"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
Congratulations, North Carolina legislators.
You've brought us some new national notoriety.
We now have the sixth highest gas tax in the country.
We have one question…"What were you thinking?"
Drivers are now paying 40-cents per gallon in gas taxes, which is a new record high.
And the timing couldn't be worse.
At the same time you added four cents a gallon with state taxes, the Federal government took away an ethanol tax break worth close to a five cents a gallon.
Add problems in the Persian Gulf into the mix, and you've got a perfect formula for financial hardship.
So, what can people do? If you live anywhere close to the state line, head to South Carolina to fill up.
The total state gas tax in South Carolina is 16.8 cents per gallon…making them the 4th lowest in the nation.
Now, not all North Carolina lawmakers are happy with the increase.
The House voted in November to cap the tax at 35 cents for the next six months.
But the Senate didn't take any action on the bill, saying it wasn't the right time to consider the change.
Well maybe it's the "right time" for our Senators to talk to the people they serve.
In a tough economy, when so many people are out of work…
you've just hit those who can least afford it right in their wallets.
"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
