Just days after Gov. Bev Perdue puts her signature on a Democrat-written state budget that dumps $1 billion in tax hikes onto the backs of North Carolinians during a recession and record unemployment, legislators come back for even more. This time it’s part of the misguided move to fund their dreams of rail transit in the Triangle.
Rail is a good transportation tool for densely populated urban areas like New York and D.C., but it is a clear mismatch with the Triangle’s suburban lifestyle. Nevertheless, a potential 1/2 cent transit tax is heading our way, if voters agree to it. I’m in favor of beefing up the bus system — reportedly part of the plan — since routes can be added/deleted based on demand. But clear priorities like bus transportation shouldn’t be treated as add-ons funded by a special tax. If buses are a priority, then build them into the normal budget process and let’s weigh them against other core services.
You can see how your House legislator voted here. The Senate vote tally is here.
