For Immediate Release
Monday, May 11, 2026
Patriotic Millionaires Applaud Introduction of North Carolina “Fair Share for Public Schools” Act
“Thanks to this new legislation, millionaires across the state—including some proud Patriotic Millionaires—can begin to take our economy and schools off life support by paying a small income surtax.”
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA—Today, State Rep. Allen Buansi (District 56), Rep. Amber Baker (District 72), and State Sen. Michael Garrett (District 27) introduced the “Fair Share for Public Schools” Act. The legislation would implement a 7% surtax on income over $1,000,000 and direct revenues raised to the Public School Fund. Following the bill’s introduction, Patriotic Millionaires Founder and President Erica Payne released the following statement:
“When I was a little girl growing up in Raleigh and playing Barbies, I had no idea I was going to work on tax policy one day. I was too busy being the proud product of North Carolina’s public school system, and the daughter of a high school principal.
But as I got older, I realized more and more that Democratic and Republican officials were making tax policy decisions that, frankly, pissed me off—both at home in North Carolina and around the country. What made me even angrier, though, was seeing our public schools fall behind in more ways than one because of their stupidity.
That’s why my organization, the Patriotic Millionaires, is proud to endorse the ‘Fair Share for Public Schools’ Act. North Carolina’s economy and schools are in trouble. We’re ranked as the worst state for workers; our wealthiest pay lower tax rates than our poorest; and our public school funding is criminally low. But thanks to this new legislation, millionaires across the state—including some proud Patriotic Millionaires—can begin to take our economy and schools off life support by paying a small income surtax.
Our lawmakers need to put aside their differences on social issues and come together to pass the ‘Fair Share for Public Schools’ Act without delay. Our students and teachers can’t wait any longer for support, and it’s about time that millionaires be required to step up to the tax plate to provide it.”
For interview requests with Erica Payne or other members of the Patriotic Millionaires, please contact Emily McCloskey at emily@patrioticmillionaires.org or Jenna Grande at jenna@patrioticmillionaires.org.
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