We need to have an adult conversation about tax.
Sure, no one loves it. However, history would show us that without a progressive tax on wealth and capitol, countries struggle to build equitable societies.
Tax is important. It's our tax which pays for the services and resources we need as a community.
When we lower tax we limit what we can do as a society. If you want better infrastructure, more housing, increased and improved health services, all these things cost. As a community, our tax is what we agree to contribute to build the Aotearoa we want to become.
Yes, nothings free. We pay for it. But, that's what community is about. When we pay tax, we are sharing our resources with one another in order to ensure that we as a community have what we need to thrive.
And this is where tax needs to be equitable. In order not to burden people, our tax system should be progressive, with individuals, businesses and corporations paying in proportion to what they have.
Sure there's a conversation about how much tax we want to pay. But, that conversation needs to be coupled to the reality of what sort of society we want to build.
If we want a more Just and equitable society, a progressive tax system, that redistributes wealth, and ensures we all have the resources we need to thrive, is imperative.
Read more on this from A.J. Hendry here: We Need to Have an Adult kōrero About Tax / A.J. Hendry
A.J. Hendry is a Laidlaw College graduate, and a Youth Development Worker and housing advocate, working in the Youth Housing and Homelessness space. He leads a service supporting rangatahi experiencing homelessness and is also an advocate working collectively to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa. He is also the curator and creator of When Lambs Are Silent.
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