Governor Siegelman is threatening to call yet another special session, this time dealing with taxes.

It will be most helpful to me to get your feelings regarding any proposals that might be forthcoming involving raising taxes on Alabama citizens.

In order to avoid further proration of education funds, it is true that additional revenue for the education budget is needed.

However, I have contended all along that any move to increase taxes, without undertaking some tax reform measures, would, in my opinion, be unfair to Alabama taxpayers.

It is also important, in my opinion, to keep in mind that we are in an economic downturn in the economy, and those who have been fortunate enough to save money are seeing their earnings eroded during this downward spiral.

Raising taxes while our citizens are losing ground in their personal budgets is not something I think we should do.

In order to get your feelings on this matter, I am outlining below several questions.

If you could take the time to look over these questions and send me your answers, it would be very much appreciated.

(1) Do you favor finding more money to help meet the expenses associated with our public schools?

(2) If you answered yes to the above question, do you favor accomplishing this by raising taxes?

(3) If you were to vote for a proposal to increase taxes, which of the following would you favor:

Increase property taxes

Increase sales taxes

Increase income taxes

(4) Would you favor removing the sales tax from groceries and medicines?

(5) If sales tax were removed from foods and medicines, would you be more inclined or less inclined to favor a property tax?

(6) Do you have a suggestion on how best to resolve the lack of funds problem related to our public education system in Alabama?

If so, please send me that in a separate note.

Let me thank you for any consideration you give to responding to these questions.

It is an honor to represent you in the State Senate, and I will continue to listen to my constituents express their views so I can be better prepared to represent you on any legislation which comes before me for a vote.

Remember, "I'll go with you or I'll go for you" to help you solve any problem related to state government.

You may mail the above questionnaire to me at P O Box 225, Luverne, Alabama 36049.