John Locke Foundation Guest Editorial | Eastern NC Now

JLF’s Mission: The John Locke Foundation employs research, journalism, and outreach programs to transform government through competition, innovation, personal freedom, and personal responsibility. JLF seeks a better balance between the public sector and private institutions of family, faith, community, and enterprise.

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John Locke Foundation Guest Editorial  

JLF’s Mission: The John Locke Foundation employs research, journalism, and outreach programs to transform government through competition, innovation, personal freedom, and personal responsibility. JLF seeks a better balance between the public sector and private institutions of family, faith, community, and enterprise.

A new report, funded by the North Carolina Chamber Foundation, makes what the Foundation and the report's authors at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) obviously believe to be a strong case for new spending on highway infrastructure in North Carolina. The title of the...
A new report, funded by the North Carolina Chamber Foundation, makes what the Foundation and the report's authors at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) obviously believe to be a strong case for new spending on highway infrastructure in North Carolina. The title of the...
 
This holiday used to be a day to do something special for the one you love — today it is a moneymaking event for retailers and the government alike. The National Retail Federation hosts an annual Valentine's Day Survey that focuses on what people will spend their money on for the holiday...
This holiday used to be a day to do something special for the one you love — today it is a moneymaking event for retailers and the government alike. The National Retail Federation hosts an annual Valentine's Day Survey that focuses on what people will spend their money on for the holiday...
 
While Obamacare continues to flood the health care sector with more taxes and mandates, it's simultaneously driving insurers and health care providers to increase price transparency. Because the law's pricey regulations are either driving employers to push more benefit cost sharing onto employees...
While Obamacare continues to flood the health care sector with more taxes and mandates, it's simultaneously driving insurers and health care providers to increase price transparency. Because the law's pricey regulations are either driving employers to push more benefit cost sharing onto employees...
 
The editors of The Fayetteville Observer are interested in the film industry and with storytelling in general. An example of the latter came to my attention recently.
The editors of The Fayetteville Observer are interested in the film industry and with storytelling in general. An example of the latter came to my attention recently.
 
On Tuesday the N.C. House of Representatives approved a proposal to amend the state constitution by adding the following language: Private property shall not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use. Just compensation shall be paid and shall be determined by a jury at the request of...
On Tuesday the N.C. House of Representatives approved a proposal to amend the state constitution by adding the following language: Private property shall not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use. Just compensation shall be paid and shall be determined by a jury at the request of...
 
As state education officials consider changes to the state testing program, they will have to balance the need for accountability with the desire for autonomy. Are they on the right track?
As state education officials consider changes to the state testing program, they will have to balance the need for accountability with the desire for autonomy. Are they on the right track?
 
Before the governor and legislators release their versions of the state budget, a very important source of information is needed - a comprehensive assessment of the state's debt status. Each year the Treasurer's office releases a Debt Affordability Study, which outlines the state's debt...
Before the governor and legislators release their versions of the state budget, a very important source of information is needed - a comprehensive assessment of the state's debt status. Each year the Treasurer's office releases a Debt Affordability Study, which outlines the state's debt...
 
Over the past several weeks, I have been discussing some of the silliness surrounding the analysis of lower oil and gasoline prices. It was pointed out here and here that the main reason why lower prices, if sustained, will lead to economic growth is that they will reduce the cost of production...
Over the past several weeks, I have been discussing some of the silliness surrounding the analysis of lower oil and gasoline prices. It was pointed out here and here that the main reason why lower prices, if sustained, will lead to economic growth is that they will reduce the cost of production...
 
Those who care about education reform learned a lot on February 5 when North Carolina released its first letter grades for public schools. The grades reflect three sets of information: average student performance on end-of-year tests, the amount of annual growth in those scores, and graduation...
Those who care about education reform learned a lot on February 5 when North Carolina released its first letter grades for public schools. The grades reflect three sets of information: average student performance on end-of-year tests, the amount of annual growth in those scores, and graduation...
 
It's now been one month since Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina went public with its health care cost estimator tool. Regardless of whether you have a BCBS card, anyone can now compare average costs for more than 1,200 procedures in just about any zip code across the state...
It's now been one month since Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina went public with its health care cost estimator tool. Regardless of whether you have a BCBS card, anyone can now compare average costs for more than 1,200 procedures in just about any zip code across the state...
 
Late last year an audit of the State Board of Opticians determined that the board "will lack adequate funds to continue operating within the next year" and that, despite cost-cutting measures already undertaken, soon "will no longer be able to provide the licensing services and practitioner...
Late last year an audit of the State Board of Opticians determined that the board "will lack adequate funds to continue operating within the next year" and that, despite cost-cutting measures already undertaken, soon "will no longer be able to provide the licensing services and practitioner...
 
