The Arc of Minnesota - Position Statement on Taxes

Return to main Position Statements page | Return to Home page

Position Statement on Taxes

ISSUE:

“Taxes are part of our common wealth, what we all share. Protection and empowerment serve the common good. Because of our common wealth, we are all protected and America’s empowering infrastructure is available to all. That is a fundamental American value: the common wealth should serve the common good. It benefits everyone.” -- George Lakoff, Professor of Cognitive Linguistics and author of Moral Politics

There are certain facets of a civilized society for which we, as citizens, take responsibility and derive common benefits. Schools, police and fire protection, parks, human services, roads and sewers are examples of services that exist for the public good and are largely financed by the public through various taxes.

Intellectual and other developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions. People who have these disabilities and their families make tremendous sacrifices or adjustments throughout their lives. These include raising children at home until they are well into their adult years; forfeiting careers or reducing employment hours; paying extraordinary amounts of money for health care; and foregoing employment in order to qualify for long term support services not available through private insurance.

Many services used by people who have developmental disabilities and their families are financed by the public through taxes raised by federal, state, and local governments. Examples of such services include early intervention, education, residential programs, day training and habilitation, employment programs, respite care, in-home supports, personal care assistance, Family Support Grants, Consumer Support Grants, and the Children's Home Health Care program (TEFRA). These programs often allow families to stay intact and enable some adults who have developmental disabilities, to become productive, independent and self-sufficient. Such outcomes save the public from having to pay for more expensive services in more restrictive settings.

POSITION:

When developing tax policies, there must be a basic recognition that all levels of government have an obligation to finance services throughout the lives of people who have developmental disabilities, using a fair and equitable tax system. The Arc of Minnesota believes that a fair and equitable tax system:

Favors progressive taxes - tax rates must be based on the individual’s ability to pay
Shifts funding for services affecting people who have developmental disabilities from the local property tax to a statewide tax to ensure equity of services throughout the state
Prevents cost shifting from the federal and state governments, to local units of government. In order to ensure a minimal standard of service availability across the country and to fulfill its historical obligations, the federal government must remain a taxing entity for services to people who have developmental disabilities
Values quality of life issues for persons with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in its decision making process, including self-determination goals
Recognizes that families, who have children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living at home, have made significant economic and financial contributions that have saved other taxpayers of this state millions of dollars. Taxes and user fees must acknowledge this financial investment and hardship in addition to the ongoing significant costs of raising a child or adult who has intellectual and related developmental disabilities; and
Ensures that, during times of budget surpluses and deficits, essential services are maintained or improved and funds are made available to address the unmet needs of persons who have intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families.

This statement was approved by the Delegate Body at The Arc of Minnesota Annual Business Meeting on October 28, 2007.

Return to main Position Statements page | Return to Home page