[Editor’s note. In this article, Alabama State Director, Chuck Bailey, talks about how his group took advantage of programs offered at Colleges and Universities to older learners. Read how his presentation was received. We thank Chuck for his contribution and encourage you to send in your material.]
Changing the Arc Of Alabama Taxation
Ways to Spread the FAIRtax Word
By Chuck Bailey, FAIRtax Volunteer
Alabama State Director
Over the past few years, the Alabama FairTax Team has presented the FAIRtax proposal to organizations such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Lions, politicians (state and federal), small groups, large groups and in general to anyone who would listen. Recently in January, we took our road show to Florence, Alabama, where a presentation was made to members of the University of North Alabama Institute for Learning in Retirement (UNA ILR). The group is made up of retirees who over the semester attend regular sessions on a variety of useful subjects to enhance the retirement years. Their brochure boasts that the ILR …. “bring(s) the highest quality educational programming to older learners living in the vicinity of The Shoals.” (Muscle Shoals, AL) “…. we are helping educate our society about successful and productive aging and the joys of older learning.” A large array of subjects are offered by semester along with “Brown Bag” lunch sessions, day trips to places like the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and presentations such as “Changing The Arc Of Alabama Taxation”, the subject of this Grassroots Report.
Chuck Bailey presents the FAIRtax to UNA ILR member attendees (two photos stitched together)
As shown in the picture, there were about 30 attendees. The presentation was done in Power Point using Dave Armstrong’s memes and adjusting or updating them as required. For instance, the poverty level guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services changed just before the scheduled course date, so all charts pertaining to the Prebate had to be updated. The agenda was prepared to cover the national FAIRtax and follow up with the Alabama Economic Freedom Act to present the fundamentals for both proposals. Everything being considered, the final result was threefold: 1) all attendees were attentive through the whole briefing, 2) those not familiar with the proposal left with a good understanding of how it works and 3) those with misconceptions of the proposals had their misunderstandings addressed and thoroughly vetted.
The host for the presentation was John Messamore, Course Leader for UNA ILR. The session was scheduled for January 30, 2019, with an allotted time of one hour and ten minutes to include questions. The session was conducted as planned with the exception that it went 1/2-hour long due to the overall interest created by the FAIRtax and the unique position of the Alabama FAIRtax Group also having a state version of the plan in the works. The session was recorded so the members not in attendance can view the course or refer back to it at a later time. In a later telephone discussion, John intimated that the attendees were still talking about the presentation, its positive reception and that some doubter’s minds had been changed to the positive. All in a day’s work for the FAIRtax. When they understand it, they demand it!
Chuck Bailey FAIRtax Volunteer
Alabama State Director
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CALL FOR PICTURES AND WRITEUPS
We need more of you to send in pictures and news. If you have anything to share, please send your material to me at jim.bennett@fairtax.org, or text me at (908) 578-4975, or fax me at (908) 598-2888. When others see your activity, they are inspired, and the process snowballs. When the process snowballs, Congress Members and Senators and, yes, even the President start to listen.