RESOLUTION ON ALABAMA TAX REFORM

Whereas the citizens of Alabama continuously identify funding of public education as the highest priority of the state, and,

Whereas education funding at all levels is facing a crisis that demands immediate attention, and,

Whereas every study and survey clearly show Alabama has the capacity to better fund public education, and,

Whereas higher education in Alabama is especially under-funded, resulting in a continuing loss of quality faculty to other states, and unacceptable degradation of teaching facilities, equipment and library collections, and,

Whereas this under-funding of higher education has a direct negative impact on economic development in Alabama and the prosperity of Alabama citizens, and,

Whereas the citizens of Alabama expect and deserve an adequately funded higher education system;

Therefore be it resolved that the Faculty Senate of the University of South Alabama expresses its strong support and advocacy of Alabama tax reform designed to produce a fair, productive and accountable tax structure that will provide equitable and adequate funding for all of Alabama public education.

Be it further resolved that the Faculty Senate of the University of South Alabama requests the Governor and the Alabama Legislature develop and adopt specific proposals that will provide adequate funding for all of Alabama public education in a time frame that will preclude Alabama public education being permanently damaged by the looming fiscal crisis.

And, be it resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor, members of the Legislative, and other interested parties as appropriate.

Adopted April 16, 2003 by unanimous vote of the USA Faculty Senate.