The mantra may be "fair taxes for all," but the bottom line of a recently resurrected coalition is the preservation of our nation's social and public infrastructures.

"Fair Taxes for All," a national grass-roots coalition that counts the AFT among its membership of 200-plus unions, nonprofit organizations and associations, was first formed two years ago to fight President Bush's initial round of tax givebacks. The group was resurrected in January in response to the president's call for a $670 billion "economic stimulus" proposal, as well as other initiatives, that deliver substantial tax cuts to the nation's wealthiest taxpayers.

"President Bush's 'economic growth' plan is a tax cut for millionaires that most economists agree will not effectively stimulate our weak economy or create jobs," according to the coalition. "The reduction in public revenue resulting from the overall Bush tax package would leave our government $2 trillion poorer."

The combined erosion of federal, state and local revenues would adversely affect working families, public services and the public infrastructure. The coalition provides links to reports, produced by such reputable organizations as Citizens for Tax Justice and the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. These reports explain in detail who really benefits from the cuts.

In related news, the White House has formed its own coalition to pressure Congress to pass the plan, USA Today reported at press time. The "Tax Relief Coalition," is made up of the primary beneficiaries of Bush's proposal--Fortune 500 companies and financial advisers, the newspaper notes.

AFT members are encouraged to rally behind "Fair Taxes for All." Visit http://www.fairtaxesforall.org/  for more information about the coalition--and more important, for more information about who will benefit from the tax cuts and how the cuts will further erode state revenues. [Barbara McKenna / AFT On Campus]

[May 27, 2003]