As N.C. lawmakers continue to work on their state budget proposals, the John Locke Foundation is rolling out its annual alternative budget plan. The Budget for Growth would spend $1 billion less over the next two years than Gov. Pat McCrory, including nearly $500 million less in the upcoming 2013-14 budget year. JLF’s plan also includes a comprehensive tax reform plan focused on introducing the new USA Tax to replace the personal income, corporate income, and inheritance taxes. The plan also would allow the state sales tax rate to drop to 4 percent. The state franchise tax would drop by 60 percent in 2014-15.