newsobserver.com projects - Finance passes $784m tax package - Comments

Re: Finance passes $784m tax package

PaulTerrell — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:14:26 -0400

This fall and next year if you like these local and state TAX INCREASES for a bloated government(s), please vote Democratic. If you support a lean and well run government(s), then vote Republican.

Re: Finance passes $784m tax package

domewatcher — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:04:45 -0400

The article states: "Committee members shot down a series of proposed amendments, arguing that the new taxes were needed to avoid painful cuts in state spending."

Well now, we would not want any "pain" because we cut state spending. State spending levels are supposed to go up, not down. What is wrong with those who want to cut? Cutting is negative. That's what we've got, a bunch of negative people. "Never let them see you sweat!" And never reduce state spending. Once you have got the spending in place your only choice is to raise spending. That's in the Bible! Never retreat!

Raising taxes and spending money is the path to true happiness. And raising taxes and spending more and more money will end global warming and speed up the internet.

Re: Posturing

Jimblackmustgo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:47:26 -0400

This is comical at best. The world economy is suffering from a collapse of an unregulated market that encouraged irresponsible investing behavior and as a result...wait for it, let's hammer the NASCAR fans who want a cold beer while they enjoy a race. I love the argument about choice...why do we all pay taxes for schools if we don't "choose" to have kids? Why don't we have an obseity tax for fast food? Pass cuts on everyone and pass a sales tax on everyone and go back to work and leave our beer alone!!!

Re: Posturing

Gosh — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:47:50 -0400

Taxing tobacco and alcohol is the best kind of taxation because it both raises necessary revenue by taxing luxuries AND reduces state expenditures for the homicides, accidents, medical care, and prison time caused by use of alcohol and tobacco.

Festus, either there's a linguistic fallacy in your logic or you think tobacco results in homicide and prison time.

But I know what you meant. Given that, let's put a luxury tax on Hardee's too. It aint exactly health food.

Re: Finance passes $784m tax package

yeshoneyitsgreat — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:58:29 -0400

We STATE EMPLOYEES work our butts off to take care of the public. Obviously you do not walk in our shoes. Get real Crudeoil!!

Re: Finance passes $784m tax package

Crudeoil — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:55:53 -0400

HOW ABOUT GETTING RID OF SOME OF THE QUARTER MILLION STATE EMPLOYEE'S DOING NOTHING BUT THEIR NEXT DAY OFF OR COMP TIME.

Posturing

festus — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:22:31 -0400

Removing $154m from this tax bill was irresponsible. Faison et al will have to raise taxes elsewhere. Taxing tobacco and alcohol is the best kind of taxation because it both raises necessary revenue by taxing luxuries AND reduces state expenditures for the homicides, accidents, medical care, and prison time caused by use of alcohol and tobacco. I deeply regret this posturing.

Re: Finance passes $784m tax package

JPQuick — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:16:04 -0400

The argument from Ms. Perdue and House Democrats now appears to be that higher personal income taxes, business taxes, and consumption taxes are North Carolina's key to renewed growth and prosperity. As an added bonus, the legislature has dramatically expanded the complexity of the corporate tax code.

Likely outcomes of Ms. Perdue's enlightened tax policy include reduced domestic consumption, reduced private investment, and additional capital flight to other states.

The proposed budget is injurious to the economy and insulting to the intelligence of the people of this state.

To my everlasting regret, I voted for Ms. Perdue during the last election cycle. I will not make the same mistake in the next election cycle.

Finance passes $784m tax package

bniolet — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:01:01 -0400

The House Finance Committee adopted a $784 million tax package designed to mitigate the deep budget cuts in the House's budget proposal.

House members shaved $154 million from the proposed $940 million tax plan by removing "sin" taxes on beer, wine and cigarettes.

Republicans tried unsuccessfully to weaken the tax package. Democrats were the ones who successfully proposed removing the “sin” taxes from the roster.

"We got folks who are barely scrimping by as it is. Beer may be their only entertainment," said Rep. Bill Faison, an Orange County Democrat who proposed removing beer from the tax package.

Committee members shot down a series of proposed amendments, arguing that the new taxes were needed to avoid painful cuts in state spending. Opponents to the taxes argued they would hurt business and worsen the recession.

How the tax proposals finished after the jump.