"The development of economic activity and growth in production are meant to provide for the needs of human beings. Economic life is not meant solely to multiply goods produced and increase profit or power; it is ordered first of all to the service of persons, of the whole man, and of the entire human community. Economic activity, conducted according to its own proper methods, is to be exercised within the limits of the moral order, in keeping with social justice so as to correspond to God's plan for man."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2426).
Catholic Social Doctrine teaches that a just economy is one that serves the human person. Questions of fair wages, fair taxation, fair treatment of workers and fair business practices are important public policy debates.
The State Budget is an expression of moral priorities. This budget should adequately fund health and safety, education and human services, economic development and environmental security. The needs of the poor and vulnerable should be a high priority.
The Catholic Conference of Ohio supports tax policies that fairly raise adequate revenues, and mitigate the impact on persons with fixed and low incomes. We believe wages should be adequate for workers to provide for themselves and their families with dignity.
Taxation is both an economic and moral issue. We believe there are important questions to be answered.
- Does Ohio’s tax structure adequately protect the poor, vulnerable children, seniors and the disabled?
- Are Ohio’s tax policies sufficiently progressive, intentionally designed to collect more from those with a greater ability to pay?
- Is Ohio’s tax code fair to all taxpayers?
- Do our tax policies serve the common good of Ohioans?
The Ohio Bishops support tax reform that is fair, raises adequate revenues, is progressive, and mitigates the impact on persons with fixed and low incomes.