NCBC in Action
NCBC, along with its members and partners, have joined together to create change in North Carolina. Together we have the power to influence public policy and improve the business climate in North Carolina.
The Tax Cap Amendment
Situation:
In February 2017, the General Assembly proposed an Income Tax Amendment to lower the cap on income taxes from 10% to 5.5%. On the surface, it seemed like a boon to businesses and taxpayers.
Challenge:
Since a 5.5% tax cap is lower than recent tax rates, it was likely to lead to inadequate funding of basic services. Locking in a low tax cap would limit the state’s ability to fund critical budget items such as education and infrastructure. Without the flexibility to adjust income tax rates, the state would be forced to increase sales tax and/or property taxes. These increases would disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income residents. As a result, businesses and consumers would take a hit.
NCBC’s Role:
NCBC listened to its members. They communicated their concerns to the General Assembly and press. Executive Director, Vicki Lee Parker, appeared as a guest speaker on “Education Matters” and presented her case on behalf of business owners.
Solution:
NCBC mobilized is members to inform them and help them take action. As a united group, we communicated our concerns to legislators, the press, and NC citizens. We met with the NC House Rules Committee, held a press conference, organized a town hall meeting, published op-ed pieces in the Raleigh News & Observer, and spoke out on WRAL.
Results:
With our voices heard, a compromise was reached. The tax cap was changed to 7%, and businesses were ensured of greater stability in our economy.
advocating for Healthcare expansion
Situation:
North Carolina is projected to gain 40,000 jobs when 500,000 uninsured North Carolinians receive health coverage under Medicaid expansion.
Challenge:
36 states have expanded Medicaid with North Carolina’s businesses contributing tax money toward it. North Carolina is poised to benefit from this expansion. NCBC realized that there was a need for someone to present a well-researched business case for Medicaid expansion.
NCBC’s Role:
We wanted to share this research with our members, NC citizens, and policy makers to enact the best policy for NC businesses. After writing the piece, we had it fact-checked by a non-partisan organization. The op-ed was published on May 25, 2019 in the Raleigh News & Observer in advance of the Senate’s vote on the Governor’s budget.
Impact:
After Governor Cooper read our op-ed, he invited Executive Director Vicki Lee Parker to meet with him and other business leaders to discuss the issue and its impact on NC businesses. When Governor Cooper vetoed the Senate budget, Vicki Lee Parker appeared at the press conference and spoke with the press to promote this issue’s importance to our members.