As the Louisiana legislature makes critical and far-reaching decisions on this special tax session, the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops asks for discernment and prayer.  We ask that you reflect on these principles from our catholic social teaching:

• That tax policy continually evaluated in terms of its impact on the poor; (Economic Justice for All EJA, 202)
• Pope Francis has stressed that “[t]hose services which society offers its citizens are not a type of alms, but rather a genuine ‘social debt’ with respect to the institution of the family, which is foundational, and which contributes to the common good.”
• The progressivity of the tax code: Pope John Paul XXIII “In a system of taxation based on justice and equity it is fundamental that the burdens be proportioned to the capacity of the people contributing” (Mater et Magistra, Mother and Teacher;132)
• Adequate revenue for the sake of the common good: Resources are required for society to defend and promote the common good. The USCCB has affirmed that “the tax system should raise adequate revenues to pay for the public needs of society, especially to meet the basic needs of the poor” (EJA, 202).
• Avoiding cuts to poverty programs to finance tax reform: The loss of revenue created by tax cuts should not be made up by cuts to programs that serve those most in need.
• Incentivizes charitable giving

Louisiana’s current special tax session is complex, and its effects are far-reaching.  As Louisiana wrestles with how best to serve the common good and provide increased financial stability, we offer the above principles and recognize the critical obligation of creating a just framework aimed at the economic security of all people, especially the least of these.