WASHINGTON — Following an agricultural tour that included Rowan County, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson introduced an anti-death tax bill Thursday.
The Farmers Against Crippling Taxes, nicknamed FACT, aims to eliminate the death tax imposed on the transfer of estate property currently taxed when the property owner dies.
At the Rowan County Farm Bureau last week, Hudson (R-NC) spoke to local farmers about their concerns. The freshman congressman said farmers are some of the hardest hit by the tax.
“I call it the most immoral tax out there,” Hudson said. “After this week, I’m kind of feeling like, it seems to be a priority.”
According to a press release, the death tax has been paid since 2001 by persons with an estate greater than $1 million with rates fluctuating from 35 percent to 55 percent. Exemption rates have fluctuated from $1 million to $5 million, the release said.
Hudson called the tax “heinous.”
“In a struggling economy such as ours, we should be finding ways to let people keep more of their hard-earned money,” Hudson said in a statement. “The American people work hard, save, invest and want to leave future generations with more opportunities and a better life. Unfortunately, the death tax discourages all those traditional American values.”
Hudson also voted Wednesday for H.R. 444, a resolution to require a the White House to produce a balanced budget within a 10-year window or provide a supplemental plan by April 1, identifying in which fiscal year their plan would balance.
CHARLOTTE — Jack Brosch, who ran against Mel Watt in 2012 for the 12th Congressional District, told the Post Friday he will run for the North Carolina Republican chairmanship.
Brosch, of Charlotte, announced the candidacy at a Rowan Republican men’s meeting last week, according to those in attendance.
The 54-year-old said “trying to get the next generation of candidates better trained to run for city council, county commissioner school board” will be a priority.
Brosch said volunteers from Rowan would see an impact.
“It means being able to help some of those people who have found their volunteer spirits up there the last couple years,” Brosch said.
An election for the party chair will be held at the state convention in early June.

RALEIGH — On the second day of the General Assembly session, legislators unanimously passed a bill extending funding for residents of mental health group homes.
The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to utilize existing funds to provide short-term assistance to group home residents who lose eligibility for Medicaid-covered personal care services, according to a press release.
Lawmakers believe the bill will provide a short-term solution for individuals who become ineligible for federal-funded personal care services.
House Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) said the bill gives legislators time to find a permanent solution to funding group home services.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake) and Rep. Justin Burr (R-Stanly), stipulates that $39.7 million in funds appropriated in last year’s budget will be used in the group home payments.
The payments will last until the end of June or until the funds are exhausted.
SALISBURY — U.S. Rep. Mel Watt will continue to provide constituents with office hours where they can voice concerns to a district aide.
Watt’s satellite office, inside the Rowan County Administrative Building at 130 West Innes Street, is open every Thursday in February.
The office will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 14, 21 and 28th.
Adam Hall, Watt’s district aide, will be available to answer questions, provide government publications and access to White House tours, as well as provide applications for Armed Services academies.