Norm Robinson: No change forthcoming

This politically unaffiliated progressive has joined the chorus of North Carolina’s middle class taxpayers in protesting the legislature’s new tax cuts.

My 2014 North Carolina income was about the same as 2013, yet my income tax increased 135 percent. I am a 77-year-old retiree with large health care costs and moderate charitable giving, which I can no longer deduct. Add to this new taxes on other goods and services.

I willingly pay my taxes including on my Internet purchases, which probably puts me in a minority. Further, I support the 35-cents-per-gallon fuel tax because good infrastructure is a foundation for a healthy economy. I do not support the $10 million fuel tax relief for American Airlines, which packs me into its airplanes like a canned sardine.

The legislators can spout their snake-oil-salesman spin until the cows come home, but they will never convince me that their cause is altruistic. I sympathize with those who have to choose between buying food and health care or paying their taxes.

My hope is for a resounding defeat for the Right at the next election. Regretfully, a state that sent Jesse Helms to Washington for 30 years probably will not deliver.

This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Norm Robinson: No change forthcoming."