"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Here's a quote from Beverly Perdue last October:
"I don't believe that you can raise taxes in an economy with folks struggling the way they are."
Just a few weeks ago she said:
"Who in the world thinks in these trying, challenging times for families that you can raise income tax?"
But then, last week, Governor Perdue signed a State Budget that raises 990-million in new taxes.
It passed.
The vote was strictly down party lines...
Democrats voting yes... Republicans voting no.
In our new budget, singles making more than 60-thousand a year and couples making more than 100-thousand will be hit with an extra tax.
EVERYONE will be paying higher sales taxes.
Mecklenburg County will continue to have the dubious honor of the highest sales tax in the state...now over 8 percent!
Is this what the Governor really had in mind?
If you listen to her last October -- or even two months ago -- it's not.
And yet it's now the reality we're facing.
Is there anything taxpayers - you and I - can do?
Right now... no.
But wait 15 months.
The General Election for the North Carolina House and Senate is November 20-10.
Go to wbtv dot com to find out how your representatives voted on the budget.
We've posted all the votes there to make your research easy.
If you don't agree with their vote on these tax increases, remember that come Election Day 20-10.
And by the way, Governor Perdue will likely be up for re-election in 20-13.
We'll remind you.
Because WBTV is "On Your Side," we encourage everyone to "Speak Out" - tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