For the first time, the state has assigned letter grades to each public school in North Carolina. The grades are designed to allow parents and taxpayers to be better informed about the performance of public schools in their areas and statewide.
For the first time, the state has assigned letter grades to each public school in North Carolina. The grades are designed to allow parents and taxpayers to be better informed about the performance of public schools in their areas and statewide.
 
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
 
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
 
For years a diligent group of North Carolina state representatives has been trying to add an eminent domain clause to the North Carolina Constitution. Their latest attempt, HB 3, was filed on January 14th. Thanks to their perseverance - and thanks also to recent changes in the makeup of the...
For years a diligent group of North Carolina state representatives has been trying to add an eminent domain clause to the North Carolina Constitution. Their latest attempt, HB 3, was filed on January 14th. Thanks to their perseverance - and thanks also to recent changes in the makeup of the...
 
The question of whether our state government ought to subsidize historic preservation is distinguishable from the question of how government should deliver those subsidies. Unfortunately, these two issues have been lumped together by lawmakers when discussing the recent sunset of the historic...
The question of whether our state government ought to subsidize historic preservation is distinguishable from the question of how government should deliver those subsidies. Unfortunately, these two issues have been lumped together by lawmakers when discussing the recent sunset of the historic...
 
There is a proposition in public choice economics called the "special interest effect." It basically argues that government grows because, for most government programs, there are concentrated beneficiaries and diffused cost bearers. What this means is that the benefits of government programs will...
There is a proposition in public choice economics called the "special interest effect." It basically argues that government grows because, for most government programs, there are concentrated beneficiaries and diffused cost bearers. What this means is that the benefits of government programs will...
 
On the eve of his birth, the mother of Buddha dreamed that a white elephant presented her with a lotus flower, a sign of wisdom and purity. Throughout history a white elephant was regarded in Buddhist kingdoms as a symbol of divine blessing.
On the eve of his birth, the mother of Buddha dreamed that a white elephant presented her with a lotus flower, a sign of wisdom and purity. Throughout history a white elephant was regarded in Buddhist kingdoms as a symbol of divine blessing.
 
In my previous newsletter, I called Eric Holder's January 16th order modifying the DOJ's civil asset forfeiture policy "a significant step in the right direction," and I encouraged my readers to join me in hoping, not only that more reform would follow but also that Holder's order might mark...
In my previous newsletter, I called Eric Holder's January 16th order modifying the DOJ's civil asset forfeiture policy "a significant step in the right direction," and I encouraged my readers to join me in hoping, not only that more reform would follow but also that Holder's order might mark...
 
During the 1970s and 1980s, America saw a growing federal deficit that caused states to react. North Carolina rewrote its constitution in 1971, and as part of that constitution the state is required to pass a 'balanced budget.' More specifically, the state's total expenditures cannot exceed its...
During the 1970s and 1980s, America saw a growing federal deficit that caused states to react. North Carolina rewrote its constitution in 1971, and as part of that constitution the state is required to pass a 'balanced budget.' More specifically, the state's total expenditures cannot exceed its...
 
Niche.com, Inc. is a Pittsburgh, PA-based company that evaluates and ranks K-12 schools, colleges, cities, and neighborhoods. They recently released their 2015 ranking of public schools and school districts in each state, as well as a national ranking of private and public schools and districts.
Niche.com, Inc. is a Pittsburgh, PA-based company that evaluates and ranks K-12 schools, colleges, cities, and neighborhoods. They recently released their 2015 ranking of public schools and school districts in each state, as well as a national ranking of private and public schools and districts.
 
This week is National School Choice Week and various organizations are sponsoring events to celebrate the occasion. If you would like to learn more about private, home, district, and charter school options, attend one of the events listed below.
This week is National School Choice Week and various organizations are sponsoring events to celebrate the occasion. If you would like to learn more about private, home, district, and charter school options, attend one of the events listed below.
 
As the legislature comes back into session, there is a renewed focus on what are typically referred to as economic incentives, or by many who are more skeptical of such programs, corporate welfare or simply cronyism. Programs that are and will continue to be debated are subsidies to...
As the legislature comes back into session, there is a renewed focus on what are typically referred to as economic incentives, or by many who are more skeptical of such programs, corporate welfare or simply cronyism. Programs that are and will continue to be debated are subsidies to...
 
