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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates two programs: the LIFT Program, which provides $1,000 monthly cash payments to homeless high school seniors, young adults aging out of foster care, expectant and new mothers, and disaster survivors from 2026-2035; and the Healthy Start NC Program, which provides $1,500 to pregnant women and $500 monthly for one year after birth to new mothers. The bill funds these programs by reducing the corporate income tax rate from 2.25% to 0% by 2030.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue these programs address structural poverty and economic inequality by providing financial stability to vulnerable populations during critical life transitions.
• •They point to successful pilot programs in Durham and cite research showing that guaranteed income can help people avoid emergencies and improve outcomes.
• •Supporters contend the corporate tax reduction aligns business taxes more closely with individual income tax rates, creating fairer tax alignment.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may worry about the cost of phasing out corporate income tax entirely while funding new social programs, raising questions about long-term state budget sustainability.
• •Some may question whether cash payments are the most effective anti-poverty approach compared to targeted services, or express concerns about the administrative complexity of coordinating across multiple state agencies.
• •Critics might also argue that reducing corporate taxes could limit funding for other state priorities like education and infrastructure.