NAACP ½ Cent Tax Proposal Concerns

It is no secret that SEDD ( Southside Economic Development District) is working to get a 1/2 cent sales tax for the southside of the city of Monroe. Members of the NAACP sees this effort as great news and insist on being included; they are interested in plans for allocating and spending revenues generated from the tax. Some Monroe/Ouachita NAACP members believe that they should be included in making such plans. At a special called meeting on Thursday. March 04, 2021, information provided by the NAACP Economic Development Chairperson opened the door for questions and comments about the proposed tax. This chairperson listened and recorded questions to which answers would be sought from SEDD. In general , the NAACP believes that all plans about the tax should be shared, not just putting it on a ballot, but detailing explanation of how the tax will be spent and benefit the citizens of South Monroe. SEDD should provide a breakdown of how it plans to allocate the tax. How will the tax be paid for by the citizens...amounts... length of time...beginning and ending dates of payments. SEDD must be accountable to the people it represents...the Black community. Multiple concerns were aired as inquiries about the previous tax spending. Exactly, how was the money spent? How were these decisions made? Were Black businesses adequately included or did they benefit from tax money? The NAACP does not intend to be left out on the plans for use of the proposed tax. In fact, this body which represents the overall Black community is Demanding, not asking to be included with a SEAT at the table NOW, not after decisions have been made. No one appears to be against the sales tax; the concern is about operations by the SEDD organization, even clarity of who comprises the actual membership. There are questions about proposed members/ representatives from the Black Chamber of Commerce who were not considered. Why? NAACP President Douzart says, " The NAACP is not going to be disrespected. We are calling for Unity to benefit the Black community." Clearly, this organization expects Transparency from SEDD and nothing less. An attempt to contact SEDD was made which was fruitless.

Photo What's in a ½ cent tax? A lot