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Under this stupid provision approved by the state Senate, Wake, Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford counties, which currently have the authority to ask voters to raise local sales taxes up to 2.75 percent limit, would be limited to a 2.5 percent under the bill. This means Wake County would be forced to choose between keeping its commitment of dedicating a half-cent of sales tax to a regional transit system with Durham and Orange counties or following through with a quarter-cent sales tax increase this fall to help fund education, among other ramifications.
Why did they do it? Because representatives from the rural counties claim it would "level the playing field" even though voters in the bigger counties have approved the sales tax rates because their voters want to have better education, transportation, etc. You know, the sort of stuff the current General Assembly is against improving in our state.
Of course, this would require Gov. McCrory's approval to become law. And we all know what a strong leader he is, so I'm sure a veto will be automatic (snort). Then again, if he wants a second term and sees the number of voters he could lose Wake, Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford counties (and he grew up in Guilford and represented Mecklenburg, let's not forget), maybe he'll bring some sanity back on this effort to micromanage our most prosperous counties. But I doubt it.
As a resident of Wake Co I want to give a big thank you to the NC Senate. Any measure that limits the sales tax is welcome. Middle class families have had enough of the ever increasing taxes to pay for the latest boondoggle.
Im for the cap as it good for all North Carolina citizens, the bigger metros need to think of other means to raise needed capital and budget smarter instead of funneling funds for pet projects.
IMO, this bill has some powerful allies. Mecklenburg wants to raise the sales tax by .25% use use the money for extra teacher raises and other undisclosed reasons. This new law will stop that sales tax from being put on the Mecklenburg ballot.
A fly in the ointment is American Airlines(aka US Airways). One of their largest hubs is in Charlotte and they will be forced to pay this extra sales tax on jet fuel for the roughly 650 jets that takeoff from airport each day. It's a considerable amount of money and they have already complained about it. The airline is responsible for over 8000 jobs in Mecklenburg, more in NC, and there are plenty of indirect jobs that depend upon them too.
I applaud the NC General Assembly's move to limit how much the counties can levy sales tax. It should have never been raised to 2.75% in the first place.
IMO, this bill has some powerful allies. Mecklenburg wants to raise the sales tax by .25% use use the money for extra teacher raises and other undisclosed reasons. This new law will stop that sales tax from being put on the Mecklenburg ballot.
A fly in the ointment is American Airlines(aka US Airways). One of their largest hubs is in Charlotte and they will be forced to pay this extra sales tax on jet fuel for the roughly 650 jets that takeoff from airport each day. It's a considerable amount of money and they have already complained about it. The airline is responsible for over 8000 jobs in Mecklenburg, more in NC, and there are plenty of indirect jobs that depend upon them too.
I applaud the NC General Assembly's move to limit how much the counties can levy sales tax. It should have never been raised to 2.75% in the first place.
Well, seeing how the airlines have recently reported record earnings on their very full planes, they can afford to shell out a few more bucks! I'll play the world's smallest violin in sympathy when they hand over the money!
Well, seeing how the airlines have recently reported record earnings on their very full planes, they can afford to shell out a few more bucks! I'll play the world's smallest violin in sympathy when they hand over the money!
You do realize that businesses don't pay taxes they collect taxes? If they have to pay/collect more taxes they charge more. Who pays it? You got it the consumer. It all trickles down to the working people.
I applaud the NC Senate to limit the transfer of our earned money from the efficient side of the economy to the inefficient.
Well, seeing how the airlines have recently reported record earnings on their very full planes, they can afford to shell out a few more bucks! I'll play the world's smallest violin in sympathy when they hand over the money!
There is no logic to this argument. Taxation should not be increased because it can be "afforded" this year. What happens next year when it can't be afforded? Taxes should be imposed ONLY when there is an absolute need supported by proper due diligence. In the case of Mecklenburg's proposed tax, it came from some buffoons elected from noncompetitive districts.
I hope this measure passes in the NC House as NC needs it.
....Then again, if he wants a second term and sees the number of voters he could lose Wake, Mecklenburg, Forsyth and Guilford counties (and he grew up in Guilford and represented Mecklenburg, let's not forget), maybe he'll bring some sanity back on this effort to micromanage our most prosperous counties. But I doubt it.
This is not supported by facts. McCrory only netted 3,101 votes from Mecklenburg, the largest county in the state. The problem with Wake, Mecklenburg and Guilford counties is these large urban counties have little influence on statewide elections because they are loaded down with people who vote straight party tickets from both parties and they end up canceling each other out.
People don't understand this, even though based on the commentary, they often vote this way themselves.
Finally the current GOP establishment in the General Assembly doesn't need McCrory to pass anything. They have a veto proof majority in both chambers. If he decides not to sign a law, then it becomes law after his time expires. If he vetos it, they can override it.
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