Statement on passage of amendments from NC Budget & Tax Center Executive Director Alexandra Sirota

The passage of the tax amendments are deeply disappointing for everyone who believes North Carolinians deserve a real voice in shaping the future of our state. The challenges facing our communities haven’t gone away. Our schools still need teachers, families still need affordable child care and health care, and communities still need the resources to respond to emergencies and build for the future. These amendments make that work harder, but they don’t make it any less urgent.

The passage of these amendments will limit the choices available to state and local leaders to meet the needs of our communities and create additional barriers to voting. These changes to our state Constitution don’t change the fact that North Carolinians want an economy that works for everyone, where millionaires and profitable corporations pay what they owe and families can afford the basics. Nor do they change the need for a democracy where every eligible voter can make their voice heard.

Taxes should be a way we come together to invest in the things that make life better for everyone — from strong public schools and affordable child care to health care, emergency services, and eldercare.

Today, we know there are thousands more North Carolinians ready to be part of that work.

We’re grateful to everyone who spoke up, shared information, and helped their neighbors understand what was at stake in this election. The work of building a North Carolina where every community has the resources and opportunities to thrive continues. And we’re not giving up on that future.