For the Common Good of the Commonwealth: A Reflection on Fair and Adequate Tax Policies by Religious Leaders in Virginia Questions and Answers Why are religious leaders speaking out on tax reform? What does tax reform have to do with religion? Virginia stands at a critical crossroads. The state budget is in crisis and the quality of life of all Virginians is at risk. Our tax system is unfair and inadequate; it places a disproportionate burden on low and moderate income Virginians and does provide sufficient revenue for the needs of the people of our Commonwealth. Our religious traditions call us to promote the welfare of the community. This call includes a concern for fair and adequate taxation. Are the religious leaders supporting or opposing a specific tax plan being advanced by public officials? The religious leaders are setting forth a moral framework that can be used to judge various tax reform proposals. Fairness demands that we tax all income groups equitable and not disproportionately tax low and moderate income households. Adequacy demands that we generate sufficient revenue to protect the quality of life of Virginians through investments in education, transportation, human services, environmental protection and other programs critical to the common good. The religious leaders support raising additional revenue fairly. Are the religious leaders only concerned about the poor? No. While we have a special concern for the poor, we are equally concerned about the welfare of all Virginians. We believe that the health of the entire community is improved when the basic needs of all are met, including the needs of the most vulnerable. What do you hope this statement will accomplish? We hope our statement will help people to stop and reflect. We hope it will open minds and hearts. Virginia needs civil dialogue regarding the fairness and adequacy of the Commonwealth’s tax system, not partisan posturing. What are you asking politicians to do? We are asking the Governor and the General Assembly to adopt comprehensive tax reform. We want this reform to be guided these questions: Is Virginia’s tax system fair? Does it distribute the tax burden equitably? Is Virginia’s tax revenue adequate to the needs of the common good? Does it make adequate investments in our communities and our people?

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)

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Wage Petition (link)

Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)

FAQ's (link)

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