The letter was signed by 250 ministers from across the
state.
In “An Open Letter from Louisiana Clergy to Governor Jindal”,
the clergy state their belief that the Governor’s plan will cause low and
middle-income people to increase their tax burden while simultaneously lowering
the tax burden on the wealthy.
“We believe that
any proposed law that would increase the tax burden on low- and moderate-income
families in order to decrease it for wealthy families must be judged an unjust
law,” the letter said.
“It is
universally recognized that sales taxes create a disproportionate burden on
poor and moderate-income families who spend nearly all they earn.”
Jefferson Parish
clergy who signed the letter include:
-
The
Rev. Jay Angerer, Rector, All Saints’ Episcopal, River Ridge- Rev. Deacon Maggie Dawson, St. Martin’s Episcopal, Metairie
- The Very Rev. A.J. Heine, Rector, St. Augustine’s Episcopal, Metairie
- Rev. Charmaine Kathmann, Deacon, St. John’s Episcopal/Anglican, Kenner
- Rev. Donald C. Muth, Retired, Episcopal Diocese of LA., Metairie
The Jindal
Administration disputes the premise of the letter.
“This is not an
attempt to do tax reform on the backs of the poor,” said Tim Barfield,
executive counsel for the state Department of Revenue.