FreedomWorks Salutes State Senator for Call to Reduce North Carolina Gas Tax

FreedomWorks North Carolina today applauded state Senator Phil Berger (R- District 26) for his recent efforts to reduce the spiking North Carolina gasoline tax. The Tarheel state’s gas tax is already one of the highest in the Southeast, and because part of the tax is tied to the price of gasoline, it is scheduled to increase another 11 percent in January 2006. The gas tax is just one of many taxes that puts North Carolina at 28th in the country in terms of overall tax burden, according to the Tax Foundation. That burden is one of the highest in the region and puts the state at a competitive disadvantage and slows economic growth.

FreedomWorks North Carolina State Director Allen Page commented: “As the price of gasoline rises, taking a bigger bite out of families’ pocketbooks, the state of North Carolina is now coming to automatically hike the gas tax by over 11 percent. That’s unfair and misguided.”

“North Carolina residents are taxed enough. It’s important to note that the gas tax is extremely regressive, hitting working families hardest as they spend a greater proportion of their income on fuel and gas taxes. Let’s stop punishing working North Carolinians with higher taxes and instead work to restrain the growth in spending in Raleigh. We commend state Senator Phil Berger and urge his colleagues in the Assembly and the Governor to hold a special session to provide gas tax relief.”