Bunkley urges panel to keep exemption for Bibles

Prospects dim for repeal of sales tax exemptions

Mar 12, 2009
JAMES A. SMITH SR.
Executive Editor

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TALLAHASSEE (FBW) – At a time when many citizens are turning to churches and religious organizations to meet needs created by the economic recession, Florida Baptist Convention legislative consultant Bill Bunkley urged legislators to retain the sales tax exemption on religious items.

The House Finance and Tax Council March 11 heard Bunkley’s testimony, along with others who are concerned about the panel’s consideration of 51 sales tax exemptions. Collectively the exemptions would provide $385 million in additional annual revenues to the state facing a $5-6 billion deficit.

Bunkley spoke in favor of an exemption from taxes on the sale of religious items, including Bibles, religious publications and various religious paraphernalia.

During tough economic times “personal faith and inspiration and instruction that comes from faith-based religious publications – including the Bible, hymnals and other books of faith – are essential resources to Floridians,” he said.

The Legislature’s recent cuts in social services – and likely additional cuts to balance the budget – are creating more demand on churches to serve those in need, Bunkley said.

“It would seem counterproductive to remove the sales tax exemptions on many of the very publications that would provide … guidance and comfort during these tough times,” he said.

“We do recognize the need to search for new revenue and applaud the work of this council in reviewing certain exemptions. But abolishing the sales tax on religious items is not a wise decision in light of the positive role that churches and their publications provide for our communities,” Bunkley said.

Rep. Scott Randolph (D-Orlando) asked Bunkley what Jesus meant when he told his followers in response to their question about paying taxes that they were obligated to “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” According to the House of Representatives Web site, Randolph lists Southern Baptist as his religious affiliation.

Bunkley answered that Jesus was instructing his disciples since they had a “dual track of responsibilities” they were obligated to live under the laws of the state while also remaining faithful to Christ’s laws.

In an e-mail interview with the Witness on March 12, Randolph said he does not support repeal of the sales tax exemption on religious items, although he does believe “some are taking advantage of a religious exemption to do non-religious activities.”

He added, “I was considering continuing my questioning but chose not to embarrass the Republicans any further on the issue that even Jesus recognized the purpose of paying taxes and caring for the poor. I chose not to embarrass Republicans who think that avoiding taxes and ignoring the poor is the appropriate religion.”

Randolph said while “Jesus recognized the separation of church and state” many Republicans “seem to ignore” the principle.

Responding to a different question at the March 11 meeting, Bunkley clarified that under the religious items sales tax exemption not all products sold in religious bookstores qualify for the exemption.

According to an Associated Press report, House Finance and Tax Council chair Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Fort Lauderdale), said after the panel’s meeting repealing the exemptions may create more harm than good.

“Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease; we have to make sure we don’t do more damage,” she said, according to AP.

Rep. Ron Saunders (D-Key West) said he would urge his fellow Democrats to keep all of the current tax exemptions, the AP reported.

On a separate legislative track, the “Sales Tax Fairness Restoration Act” would subject all current exemptions – with limited exceptions – to review by the Legislative Sunset Committee and repeal if the exemptions are not later explicitly affirmed by the Committee and the full Legislature.

Such exemptions eligible for repeal under the bill are those on churches, religious organizations, religious schools, parochial schools and other charities.

Both the House sponsor, Rep. Dorothy Hukill, (R-Port Orange), and the Senate sponsor, Sen. Evelyn Lynn (R -Daytona Beach), have indicated that if the bills start moving they would support amendments to exempt churches and religious organizations from review under the legislation.

The House bill is HB 1163, while the Senate bill is SB 2576.

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