NC FreedomWorks Launches Assault on Tax Hike

Politicians in Raleigh got more than they bargained for when they proposed a 900 percent increase on cigarette taxes: FreedomWorks’ 22,946 members in North Carolina have launched a massive grassroots campaign to stop this tax hike.

During his February 21st state of the state address, Governor Mike Easley proposed a $277.1 million increase in cigarette taxes for medical spending. This hike would raise cigarette taxes from 5 cents a pack—the lowest in the nation—to 50 cents a pack. The proposal would give the Tar Heel State a higher tax rate than all of its neighbors.

Thankfully, North Carolina FreedomWorks has sprung into action, holding 15 chapter meetings across the state on this important issue. Already, FreedomWorks members have sent 251 letters to state legislators, reminding many of them that they signed a pledge not to increase taxes. FreedomWorks has also started a petition drive to tell the state legislature to control spending instead of raising taxes.

Alongside its formidable grassroots lobbying campaign, North Carolina FreedomWorks launched a public education effort to educate citizens about the harmful effects of this tax increase. Members handed out 4,500 fliers informing citizens that the Tar Heel State will no longer enjoy lower cigarette taxes than its neighbors. And top activists have submitted five letters to the editor at their local papers, two of which have already been printed. To augment this educational drive, FreedomWorks will distribute anti-tax hike door hangers in key legislative districts.

The campaign against Gov. Easley’s tax increase will culminate when FreedomWorks descends upon the state Capitol on April 13th. So far, more than five hundred activists have signed up to attend North Carolina FreedomWorks Day to remind legislators that voting for this tax hike will have dire political consequences.

North Carolina FreedomWorks Director Allen Page commented:

“We’re outraged that Governor Easley is pushing this massive tax hike on North Carolinians to compensate for overspending in Raleigh. Higher cigarette taxes will drive shoppers out of the state, kill jobs, and hit the working poor hardest.”

“Our voice will be heard. FreedomWorks will focus especially on legislators that signed our ‘no new taxes’ pledge. In 2004, a number of legislators paid a hefty political price for breaking the pledge. Those who break it in 2005 by voting for this tax hike should know that FreedomWorks will not forget in 2006.”