals and corporations. Riley, a devout Baptist, says the reforms are not just dictated by common sense, but also by a higher power -- his Christian faith. "When I read the New Testament, basically, we get three mandates: to love God, to love each other, and to take care of the least among us," Governor Riley explains. "And, I think this is at least a step in the right direction." Tim O'Brien reports on the latest controversy in the separation of church and state unfolding in Alabama as a result of Riley's proposed tax plan, which is garnering fierce opposition from some long time supporters, including the Christian Coalition.

Featured (in alphabetical order):

John Giles, Christian Coalition
Callie Greer
Mike Kilgore, Executive Director, Alabama Farmers Federation
Pastor Mark Labranche, Chaplain, Huntingdon College
Bob Riley, Governor, Alabama