The North State Journal published the first part of a two part series from an interview with Speaker Destin Hall. Speaker Hall credits his previous five years as House Rules Chair for preparing him to hit the ground running as Speaker.

Speaker Hall also previewed the focus of the conservative House Caucus majority for the short session later this year.

From the article:

“I think, broadly, our caucus is going to do all we can to lower costs for folks,” Hall said. “In North Carolina, we saw, under Joe Biden, inflation go through the roof. Thankfully, with President (Donald) Trump, that’s cooled down now and inflation is not as bad, but we’re trying to do what we can from a state level.”

Hall referenced Republicans implementing tax cuts over the years and continuing to do that work, though he said they are now exploring a new area: property taxes.

“We’re looking right now at property taxes at the county and municipality level,” said Hall. “It’s a hot-button issue for folks because property values are going up, inflation is going up, and there are a lot of local governments who budget conservatively, but there are some who we’ve identified, and we’re learning more about that are probably spending more money than they should.

“And so what we want to do is make sure that property tax system is fair; their folks aren’t being overburdened. And it seems very clearly in some parts of the state, at least right now, that people are being overly burdened with property tax.”

When Speaker Hall announced the formation of the House Select Committee on Property Tax Reduction and Reform he stated “For too long, local governments have steadily increased property taxes. Enough is enough.  The House is focused on providing meaningful relief for hardworking North Carolinians.”

The continued focus on easing tax burdens on families across North Carolina by the conservative House majority is laudable.

The committee met earlier this week and will return for further evaluation of property taxes on March 18th.