The Missouri Bishops, through the Missouri Catholic Conference, have issued a statement on Amendment 5, a ballot measure that would phase out the state’s income tax and permit greater reliance on sales and use taxes. They urge voters to consider the moral principles that should guide their evaluation of the amendment.
The bishops emphasize that, “while the Church does not prescribe any particular tax model, she teaches that every system of taxation must serve the common good, be guided by justice and equity, and take into account each person’s ability to contribute.” They add that tax proposals should be judged by their impact on the poor and caution that systems relying heavily on regressive taxes, such as sales taxes, can place a disproportionate burden on lower-income households.
At the same time, they acknowledge that many supporters of Amendment 5 are motivated by a sincere desire to promote Missouri’s long-term prosperity. The bishops encourage the faithful to discern the issue thoughtfully and urge elected officials “to ensure that the needs of the poor and vulnerable remain at the forefront of public policy.”
You can read the full statement here.