Transylvania County Republican Party

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES IS POWERING AHEAD THANKS TO THE TAX CUTS IN THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL, DE-REGULATION, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INNOVATION. The US economy continues to lead the world under Republican leadership.

U.S. initial jobless claims fell to their lowest level in nearly 60 years in late April 2026, signaling continued strength in the labor market.

The Labor Department reported that new filings for unemployment benefits declined to a seasonally adjusted level not seen since the late 1960s.

Economists said the drop reflects resilient hiring and limited layoffs despite concerns about inflation and slowing economic growth.

One analyst noted the data “underscores how tight the labor market remains,” while another said employers are still “reluctant to cut staff.”

The figures matter because jobless claims are a key indicator of economic health and can influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.

The milestone comes as policymakers weigh interest rate paths amid mixed signals from other sectors of the economy.

Market reactions were muted, though some experts cautioned that claims data can be volatile and may not signal a long term trend.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT REASON TO VOTE THIS NOVEMBER.
Please spread the word to those who think they're better stewards of their own hard-earned money than the government.

North Carolina Reduce Income Tax Rate Cap from 7% to 3.5% Amendment:
A "yes" vote supports amending the North Carolina Constitution to reduce the maximum allowable income tax rate from 7% to 3.5%.
A "no" vote opposes amending the North Carolina Constitution, thereby keeping the maximum allowable income tax rate at 7%.

Background and Context:
North Carolina’s constitution caps the flat income tax rate at 7%, a limit voters approved in a 2018 constitutional amendment that reduced it from 10%. The state has been lowering its actual income tax rates over time through legislation. In 2026, the actual income tax rate is 3.99%, with a further reduction to 3.49% planned for 2027. Republican leaders are pursuing additional reductions, with plans to phase down the corporate and personal income tax rates after 2027 (potentially to around 2.5%-3%).

This amendment aims to constitutionally lock in these lower rates beginning in 2027 by requiring voter approval for any future increase above 3.5%, thereby making it more difficult to raise taxes.

The TCGOP recommends a Yes vote:
As conservatives, we believe in limited government and maximum individual liberty. Who knows your money better than you? The Republican majority in the North Carolina General Assembly has substantially reduced individual and business income tax rates over the past 15 years. This has led to North Carolina’s dramatic economic growth, substantial budget surpluses, and more money in your pocket. Passing this amendment would require voters to approve any future income tax rate above 3.5%.