CSE Raleigh Report

The first week of the short session was a busy one. Grassroots lobby groups included members of The North Carolina Sports Dog Association, NC Bike Pact, North Carolinians for the Arts, and a group from the American Cancer Society.

NC CSE has joined forces with The North Carolina Sports Dog Association, the Walkfar Coon Club, and numerous other groups in opposition to “The Animal Protection Act”. The proposal passed The House Committee on Finance, chaired by Representative Julia Howard, with a favorable rating. If passed, this piece of legislation would impose a tax (or “assessment” according to to its supporters) on dog and cat food. Although the proposal calls for the tax to be paid by the manufacturer, the result will be higher prices that ultimately reach the pocketbook of every dog or cat owner. Additionally, the proposal imposes new licensing fees on certain domesticated animal businesses such as boarding kennels not operated under the same Tax ID number as that of a licensed veterinary practice and opens a “Pandora’s box” of new taxing possibilities.

While the intent of the proposal is good, “to establish an animal protection program that will provide financial assistance to local governments for low-cost spay and neuter services, adequate sheltering facilities, and other needed services for their residents who have cats and dogs,” the way the proposal is crafted is a clear example of taxing one group to fund the negligence of another. Please contact your legislators in opposition to “The Animal Protection Act”. By calling (919)733-41111, you can be connected to any legislator in the Assembly.

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A large volunteer group lobbied for an expanded “sin tax” on cigarettes. Wearing t-shirts from the American Cancer Society and stickers saying “75 Saves Lives”, the activists lobbied legislators to support a $.75 tax on cigarettes. Of course, NC CE opposes such a tax because it is a regressive tax that unfairly targets one group of citizens.

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Members of Governor Easley’s staff presented the “Governor’s Recommended Budget Adjustments for Fiscal Year 2004-2005” to a joint meeting of the appropriations committees. While the budget was touted as including no tax increases, when asked how the Governor plans to fund needs resulting from additional education line-items, staff rather timidly responded that “The Governor plans to help with that through funds generated by an education lottery.” Here we go again! As always, NC CSE continues its firm resolve to oppose a state lottery.