Iowa bishops say poor must be priority, taxes must aid common good

Published: 2003-11-17

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNS) -- In a new statement on taxation, the Catholic bishops of Iowa urged the state to approach spending the way a prudent family would. "As do prudent families, the state of Iowa should maintain savings for periods when revenues are less than needed," they said in the 1,000-word statement. "Tax cuts, while popular, should result from a reduction in revenue needs, not as a result of providing favors for special interests," they said. The statement also called the collection of taxes "an important and justifiable role of government" and said taxation "can be used as an economic strategy to level income distribution in a society." But the bishops said spending decisions should give priority to "the basic needs of all people -- especially those who are poor and vulnerable." "Just as in a family's budget, spending for recreation and entertainment should come only after paying for shelter, food, clothing and other necessities," they said. The statement was issued Oct. 30 by Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus of Dubuque and Bishops Joseph L. Charron of Des Moines, William E. Franklin of Davenport and Daniel N. DiNardo of Sioux City as members of the Des Moines-based Iowa Catholic Conference, public policy arm of the state's bishops.

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