Gov. Pat McCrory and state legislators spent a good part of this year touting actually reforming the state's antiquated tax code, built for a now nearly century-old manufacturing-based economy. They wanted to modernize it - simplify it, cut excessive rates and close so-called "loopholes."

Instead, Republicans pulled old tricks out of the hat and penned a tax "reform" bill, which is making a swift and smooth voyage through the General Assembly as we speak, that would mostly reduce corporate and individual tax rates. GOP lawmakers, business chambers and some local governments allege the bill would attract business to the state - undoubtedly true, as North Carolina currently has the highest income tax rate in the Southeast. But while taxes are being cut all around, big cuts are reserved for the wealthiest North Carolinians, which doesn't sit pretty with advocates for the poor.

Charlotte city workers, union representatives and community organizers gathered at City Hall on Tuesday to protest the tax reform bill and other laws approved this year that would damage and further marginalize the most fragile parts of the state.

Video by Kendrea Mekkah: