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 bipartisan state budget, which spent nearly the same amount on education as the budget Gov. Perdue proposed last year. Meanwhile, Gov. Perdue vetoed education reforms in the General Assembly’s budget that will boost graduation rates and produce better results in public classrooms.

If Gov. Perdue agrees to a debate, Berger’s staff will work with the governor’s staff to determine the schedule, format and other details.

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