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House Democrats clear obstacles in tax, budget plans

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Comments (12)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

(Updated 4:39 pm)

By
Associated Press

RALEIGH (AP) — House Democrats have made improvements to their version of the North Carolina state government budget thanks to nearly $800 million in additional taxes.

House budget subcommittees restored dozens of budget cuts Wednesday, the day after the finance committee agreed to a tax package.

Budget-writers restored funds to prevent class sizes from increasing in kindergarten through third grade, keep 155 support staff in district attorneys' offices and preserve personal care services for the infirmed.

It was another step toward getting a state budget approved by the end of the week. House Speaker Joe Hackney told colleagues to be prepared to work Thursday and Friday.

Republicans are opposed to the additional taxes and say the cuts aren't as deep as Democrats would suggest.

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SusanBAnthony

June 10, 2009 - 7:50 pm EDT

For low-wage earners who are single and have no children, the present state income tax rates are too high. Without exemptions, deductions, or tax credits, the 7.5% is very difficult for someone earning $15k to $20k per year. By the time social security taxes, federal income taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, sales taxes, excise taxes, telephone taxes, etc., are paid, there is very little left for food, shelter, utilities, medical care. These people are not eligible for any kind of government benefits: no health care help, no food stamps, no winter heating credits, no nothing. They cannot bear a income tax increase; they desperately need a cut. I realize that is difficult for most people to understand but it's true.

greywolf

June 10, 2009 - 10:19 pm EDT

Susan B... You are absolutely correct. What we need to see is a decrease in the tax rate for low income workers and a 100% increase for those in the $200k-plus income ranges. Unfortunately, Republican legislators are far more concerned about eliminating services for low income North Carolinians and protecting their wealthy patrons than they are about how the state's poor manage to get by.

As ravencottage argues, I too am sure that Republican legislators will vote against the proposed income tax increases, because they want to ensure that the wealthy do not shoulder their fair share of the tax burden.

edward0275

June 10, 2009 - 11:41 pm EDT

greywolf, you are absolutely WRONG! I am in the low-end of taxpayers, and you say "stick it to the rich 100% increase and let US pay nothing". You are a d.s! Look at NYC and Maryland. They decided to "stick it to the rich" and the "RICH" - (small business owners, providing most of the jobs in this country, decided to leave those areas. There is NO "free ride". There is NO "free lunch"! As Margarat Thatcher said "The problem with Socialism is that you finally run out of EVERYONE ELSE'S MONEY". What is "The 'Republican" fair share? - all of it? Grow up and get a job!

greywolf

June 11, 2009 - 12:05 am EDT

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie... I can only assume what you mean when you call me a "d.s" but it does not sound like a compliment. I would take a monent to debate you, but my mother always taught me not to take part in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. Have another sip of your Pabst Blue Ribbon and sleep well, my friend.

edward0275

June 11, 2009 - 12:18 am EDT

I knew it. You still live with your mother! Get back to your on-line games, kid.

edward0275

June 11, 2009 - 12:14 am EDT

SusanB... you are absolutely correct. As the article said " the Republicans are opposed to tax increases - but what can they do in this majority of a Democratic cesspool that NC has been in for years?

ravencottage

June 10, 2009 - 8:02 pm EDT

Surely every single one of the Republicans will be voting against this atrocity.

edward0275

June 11, 2009 - 12:41 am EDT

But what good will that do? There are only a few Republicans, a few Libertarians, a few true Americans left. We have become an Obamation because of the dumb-masses.

Doug Johnson

June 10, 2009 - 8:08 pm EDT

S.B.
I am not in that group.
However you are 100% right.
I know couples working hard, that just scrape by.
Seems you are better off sitting on the porch, waiting for the mailman.
Not enough republicans to stop the Raleigh Mafia.

greywolf

June 10, 2009 - 10:19 pm EDT

Problem is that there are too many Republicans... always looking to curb services, so they can pander to their wealthy patrons... well, at least when they aren't driving 100mph across I-40 or molesting young girls.

edward0275

June 10, 2009 - 11:47 pm EDT

greywolf, I don't know you, but I know that you are a TYPICAL LIBERAL - if you don't have a valid argument, JUST CHANGE THE SUBJECT! Why don't we talk about Sleasly, Black, and Decker?

edward0275

June 11, 2009 - 12:53 am EDT

Obama preached this during his campaign. Sit on the porch and wait for the mailman. He now has over 50% of the people paying NO taxes. That means over 50% of the people will vote Democratic, to keep it that way. I have not given up on America yet. But damn - it's hard!