PRE-1

The Friends Committee on Legislation ("FCL") recognizes that government provides a variety of essential services and that these services are funded mostly by tax revenues. Many of these programs and services provide the essential human and social infrastructure to support a strong, healthy and environmentally sustainable economy in which all areas and peoples of the state have an opportunity to participate.

Therefore, we believe that California's tax revenues should provide adequate funding of education, healthcare, public assistance, housing, and other human and social programs which are essential to make California a desirable place in which to live, work, or operate a business. Because such programs contribute to overall economic prosperity and benefit society as a whole, individuals and businesses should share in the responsibility to pay for these programs through taxes.

Accordingly, FCL favors a taxation policy that encourages a more equitable tax burden. Much of the current tax system is regressive and does not reflect good stewardship; it imposes heavy burdens on those with limited means and favors the wealthy. The Friends Committee on Legislation supports:

· progressive taxation of all income;
· expanded sales tax exemptions for food and other necessities;
· tax structures that encourage home ownership;
· renters' income tax credit;
· assessment and taxation of all commercial and industrial property at
full market value on a periodic basis;
· measures to assure adequate taxation of multinational corporations
conducting business in California;
· abolition of government-sponsored gambling and gambling as a way to
raise revenues; (see Policy Statement on gambling);
· abolition of tax subsidies to upper income taxpayers;
· taxation policies which encourage recycling and reuse of resources
and goods.

Revised and approved by FCL Southern Regional Committee 11/20/97.
Approved by FCL Northern Regional Committee 3/14/98.