US Attorney General Eric Holder has been subjected to a good deal of criticism during his time in office, but even many of his fiercest critics have joined the chorus of praise for an order he signed last week entitled "Prohibition on Certain Federal Adoptions of Seizures by State and Local Law...
US Attorney General Eric Holder has been subjected to a good deal of criticism during his time in office, but even many of his fiercest critics have joined the chorus of praise for an order he signed last week entitled "Prohibition on Certain Federal Adoptions of Seizures by State and Local Law...
 
The 2015 legislative session has commenced, which means that the House and Senate will be hashing out their differences about how best to reform our state's Medicaid program. The Senate favors a privatization approach, where multiple managed care companies (MCOs) compete for state contracts to...
The 2015 legislative session has commenced, which means that the House and Senate will be hashing out their differences about how best to reform our state's Medicaid program. The Senate favors a privatization approach, where multiple managed care companies (MCOs) compete for state contracts to...
 
Religious liberty - which is the first right secured in the Bill of Rights - has won again in the nation's highest court. In a unanimous decision this week (Holt v. Hobbs), the U.S. Supreme Court has held that an Arkansas state prison policy that prohibited inmates from growing beards...
Religious liberty - which is the first right secured in the Bill of Rights - has won again in the nation's highest court. In a unanimous decision this week (Holt v. Hobbs), the U.S. Supreme Court has held that an Arkansas state prison policy that prohibited inmates from growing beards...
 
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
We will offer this allotment of three with more to come; some old, most new, but all quite informative, and, moreover, necessary to understanding that in North Carolina, there is a wiser path to govern ourselves and our People.
 
In 1959, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (N.C. DPI) published a guide to observing "special days" in the state's public schools. Inspired by N.C. DPI's "Observance of Special Days" guide, I think our public elementary schools should reexamine the idea of dedicating certain...
In 1959, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (N.C. DPI) published a guide to observing "special days" in the state's public schools. Inspired by N.C. DPI's "Observance of Special Days" guide, I think our public elementary schools should reexamine the idea of dedicating certain...
 
Efficient, effective, accountable, and transparent — are all goals legislators and policy advisors tout when crafting the state's budget. While these outcomes are goals for lawmakers, there are many decisions that must be made in order to achieve these goals. The budget process is not set...
Efficient, effective, accountable, and transparent — are all goals legislators and policy advisors tout when crafting the state's budget. While these outcomes are goals for lawmakers, there are many decisions that must be made in order to achieve these goals. The budget process is not set...
 
What better way to begin 2015 than to discuss per-pupil expenditures for our K-12 public schools? According to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the state increased its average expenditure by around $200 a student for the 2014-2015 school year. At this time next year we will be able to...
What better way to begin 2015 than to discuss per-pupil expenditures for our K-12 public schools? According to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the state increased its average expenditure by around $200 a student for the 2014-2015 school year. At this time next year we will be able to...
 
Over half of students who graduated in 2013 and subsequently enrolled in a North Carolina community college took one or more remedial or "developmental" courses in math and/or English.
Over half of students who graduated in 2013 and subsequently enrolled in a North Carolina community college took one or more remedial or "developmental" courses in math and/or English.
 
There's a corner in my house that is highly attractive to cats. In a few short years, this place has gone from somewhere no cat would ever be seen to an area heavily visited by kitties. One might describe this spot as an Emerging Leader in Cat Corners.
There's a corner in my house that is highly attractive to cats. In a few short years, this place has gone from somewhere no cat would ever be seen to an area heavily visited by kitties. One might describe this spot as an Emerging Leader in Cat Corners.
 
To kick off the New Year, the Cato Institute hosted its 9th annual health policy conference, where I and other attendees were heavily briefed on the status and potential implications of King V Burwell - better known as one of the Obamacare "subsidy lawsuits."
To kick off the New Year, the Cato Institute hosted its 9th annual health policy conference, where I and other attendees were heavily briefed on the status and potential implications of King V Burwell - better known as one of the Obamacare "subsidy lawsuits."
 
As of this writing, the price of gasoline in the Raleigh area has reached lows of below $2.10 a gallon, and many states are seeing prices well under $2.00. Globally, in the last year, the per barrel price of oil has fallen from over $100 a barrel to about $45 with the arrow still pointing downward.
As of this writing, the price of gasoline in the Raleigh area has reached lows of below $2.10 a gallon, and many states are seeing prices well under $2.00. Globally, in the last year, the per barrel price of oil has fallen from over $100 a barrel to about $45 with the arrow still pointing downward.
 
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