During a visit to Rocky Mount last week, N.C. State Treasurer Janet Cowell said she is glad to see state lawmakers discussing tax reform.

Cowell, a Democrat, has long been an advocate for tax modernization. She said the state would benefit from looking at a modernization and rationalization of the state’s tax system, which is outdated.

We agree. It’s past time we reform our tax system, which many have described as “antiquated.” The tax system we have in place today has not adapted to the changing economy.

State lawmakers have varying ideas when it comes to tax reform, and we are still waiting to hear details regarding Gov. Pat McCrory’s thoughts on the matter.

Regardless of how we feel about the proposals that are coming forward, we are glad to see a lively discussion of the issue.

Change won’t happen unless we first have a serious debate.

North Carolina’s tax system ranks 44th in the nation when it comes to business climate, according to a study by the the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan research organization.

Reforming the state’s tax system could help North Carolina attract potential businesses and industries. In today’s competitive global market, we need every advantage we can get.

We also would support a revision of the state’s tax codes to make the system fairer for all residents.

Regardless of how this debate plays out, tax reform is a huge undertaking that will have major ramifications for our state.

We hope Republican leaders will take time to seriously weigh all aspects of the debate, and to listen to people with different ideological beliefs.