Senate and House Democrats have hyped their recent proposals to create jobs in North Carolina. These proposals leave much to be desired. None of them address the high rates of taxation which is the main problem. These initiatives are clearly designed more for cover than for real job creation.
But first, there is a rhetorical device making the rounds that Republicans are a tribal party of “no”, while Democrats are statesmen who make tough choices and provide solutions. This rhetorical device was first set to rhyme and music by the Beatles:
“You say ‘yes’, I say ‘no’, You say ‘why’, I say ‘I don’t know.’”
But does this rhetoric translate into reality. In 2006 when Speaker Black was in the chair my red light went out. On every vote that day I had to stand up and wave at the Clerk when I wanted to vote no. Speaker Black, probably in jest, told me my quota of “no” votes had been used up. That is one way to encourage others to toe the party line. But whether an answer should be “yes” or “no” depends on the question.
Raleigh, N.C. – The final joint meeting of the House and Senate Finance Committees studying tax reform wrapped up with a presentation by Brent Lane, Director of the UNC Center for Competitive Economies. He discussed the recent history of tax policy in North Carolina and its effect on the state’s business climate. From 2000-2009, North Carolina’s labor force increased by 329,012 workers; during the same period, the state’s economy added only 13,806 jobs—a shortfall of 315,206 jobs. Further, wages in North Carolina fall significantly below the national average.
