Retiring Sen. Rucho Was a Fighter for NC Taxpayers

The Civitas Institute applauds Sen. Bob Rucho’s tireless advocacy on behalf of North Carolina taxpayers. Rucho, who announced Thursday that the current term will be his last, spearheaded the fight for the most significant tax reform and relief in the state’s history, passed in 2013. The Mecklenburg County Republican has also been the most vocal and visible leader for the benefits of complete state income tax elimination.

“There’s little doubt that North Carolina’s historic tax reform and cuts would not have passed without Sen. Rucho’s leadership,” said Civitas President Francis De Luca.

“Thanks to these tax cuts, North Carolinians can keep billions more of their hard-earned dollars, while North Carolina climbed from one of the worst state tax climates for business to one of the best. As a result, job growth in the Tar Heel State has surpassed national averages and the state’s economic future is far brighter.”

Rucho also continued the fight into 2014 and 2015, leading the effort to drive income tax rates further down while broadening the sales tax base to keep rates low. Once these additional reforms are completely implemented, North Carolina will boast the lowest individual income tax rates in the region (among states that levy one) and the lowest corporate income tax rate in the country (among states that levy one).

While aggressively pursuing tax reform, Sen. Rucho stayed true to his principles. At one point he even tendered his committee chairmanship when legislative leaders changed the original package of tax changes. Fortunately for Carolina taxpayers, Senate leaders did not accept his resignation and he has continued to be a tireless advocate for tax reform.

“North Carolina’s tax reforms these last few years have made us the envy of many other states,” added De Luca. “Sen. Rucho generated great momentum; here’s hoping future state legislatures continue to make North Carolina more competitive for jobs and economic growth. Those of us in North Carolina pushing for more tax reform and elimination of taxes on productivity will miss him.”