According to recent polling results, less than one quarter of North Carolina voters believe that our state is headed in the right direction. The vast majority believe that state government is failing us.
Over the next several weeks, I will outline a series of policy reforms that many believe are needed to move our state in the right direction. I don’t pretend to have all perfect answers, but more government control certainly does not solve every problem. Our campaign is about issues, and a vision for a better North Carolina.
Policy Reform #1 – SUPPORT JOBS
The problem: High Unemployment!
The solution: Encourage businesses and job creation. Ease the tax burden! North Carolina has the highest tax burden in the Southeast, which kills jobs. Unemployment (11.2% reported in April) ranks in the top 10 in the nation. Our county’s unemployment numbers are much worse. We are losing jobs to neighboring states that have less tax burden on businesses, especially small businesses that create most jobs.
North Carolina’s job growth has lagged miserably behind other states in our region during the entire decade – a decade riddled with tax increases. For example, Virginia’s job growth rate during that time was more than five times that of NC. All these states have lower tax burdens than North Carolina. Unfortunately, the political answer has been to try to offset an anti-business environment with handouts and targeted tax breaks to a select group of politically connected companies. But, 87% of voters favor across the board tax reductions to all, whereas only 7% favor targeted tax breaks to a few large companies. The legislators are not listening to our citizens.
Our opponent has continually voted for higher taxes and more borrowing, to fuel more government control and huge increases in spending. The result has been devastating to the state’s economy and jobs.
Friends, it is definitely time for a change!
