Faison on taxes and the “impediment” to putting people back to work (audio)

When legislators return to Raleigh next month, Rep. Bill Faison would like for his colleagues to consider a modest tax increase to create jobs.

The Orange County Democrat says if the General Assembly would agree to reinstate seven tenths of a cent to the state’s sales tax, government could rehire thousands of workers who’ve been laid off in recent months.

The problem is that some Republican budget-writers believe “few if any” teaching positions have actually been cut. And House Speaker Thom Tillis told citizens at a recent town hall meeting the state should first consider selling some of its assets – like Rex Hospital or the N.C. Railroad – before telling voters the state needs to raise taxes.

Rep. Faison, who appears on News & Views this weekend, calls Tillis’ position an “impediment” to lowering the unemployment rate and putting 36,000 people back to work.

For a preview of Rep. Faison’s radio interview with Chris Fitzsimon, click below: