North Carolina Lawmakers Pass $20.7 Billion Budget

This morning, it became official: North Carolina has a new state budget – to the tune of $20.7 billion dollars. Late yesterday, July 30, state legislators gave final approval to the massive spending plan. This morning, July 31, Governor Easley signed it into law with his “John Hancock.”

The two year spending plan, which passed largely along party lines, increases spending, makes a temporary sales tax increase permanent, and gives counties the authority, with voter consent, to add new taxes.

The $20.7 billion dollar budget increases spending by 9.5%.

The $20.7 billion dollar budget makes permanent a 2001 statewide “temporary” sales tax increase.  

The $20.7 billion dollar budget authorizes counties to hold public referendum to either increase the local sales tax or increase the local real estate transfer fee. Counties have been given permission, with voter approval, to either raise sales taxes by one quarter cent or raise the real estate transfer fee from 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent.

Now, more than ever, it is important that we redouble our efforts to take on the big spenders in Raleigh. Please forward this email to five people you know are NOT yet members of FreedomWorks North Carolina. Ask them to sign up to our email list by CLICKING HERE!

Allen Page
State Director
FreedomWorks North Carolina