Fraction of a penny sales tax referendum

IT JUST MAKES CENTS!

On November 5, 2024, Guilford County voters will have an opportunity to vote for a fraction of a penny sales tax referendum.

The new funds will increase pay for teachers and frontline workers like bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians.

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How do we know that the funds will be used for education?

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on June 20th, 2024 stating that if the fraction of a penny sales tax increase passes, funding will be used to increase wages for teachers and frontline workers.  The NC General Assembly will not allow this language to be on the ballot, which is why it is important we inform our community.

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Why is this Sales Tax needed?

Guilford County is one of 4 counties in NC that DOES NOT receive a teacher supplement for our public-school educators. A “low wealth supplement” formula excluded Guilford County from receiving this funding even though 31% of Guilford County residents are Medicaid eligible and 57.4% of GCS students are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

Our kids deserve the best, but right now our teachers have been paid a salary supplement that, on average, is 35% less than teachers in Forsyth, Durham, Wake, and Mecklenburg Counties. Guilford Count must be able to attract and retain quality teachers and frontline workers, like bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers. Equitable pay is a large part of that.

County Officials estimate that A FRACTION OF A PENNY sales tax will bring in $25 million to allow an increase in pay for teachers and frontline workers.

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