This is already the law!

What it does

This amendment would permanently cap North Carolina's income tax rate at 3.5% in the state constitution, down from the current 7% cap. NC's rate is already scheduled to drop to 3.49% under current law — so this amendment doesn't actually lower your taxes. What it does is prevent any future legislature from raising revenue, no matter what North Carolina faces.

WHY VOTE NO

It solves a problem that doesn't exist

The income tax rate is already dropping to 3.49% in 2027 by existing law. Lawmakers don't need a constitutional amendment to keep taxes low — they already have that power. The NC Budget and Tax Center notes that "the real purpose of this amendment is not to create a limit. The purpose is to make today's tax-cut agenda much harder for future voters and lawmakers to undo."

It could cost NC more than $14 billion a year

According to the NC Budget and Tax Center, this cap would block the state from generating over $14 billion in annual public revenue — money that currently funds schools, teachers, child care, health care, infrastructure, and disaster recovery.

Two-thirds of the tax cuts go to the wealthiest

The NC Budget and Tax Center found that two-thirds of personal income tax cuts benefit the richest 20% of North Carolinians. And $9 out of every $10 in corporate tax breaks leave the state entirely, going to out-of-state shareholders and executives.

It handcuffs future leaders during emergencies

Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) warned it "permanently handcuffs the General Assembly's responsibility for passing fiscally sound, responsible budgets." After Hurricane Helene, we know NC needs revenue flexibility for disaster recovery.

Other taxes could go up to compensate

As Senate Democratic leader Sydney Batch noted: "We are going to be stuck at 3.5% in one of the fastest-growing states in the entire country... If you start seeing the increase in sales taxes, that's really going to hit consumers in their pocketbooks."

What it does

Would give the NC General Assembly the power to cap how much local governments like our county commissioners, school board, city council can raise property taxes. The amendment doesn't specify any limit; it just hands that power to state legislators in Raleigh, stripping it from our locally elected officials.

WHY VOTE NO:

It strips power from local elected officials

NC Newsline reports this "would mark a significant change" by transferring a power "almost exclusively in the hands of local elected officials" to the state legislature. Our Transylvania County commissioners — not politicians in Raleigh — should make decisions about local services.

Republicans created the problem they're now blaming on counties

House Democratic leader Robert Reives was direct: "For years, they have pushed state responsibilities like public safety and school funding onto counties and now fault them for providing basic services to their residents." Cuts to state education and public safety funding have forced counties to raise property taxes to fill the gap.

It could force cuts to schools, fire departments, and public health

School districts statewide are already facing budget crunches. Adding state-mandated property tax limits could force further cuts to schools, libraries, fire departments, and public health programs that communities depend on.

Counties are deeply concerned

Carolina Public Press reports that NC counties have raised significant concerns, warning that "one size doesn't fit all." What makes sense for Mecklenburg County may devastate Transylvania County's ability to fund local services.

The amendment is deliberately vague

It doesn't tell voters what limits would be imposed — just that the legislature will decide later. You'd be voting to give up local control without knowing the terms.