Do you want the bad news or the bad news?
From today's paper: the grim news about the state budget.
One of the questions that's pretty common for legislative leaders this time of year is whether they think a tax increase is likely, and if so, what kind.
Senate leader Marc Basnight says he think taxes are a non-starter, with the exception of alcohol and tobacco taxes.(Audio link.) In that same clip, he defends the recent rise in government spending, saying the new construction on university campuses particularly was worth it.
That's one man's opinion, and it is not shared by all.
House Speaker Joe Hackney said, in effect, "maybe" to the idea of new sin taxes but didn't sound real enthusiastic about the idea. (Audio link.) But he did agree that the growth in spending over the past decade was worth the investments made in education. Click here for that clip.
Rep. Hugh Holliman, the Democratic leader in the House, took exception as well. (Audio link.)
Sen. Phil Berger, the Republican leader in the Senate, also has his doubts. From my story:
"North Carolina has one of the highest beer taxes in the nation," said Sen. Phil Berger, a Rockingham County Republican and his party's leader in the Senate."In my district, raising the beer tax could cost jobs," Berger said, alluding to the Miller brewery in Eden.
Berger also had more to say about the budget. In essence, he said, that the state has been able to cut its budget to cope with the recent shortfalls and keep going is proof we're not running as lean as could be.
Comments (2)
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Wonder if those liberals, have consider, cutting out PORK?
Posted on January 26, 2009 2:14 AM
Just read a amazing article in a paper. Cigarette tax increase equals less income.
Same amount of smokers! That state would be New Jersey!
Guess that why I see all those cars and trucks , purchasing trunk loads of cigarettes in Virginia. I remember when you saw this in NC.
Most of us are just alike, we look to save money. Going to Tennessee today, fill my car up in Virginia, save a few dollars. When I leave Tennessee, will fill up again. Not only does NC lose gas tax, money we would spend at the gas station, they lose sales tax on it.
Posted on January 26, 2009 6:49 AM