December 20, 2013
Written by Jason Thigpen
On January 1st we'll see the fruits of what North Carolina’s GOP led supermajority lawmakers have worked so tirelessly for, over the past year. They've certainly paved the way bringing NC to the forefront in ongoing national news stories due to the continual discriminatory legislation being pushed affecting such policies as: women’s rights, voting rights, and the disparity caused by the new income tax law. While these lawmakers suggest they believe in lower taxes, smaller government, helping small businesses thrive, and protecting individual rights their efforts only seem to prove otherwise.
These courageous legislators chose to hammer: retirees, small business owners, workers, college students, children, parents, charities, and programs of the Arts and Sciences. Wow, that sure was brave! But what do you expect when you’ve got a couple of Billionaires buying legislators and launching media campaigns in a concerted effort to convince Americans that hating each other is productive?
According to a December 8th article published online by the Charlotte Observer titled, “A tax cut in North Carolina, but first, new paperwork” – NC Senator Bob Rucho, one of the lead proponents of the law, said “the changes are needed to simplify the tax system, eliminate dozens of tax breaks for certain interests and lower the overall tax rate.” So, let’s checkout which “certain interests” the GOP chose to eliminate tax breaks for; The new income tax law eliminates tax deductions for retirement income, small businesses, unreimbursed job expenses and college 529 plans. It also repeals tax credits for child-care expenses, non-itemized charitable contributions and education expenses. Additionally, they’ve added a new sales tax on tickets to movies, college and professional sporting events, concerts, plays and museums, newspapers, college meal plans and service contracts for tangible personal property, such as car repairs.
“What it means to everybody starting in January 2014 is a larger take-home paycheck,” Sen. Rucho said. “That’s what people need to focus on. That is what our goal has always been – to put more money in people’s pockets.” Right…essentially there will be no savings even with the lower flat-rate income tax because even though you might have an extra $20 in your pocket on payday the new regulations will cost you $50. Therefore, you’re $30 in the hole.
Whether it’s a State or Federal issue, discrimination hurts the very people our government is supposed to be looking out for. Whoever thought the “feast or famine” approach to policy decisions would in the best interests of the people forgot to ask the people what they thought first.
It’s time we start electing more of our neighbors to represent us by putting people before party and politics. Please support our campaign efforts to elect Jason Thigpen to the U.S. House by making a contribution today at ActBlue.
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