The Elusiveness of Tax and Constitutional Reform

Authors

Susan Pace Hamill, University of Alabama School of Law

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Never Gonna Change? An examination of the 1901 Alabama Constitution

Abstract

In this chapter, Professor Hamill illustrates that Alabama’s regressive tax policy oppresses poor Alabamians and denies their children a chance for a better future and explains why the 1901 Constitution makes meaningful tax reform impossible. She then shows that Governor Bob Riley’s 2003 failed reform efforts and ten years of unsuccessful civil rights litigation which followed, means reformers must convince Alabama’s citizens at the ballot box. Professor Hamill’s story of her personal experiences as an outspoken reformer, especially the anecdotes of her speaking to thousands of voters at their doors when she was a candidate for the legislature, illuminate why meaningful reform has remained elusive and reveals the distasteful strategy reformers must adopt to have any chance of success.

First Page

57

Last Page

92

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Comments

About the Author

Susan Pace Hamill is a Professor of Law and Honors Professor at the University of Alabama School of Law and Honors College.

Recommended Citation

Hamill, S.P. (2024). The Elusiveness of Tax and Constitutional Reform. In N.A. Aguado (Ed.), Never Gonna Change? An examination of the 1901 Alabama Constitution (pp. 57-92). North Alabama Digital Press @ Collier Library.