"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
$790 million...$900 million...$1½ BILLION...
That's how much the North Carolina House, Senate, and Governor want to "increase revenues" for the next fiscal year.
Let me translate..."increase revenues" is government-speak for "raise taxes."
To which we ask, "What are you kidding?!"
The state's unemployment rate is at a record 11%.
People are already hurting.
You want to raise the tax on money they don't have?
The government's proposals include additional income taxes, a higher sales tax rate, and taxes on goods and services that have never been taxed before.
Auto and home repairs...
Movie and sports tickets...
Even haircuts....
The professed goal is to save teaching positions, which is certainly a noble endeavor.
But you're going about it the wrong way.
Instead of raising taxes, take a sharper knife to budget items like the $3 million slated for oyster reefs and sanctuaries...
re-think that million for "historically UNDERUTILIZED businesses..."
and shave a couple of million from the $18 million you're donating to the N.C. Biotechnology Center near Raleigh.
Supporting education is a terrific goal.
But don't do it on the backs of those who can least afford it.
Not now...
Not ever.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
