PLAYING POLITICS: Simple tax becomes complicated

By Paul O'Connor
Winston-Salem Journal

RALEIGH — It’s not surprising that it’s early July and the legislature has no budget for the current biennium. What is surprising, however, is the item hanging up House and Senate negotiators — a real-estate transfer tax.

The N.C. General Assembly moves slowly. That’s why it never has a budget ready on time. It’s also why something as politically important as a new tax never passes the first time it comes up for consideration.

But these are extraordinary times, and that is why this tax is at the center of the debate between senators and representatives.

The government is always trying to find ways to get more of our money... :-(