NC’s right-to-work laws protect workers
Right-to-work laws uphold for workers the simple but precious freedom of association.
NC leads the nation in tobacco exports, producing 260.1 million pounds annually, accounting for 60% of US tobacco production.
This presents a massive economic development opportunity for Winston-Salem. Unlike industries like banking or tech, once biotech companies build manufacturing facilities, they don’t leave.
The North Carolina Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Philip Morris in the tobacco company’s legal battle with the state Revenue Department over an $8.7 million tax bill. The decision Friday split the court, 5-2, along party lines. The dispute involved export tax credits Philip Morris claimed on tax returns dating back a decade.
Incentives, if used at all, should be a tool for growth, not a safety net for corporations scaling back their operations.
Winston-Salem’s potential for a comeback is immense, but it requires bold leadership, a clear vision, and a commitment to proactive economic development.
The N.C. Revenue Department argues in a state Supreme Court filing that tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris is misreading state law while trying to avoid an $8.7 million tax bill. The Richmond, Virginia-based company argues that it’s entitled to take $7.2 million in tax credits. The department disagrees.
RALEIGH—The eyes of the nation are watching North Carolina, where state Reps. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, and Earl Jones, D-Guilford, are sponsoring the first bill in any state that would require companies seeking government contracts to examine their records for evidence of participation in or profiting from slavery. The bill, H1006, has already gone through the House Government Committee with a unanimous vote. If passed into law, it will force corporations to file affidavits of any past investments in or profits derived from slavery. The companies will be required to comply or face termination of their state contracts.
Mecklenburg County has far more pressing issues to bring before the state legislature than an attack on second-hand smoke, a "problem" of dubious merits.
The General Assembly is preparing to hold a special session next week to discuss incentive deals for specific corporations. This should be considered illegal, but it won't be.
An odd confluence of events Monday had several major corporations with North Carolina ties acquiring or merging with other companies. Some are crying foul -- of course.