FY 26-27 In Gratitude for Prioritizing the School Budget

[Lynn Nilssen]

Dear Commissioner Hamilton,

I want to thank you for prioritizing our public schools in this year's budget and for recognizing the foundational benefits that our schools provide. I couldn't agree with you more on your statement “I think we need to remember schools are our foundation. They’re a foundation for economic development — if we want to get companies to come here, they’re going to want their employees to have good schools for their children,” Hamilton said. Also, “the more we have schools that meet the needs of our children ... we reduce crime and other costs to our society.”  Unfortunately the NCGA is phasing out the already low corporate income tax to 0 by 2030 along with an amendment to cap a regressive personal income tax which will only benefit the most wealthy. This is completely unjustified and unfair and puts even more of the tax burden on individual property owners, local governments and anyone who isn't wealthy.  

With continued budget cuts at the state and federal level, I recognize that you and the other members of the commission have the difficult task of balancing our community’s many needs while minimizing the tax burden on those least able to afford it. I want to thank you and commissioners Bedford, Greene and Fowler for voting for the .47 cent tax increase and encourage the commissioners who didn't vote for the increase to do so in the final vote.  

While it helps, unfortunately we know that a vote for a .47 cent increase won't begin to cover the essential services our local government provides. As a citizen and a volunteer member of Public School Strong and the Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board, I will continue in action, voice, and vote - along with my colleagues to reverse the policy of profit over people and I will continue to call on and support you and the other members of the commission to use your power and position as our local elected officials to lobby the North Carolina General Assembly to pass policies that prioritize public education and a more just state tax structure. 

Gratefully,

Lynn Nilssen

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[Jean Hamilton]

Dear Lynn Nilssen,

Thank you for your words of support. It was a difficult budget cycle and as your email reflects, things are unlikely to get better given federal and state actions. I appreciate your advocacy and your call to commissioners to continue to try to influence the state legislature.

Sincerely,

Jean

Jean Hamilton, Chair

Orange County Commissioner

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From: Lynn Nilssen <lynn.a....@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2026 12:46 PM
To: Jean Hamilton <jham...@orangecountync.gov>
Cc: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: FY 26-27 In Gratitude for Prioritizing the School Budget

 

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