N.C. Senate leaders gave taxpayers 1.5 billion more reasons to protest this week. Senators unveiled a plan to increase taxes by $1.5 billion over the next two years. Senate leaders labeled the increases “tax reform.” John Hood criticized the plan in a Daily Journal picked up by The Charlotte Observer. JLF Communications director Mitch Kokai offered a critique for UNC Public Television’s “Legislative Week in Review,” while Fiscal Policy Analyst Joseph Coletti offered his criticism during an appearance on the Tara Servatius program on WBT Radio. Coletti also offered his ideas about tax reform for the Tax Foundation’s podcast. Coletti and his JLF research staff colleagues have produced reports that help taxpayers determine whether their local governments are overspending. That research recently led to media attention in the Chowan Herald. (“There’s always room for savings,” [Chowan County commissioner Keith] Nixon said. He went on to cite a report from the John Locke Foundation that lists Chowan as a “high tax county.” “I’m telling you, people and companies look at that when they are deciding whether or not to relocate here,” said Nixon, who added he was still looking for ways to avoid raising taxes.) Speaking of Chowan County, its historic downtown Edenton Courthouse served as the setting for the first N.C. History Project “State of Our Constitution” event, focusing on taxation. The Chowan Herald previewed the forum. (A major constitutional seminar is scheduled to take place in Edenton’s 1767 Courthouse. The event, featuring scholars and activists, will examine the North Carolina constitution and the powers it gives the state when it comes to taxation.) The Elizabeth City Daily Advance covered the event.