House debates taxes

The House Finance committee began what promises to be a long day of debating whether to pass $940 million in new taxes.

"Is there any part of this bill I'm going to like?" asked Rep. Curtis Blackwood, a Matthews Republican.

"There's nothing in any of this that anybody likes," said Rep. Pryor Gibson, a Wadesboro Democrat. "This is the least painful thing that we could come up with...There's no pride in this document."

Opponents found fault with the taxes. The taxes would hurt business and state residents. The budget cuts aren't as painful as Democrats have led on, and the tax package is unfair since Republicans weren't in on the discussion, opponents said.

"You made cuts to where you know enough people would scream," said Rep. John Blust, a Greensboro Republican. 

Supporters of the tax countered that the package was the only way to fend off the  most hurtful cuts to education and social services.

"With this package, we restore the thigns that make North Caroilna great," said Rep. Deborah Ross, a Raleigh Democrat.