RALEIGH — The General Assembly failed to pass “tax reform” during this year's legislative session, putting aside for now efforts to broaden the sales tax base and simplify income tax returns while lowering overall rates.

But that didn't prevent the Legislature from altering how some revenues are raised for transportation by using a method considered controversial just two years ago.

Lawmakers agreed in the session's final days to expand to all 100 counties the option to raise local sales taxes for their own public transportation projects. (more…)