http://aattp.org/arizona-passes-unconstitutional-law-giving-massive-tax-breaks-to-churches-and-only-churches/
QuoteSince the inception of our country, there’s been a kind of wall built between church and state. We have to say a “kind†of wall, since obviously it’s not complete â€" the tax exemptions given to churches have been agreed upon by many to put a pretty big loophole in it. Even so, there’s some logic there, on the basis that a government that taxes churches is effectively in business with them. But when it comes to picking winners and losers in the non-profit game, Arizona has decided fully which cross it chooses to bear.
This isn’t the first time House Bill 2128 has come to the floor. Pushed by the hyper-conservative, anti-immigrant Center for Arizona Policy, the bill grants churches that lease their properties massive tax breaks on the property assessment. It originally came to the floor last year, and passed the Arizona House, but was struck down with a veto by then-governor, Republican Jan Brewer.
We'll find out soon, too â€" it just passed the Arizona house again, with an almost party-line vote of 33 to 25. As of right now, the only thing standing between this blatantly unconstitutional bill and implementation is the signature of a guy who was supported by Ted Cruz.
Even so, there’s still some speculation on whether or not he’ll sign it. The bill is expected to cost the state up to $2.1 million a year starting in 2017. That might seem like small potatoes, but Jan Brewer (showing typical Republican financial aptitude) left her state’s economy a debt-and-deficit-ridden mess. He has voiced opposition to the bill; but, on the other hand, he’s also proven well in bed with the bill’s biggest backers, the Center for Arizona Policy. So, it remains to be seen whether he’ll keep with his political alliances and risk being primaried out like Jan Brewer, or prove himself equally fiscally irresponsible, and be primaried out anyway.
For sure, this is a profit-loss calculation for Ducey. But Democratic Representative Bruce Wheeler put the bill in a larger perspective:
“There are hundreds of nonprofit organizations across our state who provide a unique service to the community, including food banks, domestic-violence shelters, and veterans’ organizations. Many of these organizations are also leasing property and struggle with their bottom line. By giving this exemption to churches and only to churches or religious properties, you are indeed selecting one nonprofit service over others based on religion, and nothing but religion.â€
So, who stands to profit from this new tax break, if not veterans’ organizations and food shelters? As many bloggers have pointed out, one of them is none other than Tempe Pastor Steven Anderson â€" aka “New Fred Phelps.†Phelps 2.0 will see his church’s yearly tax rates drop from the full 18.5 percent now to about 1 percent, should the bill pass. And every bit of that will go right back into Anderson’s pocket, so he can make more YouTube videos about evil Jews, executing gays, praying for Obama’s death.
You know, somehow we’re thinking that hanging Jews, gays and presidents from the ramparts wasn’t what our founders had in mind when they built that wall of separation.
Fiscally stupid, bigoted and just waiting for lawsuits that will rack up more expense for the state. Arizona isn't a wealthy state by any stretch. This is the kind of idiocy that all by itself shows how idiotic Republican conservatives are.
Quote from: stromboli on February 08, 2015, 08:37:29 PM
Arizona isn't a wealthy state by any stretch.
That would be Maryland, followed by Alaska and New Jersey.
-Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_income
If Arizona goes bankrupt, would it be unethical for the neighboring states to build a wall and refuse to let Arizona refugees cross due to a fervent need to regulate immigration?
Quote from: Aletheia on February 08, 2015, 10:46:08 PM
If Arizona goes bankrupt, would it be unethical for the neighboring states to build a wall and refuse to let Arizona refugees cross due to a fervent need to regulate immigration?
Lol, you got me. solitary lives there, I've spent some time there. Lots of scenery, not much else that I've seen other than hitch hiking Native Americans. Personally wouldn't live there, too hot. Utah's relatively mild by comparison.
What is it about Arizona? Is there something in the water that makes them so right wing? Because New Mexico is far more reasonable.
I think it's the same effect as what happens in Florida. Due to the location of the swamplands in the region, the heat in the area causes swamp gas to spread across the wind in Florida's direction, making the people there into crazies.
Quote from: Aletheia on February 08, 2015, 10:46:08 PM
If Arizona goes bankrupt, would it be unethical for the neighboring states to build a wall and refuse to let Arizona refugees cross due to a fervent need to regulate immigration?
Ethical? No. Funny? Oh hell yes.
Don't be raggin on Arizona.. Solitary wants to pay a higher tax rate than any church as a form of penance. Right Bill?
One thing about Utah- all the states around, excepting Colorado, are even more conservative and backward than Utah. I think that is because of all the gay couples that come here for the skiing.
Quote from: Atheon on February 09, 2015, 05:58:30 AM
What is it about Arizona? Is there something in the water that makes them so right wing? Because New Mexico is far more reasonable.
Obviously they don't have enough Starbucks.
Quote from: Desdinova on February 09, 2015, 11:33:22 AM
Obviously they don't have enough Starbucks.
I think its more lack of water than anything.
(edit) and Starbucks. If you say so.
Quote from: AllPurposeAtheist on February 09, 2015, 10:22:49 AM
Don't be raggin on Arizona.. Solitary wants to pay a higher tax rate than any church as a form of penance. Right Bill?
BITE ME! Solitary