Surprise, surprise, surprise
No, not this story, although the folks who back the High Point furniture market WERE surprised at what House budget writers did with marketing money that had been set aside for the trade show.
The surprise was this move by House Democrats to run a second tax bill through their chamber late Monday night. If you remember, the House passed a tax bill last week, raising sales and income taxes.
But in order to make their budget plans work, Democrats need revenue from an increase tax on cigarettes, as well as other hikes in other taxes and fees.
However, don't be fooled: it's the cigarette tax that proving controversial.
The problem is this: the Dems only hold a 63-57 majority in the chamber, which means if three members are unhappy with a proposal, controversial pieces of legislation can't pass without Republican help. And no Republicans lately have been disposed to build any bridges with regards to budget or tax issues.
Complicating matters, there are some Democrats, like Rep. Earl Jones, who don't want to see any tobacco tax hike.
Others would like to raise the tax to 75-cents.
Of course, there was some question last night whether the thing would even make it to the floor. Support in the House Finance Committee seemed shaky last night.
As I type this morning (9:07 a.m.), the committee is meeting again on the bill, this time with six additional Democratic members appointed by Speaker Jim Black yesterday. So it seems the tobacco tax increase is destined for the House floor this afternoon.
What's the big deal? Again, the House version of the state budget doesn't work without a tobacco tax increase. And neither the full appropriations committee nor full House want to start debating a spending bill without the revenue to back it up.
I'll update this post if and when the committee makes a decision.
Instant update: Before I even had a chance to mash the send key, Democrats forced a committee vote on the bill. The tax package passed and will be sent to the floor.