Local Economist Supports Proposed Sales Tax Hike

Apr 29th, 2010

University of South Alabama economist Dr. Semoon Chang recently issued an analysis of Mayor Sam Jones's temporary one percent sales tax proposal (see below). Chang said, "laying off hundreds of city employees is like the closing of a business with hundreds of employees in Mobile that will result in reduced retail activities, let alone all the human sufferings. It will also lead to mutiplier-driven negative effects."

Chang noted that if the tax is approved, "it buys some time," to take a comprehensive look at tax reform in the City of Mobile and Mobile County.

(Mayor Jones shared Dr. Chang's analysis with city council members via email on Thursday.)

Dr. Semoon Chang Memo