On September 30, 2020, I was asked to make a brief statement before a group of Christians about why I support the Illinois ‘Fair Tax’ Amendment. This is what I shared (adapted for print). Illinois currently has a “flat tax” income tax rate of 4.95% for all earners. The McDonald’s worker making minimum wage pays the same rate as the McDonald’s CEO who makes almost 400 times the average employee. The Illinois Fair Tax Amendment would increase the percentage for those who earn more than $250,000 annually, and decrease it for lower-income working individuals and families.
I am a person of faith, and because of my faith, I support the Fair Tax Amendment.
I support the amendment because our current “flat rate” tax structure is unjust and is oppressive to low-income working families. I support the amendment because I serve a God that defends the poor and upholds the cause of the oppressed. I support the amendment because I believe God is pleased when we recognize economic disparities and treat those who have less with policies of compassion and justice…because that’s what God does.
You heard me right. That’s what God does. God distinguishes between those who have more and those who have less. It is fair to say that God divides people into “the haves” and “the have-nots,” and God has different expectations for the haves. It’s biblical.
It’s in the book of Leviticus. Now I know that nobody reads Leviticus. The entire book is devoted to describing the different sacrifices that are required for various infractions of the law. We don’t make sacrifices, and as Christians, we often say, “we’re not under the law – we’re under grace.” So we don’t read it. That’s unfortunate, since Leviticus shows us a principle that has a direct bearing on the issue before us.
According to Leviticus 5:6, everyone is required to offer a female lamb or goat as a guilt offering. But in the very next verse, God gave people without economic means options that fit with their economic status. Those who could not afford a lamb or goat were allowed to offer 2 doves or 2 pigeons instead. And if even 2 pigeons were beyond one’s ability to pay, they could bring a “tenth of an ephah of flour. That’s about 9 cups. God doesn’t have a “flat rate” sacrificial system. For those who have more, more is required. For those who have less, less is expected. This is not equal, but it is fair.
God makes a distinction between those who have the resources and those who don’t. Our current tax structure makes no distinctions. And because it does not, it is unfair.
If God is just and fair to the poor, then we, as the people of God, have an obligation to seek justice and equity for the poor. So I will vote “Yes” for the Amendment on my ballot this November 3. I will vote yes, because a progressive tax structure is faithful to the heart and justice of God. I encourage you vote “Yes” too.
Tongue on Fire 