SB382 is an appalling power grab masked as storm relief. Shame on NC Republicans | Opinion

I am appalled at the secretive actions of the N.C. Republican legislators who once again shield themselves in closed door actions, drafting a major, policy changing bill without debate, discussion or explanation to the people of N.C.

SB 382 is a major power grab that hurts our democratic process and each citizen of the state. We cannot stand for this. The bill is a pathetic effort to undermine the will of the people and harm western N.C.’s hurricane relief effort. As usual, the legislature’s majority party has no shame.

Julia Welch, Chapel Hill

Going backward

I’m a bit concerned that N.C. will once again have signs on water fountains for “white people “ and “colored people.” The school voucher program voted in by our majority Republican legislature is on track to re-segregate our school system. Not to mention draining the lifeblood from our public education system.

I’m sure Sen. Berger and his cronies will say they’re just responding to their constituents and, sadly, they’re probably right. I will not be proud of a return to Jim Crow and will be ashamed of living in the N.C. once considered a more enlightened state.

Unfortunately, my vote won’t count since the powers that be have gerrymandered the map to guarantee unchallenged power, which includes a now weakened governor who might have been the last check on their racist policies. Is this really what North Carolinians want?

David Reid, Raleigh

Sen. Cooper?

In regards to the Dec. 6 editorial “Is Thom Tillis Toast? It’s not going to be an easy path.”

Given the fact that Republicans have threatened Sen. Thom Tillis with finding a candidate to run against him, North Carolina Democrats are given an opportunity to put forward our strongest contender for Senate, Gov. Roy Cooper. Let us hope that Gov. Cooper gives every consideration to running. We need his leadership as a Democratic North Carolina Senator more than ever. Run, Governor, Run!

Michael Rakouskas, Burlington

Carbon tax

We need to do much more to address climate change. I ask Elon Musk and President Trump to promote a carbon-tax-and-dividend approach. Alaska already has a carbon-tax-and-dividend program. Hurricane Helene destroyed communities in Western N.C. The Amazon River is drying up. Worse disasters are coming if we don’t do more.

President Reagan promoted the treaty to protect the ozone layer. President Trump could follow in his footsteps with climate change. The carbon-tax-and-dividend approach has been described as a “conservative answer to climate change.” This approach includes tariffs on goods from countries that do not have a carbon tax.

David Sokal, MD, Durham

Outraged

The N.C. General Assembly has shamelessly exploited those impacted by Hurricane Helene, pushing forward SB 382, a “disaster relief package” that undermines voters’ will and provides no legitimate aid to Western NC.

I am outraged that the 131-page bill contains only twelve pages about relief. Leadership wrote the bill in secret, allowed no amendments and released the bill’s text mere hours before a vote. This opaque process demonstrates the corruption plaguing our state.

SB 382 holds a mirror to our state’s political landscape, reflecting lies, deceit and callous disregard for people’s needs.

Samuel Hinds, Durham

Bad tax cuts

State lawmakers are considering SB 920, a new giveaway to the wealthiest households and corporations that would lead to higher sales and property taxes for working-class families. In state and local taxes, N.C. already has an upside-down tax code that asks the most from families with the least financial resources.

The richest 1% of households in our state make well over a million dollars each year on average but pay just 6% of their annual income in state and local taxes. Meanwhile, the average household in the bottom 20% makes about $15,000, but pays 11 percent in taxes — a portion almost twice as high as the millionaires.

We don’t need permanent tax breaks for the wealthy. We need good schools, childcare centers and clean air and water! It’s time for our legislators to represent regular people, not millionaires.

Lynn Holbein, Pittsboro

This story was originally published December 15, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "SB382 is an appalling power grab masked as storm relief. Shame on NC Republicans | Opinion."