(Alexandria, VA) – Today, in a letter to legislators in Raleigh, the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) voiced approval for the “Tax Simplification and Reduction Act” that just made its way through the North Carolina House. The non-partisan taxpayer advocacy group – the oldest in the nation – lauded the move toward sweeping, pro-growth tax reform on behalf of its 8,800 members who hail from the Tar Heel State.
As part of its argument that tax reform is desperately needed for the state, the NTU letter noted that in the Southeast region, North Carolina maintains the highest top marginal income tax rate as well as the worst business tax climate and second-highest unemployment rate.
“Final passage of a tax reform package would send a message loud and clear that North Carolina is open for business,” said NTU State Affairs Manager Lee Schalk. “Taxpayers and businesses are tired of Raleigh ransacking their wallets and hampering their ability to compete in the region. North Carolinians deserve this tax relief.”
The plan that passed the House also calls for reductions to the franchise business tax, as well as a lower sales tax rate with a broader base. Although the Senate’s own version of the legislation was more sweeping, NTU is now mobilizing its members to help win the upper chamber’s approval of the House’s plan so that it can be quickly signed into law.
Schalk concluded, “As Congress and the White House increase the burden of federal taxes and health care costs on all Americans, the time is now for state-level tax reform in North Carolina.”
Read the entire letter HERE. The 362,000-member NTU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom at all levels. More information on NTU’s work, is available at www.ntu.org.