Flashback: Most Senate Democrats Rejected Perdue Tax Plan

Nearly 85 percent of the state senators in Gov. Perdue’s party voted against her plan to raise taxes on all North Carolinians last year.

In June, the Senate voted on an amendment to the bipartisan state budget that would have raised taxes by more than $750 million – the same as Perdue’s latest tax increase proposal. It failed, 47-3.

“The fact that so many in Gov. Perdue’s own party aren’t sold on her plan just reinforces what a bad idea this is,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “It’s another reason the governor should publicly defend raising taxes in this [...]

Berger Challenges Perdue to Debate Over Tax Increase

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) on Tuesday challenged Gov. Bev Perdue to a public debate over her plan to raise taxes by more than $750 million.

“I strongly believe Gov. Perdue’s proposal to raise taxes on struggling North Carolina citizens and businesses will kill jobs and halt economic recovery,” Berger said. “This has been the most hotly-contested policy battle of the past two years, and I think North Carolinians would benefit greatly from an open and frank debate between leaders of the legislative and executive branches of government.”

The governor’s office has consistently exaggerated cuts to public education in the [...]

Perdue Refuses to Defend Tax Hike Proposal

Gov. Beverly Perdue rejected Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger’s call for a public debate over her plan to raise taxes by more than $750 million.

Below is a statement from Berger’s press secretary, Ray Martin:

“Gov. Perdue has spent the past week engaging in ‘cheap stunts’ and ‘campaign theatrics’ to justify raising taxes.  Sen. Berger proposed a substantive, open dialogue on one of the most important issues facing our state, and Gov. Perdue refused because she knows her plan to raise taxes on all North Carolinians is indefensible.”

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Redistricting Decision Lifts Cloud of Uncertainty from Elections

A three-judge panel on Friday unanimously refused to delay North Carolina’s May primaries following challenges to the new redistricting plans passed by the General Assembly and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The DOJ approved the State Senate, State House and Congressional maps in November – the first time in 30 years all three plans were pre-cleared in the initial 60-day review period.

“These fair, legal and competitive maps once again withstood legal and political scrutiny,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “Today’s decision ensures our primary elections will continue as scheduled, and it lifts a cloud of uncertainty [...]

Perdue tries to one-up Faison, proposes $750 million tax hike

Gov. Beverly Perdue today proposed a $750 million tax hike – her first of the new year. It ups the ante on probable primary opponent Rep. Bill Faison, who proposed a mere $700 million in new taxes a few short months ago.

“Obviously, Gov. Perdue’s attempt to nip this economic recovery in the bud is dead on arrival at the General Assembly,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham). “The Democratic primary for governor apparently has devolved into a fight over who can raise the most taxes, spend the most money, and grow the biggest government. Gov. Perdue’s latest tax-hike [...]