Protest Planned Ahead Of Johnston Commissioners Meeting

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Members of Down Home NC plan to gather outside the Johnston County Courthouse on Monday, June 15, before the Johnston County Board of Commissioners meeting to voice concerns about the impact of state and federal budget decisions on county services.

The rally is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. outside the courthouse at 207 E. Johnston Street in Smithfield. Participants are expected to attend the commissioners meeting afterwards and speak during the public comment period.

According to organizers, the event is intended to highlight what they describe as the local effects of reduced funding for public assistance programs and proposed state constitutional amendments affecting government revenue.

Down Home NC said community members will ask county commissioners to support a transparency resolution outlining how state and federal funding changes could affect Johnston County programs and services.

Organizers cite reductions in federal funding for programs such as SNAP and Medicaid contained in H.R. 1, along with proposed constitutional amendments being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly. One of those proposals, Senate Bill 1080, would ask voters to lower the state’s constitutional cap on income tax rates from 7 percent to 3.5 percent.

“These three bills together are a recipe for disaster and working families in our county will suffer,” said Arquette Turnage, a Johnston County organizing fellow with Down Home NC. “Food bank lines are getting longer and the need for bill assistance is higher. With these bills and amendments cutting programs things are going to get worse. We’re urging Johnston County Commissioners to make sure all of their constituents are fully informed about this funding crisis and to stand up for us.”

Turnage said supporters of the protest are concerned the measure could limit the state’s ability to generate revenue for public services.

“While that sounds great on paper, the true impact would be a significant decline in North Carolina’s ability to raise revenue for essential public services that working families rely on like food assistance, public education and healthcare,” Turnage said in a statement provided to media outlets.

Supporters of Senate Bill 1080 argue that lowering the constitutional income tax cap would protect taxpayers from future tax increases, encourage economic growth and ensure North Carolina remains competitive with neighboring states. Backers say placing a lower cap in the state constitution would provide long-term certainty for families and businesses while limiting the growth of government.

Advocates of House Bill 1089 have similarly argued that requiring voter approval for certain tax increases strengthens taxpayer protections and gives residents a greater voice in decisions affecting government spending and revenue.

Participants are expected to ask commissioners, “Which side are you on?” and urge county leaders to advocate for restoring funding to public programs they say are important to Johnston County residents.

Organizers contend the combination of federal funding reductions and proposed state tax limitations could increase pressure on county governments to either reduce services or identify alternative sources of revenue.

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet at 6:00 p.m. Monday. Public comments are expected to follow the outdoor gathering.

Down Home NC describes itself as an organization that builds multiracial working-class power in small towns and rural communities across North Carolina.

Johnston County commissioners have not publicly responded to the group’s request that the board adopt a transparency resolution or take a position on the issues raised by the organization.