The Senate is considering a bill that would restrict ability of the people of Wake County to decide for itself whether or not to increase its sales tax and how to use those revenues. It is another example the arrogance of the state Senate substituting its judgment for that of local folks. Add it to the list of tearing up the lease the state and the city signed for Dix park, redistricting the Wake County school board for partisan advantage, and stripping the school board of its construction authority. Heres an excerpt from WRALs story: Sen. Josh Stein, D-Wake, said he was puzzled by the proposal. Why wouldn’t we allow it if they chose to designate a quarter-cent to transportation and a quarter-cent to education? Why must it be one or the other? Stein asked. What if they have needs for both? Sen. Rick Gunn, R-Alamance, had no ready answer. We really want to try to make a commitment emphasizing education, Gunn said. Allowing a choice to be made is the appropriate avenue to take. I’m confused, Stein responded. Why we would not allow the counties to have what they want? If you’re going to raise sales taxes for schools, Gunn said, we’d like you to go ahead and make that decision. Advocates for county and local governments were also confused by the measure. Johanna Reese with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners said her group is concerned about loss of flexibility in the use of the funds.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 17:17:29 +0000
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