Statement on Governor’s Proposed Budget by Alexandra Sirota, Executive Director of the NC Budget & Tax Center
The Governor has taken a common sense approach to our state budget — pausing scheduled tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthiest and profitable corporations so that North Carolina can create certainty for families and communities.
When people know that their child care will be more affordable, job training will be there for career advancement, and that their health care will remain affordable and accessible, people will fuel the economic progress of our state.
When communities have the support to rebuild from a climate disaster, to build out the infrastructure to keep their water and air safe, and to protect the public’s health in the face of old and new threats, every community becomes part of our state’s success story.
In his budget proposal, the Governor makes clear what is possible when our leaders prioritize what people need to thrive. From higher pay for teachers to free school breakfast for all public-school students so they can focus on learning, from free community college for North Carolinians seeking high-demand skills to increased funding for child care access and affordable housing development — North Carolina can make people’s lives better with our budget choices.
The Governor’s proposal makes sure working families keep more of what they earn and can keep up with rising costs for the basics like groceries, gas, and rent. With targeted tax cuts for working families — proven to reduce hardship — the proposal boosts incomes and helps families meet the high cost of raising children.
Amid the federal funding chaos and the deep cuts being considered by Congressional leaders that would shift costs to our state, pausing the scheduled income tax cuts is the only responsible path forward. It reflects our state leaders’ fundamental responsibility to be good stewards of our shared resources and to put North Carolina families and communities first.
