Moments after Cleveland County state Rep. Tim Moore was selected for a historic and record-setting fifth term as speaker, the Kings Mountain Republican made it clear that if North Carolina legislative Democrats and Gov. Roy Cooper want to obstruct the Republican majority, it will be tough sledding.

In the Senate, Republicans have exactly the 30 members needed for a supermajority, which is precisely three-fifths of the 50-member chamber and allows the state Senate GOP to override Cooper’s vetoes without Democratic votes.

As Sen. Phil Berger Sr, R-Rockingham, begins his seventh term as leader of the state Senate, a key goal for Berger is further cutting taxes for North Carolina citizens and businesses.

“I don’t think there’s any question that the voters of North Carolina have clearly said they want the type of pro-business, less tax, less regulation policy that we have pursued,” Berger said.

In comments on the first day of the session, Berger urged senators, on both sides of the aisle, to “come together, no matter our party… I believe we can achieve a shared goal of moving North Carolina forward,” he said. “Despite any disagreements, we owe it to the people of this great state to work tirelessly for them.”

Berger added that he’d like to see the personal income tax rate lowered from 4.75% to 3% or lower. Republicans will also look to once again pass a photograph identification requirement for voting and other changes to voting rules designed to increase confidence in the...

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