Bad Bill of the Week: Corporate Welfare is a Bipartisan Problem
Proving yet again that corporate welfare is a bipartisan problem, four Republican legislators last week introduced House Bill 117, NC Competes Act. The primary sponsors of the bill are Reps. Susan Martin (R-Wilson), Charles Jeter (R-Mecklenburg), Jeff Collins (R-Nash) and Bob Steinburg (R-Camden), but to be fair the bill garnered…David Neal and the Reynolds Family Connections
Mapping the Left It can be very difficult to grasp or visualize the vastness of the network of left-wing groups in North Carolina. But one way to start is with the key group on the left, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation – and the family that dominates it. There are literally hundreds…Latest Articles
Why Business Incentives Won’t Help NC
By Garland S. Tucker III and Francis X. De Luca In previous years, Republicans rightly attacked then-Gov. Bev. Perdue’s use of economic incentives to promote growth in North Carolina. Since taking control of the state, however, they have regrettably changed their tune. Gov. Pat McCrory and then-Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker…
Public School Forum Declares Book Closed on Common Core, Whistles past Many Shortcomings
In his article “Maintaining rigor and listening to teachers in the debate over academic standards,” Keith Poston argues against revisions to the current Common Core standards and the importance of ensuring teachers have a voice in this discussion. In a two-part response, I argue, in part one, that significant changes…
Civitas Institute asks Supreme Court to protect entrepreneurs
Today, the Civitas Institute joins the Cato Institute in asking the United States Supreme Court to clarify its role in protecting Americans from occupational licensure abuse. In a joint amicus brief, attorneys from Civitas and Cato ask the Court to grant certiorari in Vong v. Aune — a case with the potential…
Bad Bill of the Week: Corporate Welfare Bonanza
Politicians love to use their power to dole out favors and privileges to politically-connected special interests. They also love to interfere with the economy, attempting to impose their preferences upon investors and consumers through a hodgepodge of taxpayer handouts and targeted tax breaks. House Bill 89 Omnibus Economic Development Improvements,…
Bad Bill of the Week: Billion Dollar Gas Tax Hike
Significantly lower gas prices at the pump the last several months have put more money in the pockets of NC motorists. But because of the adjustable portion of the state gas tax, lower gas prices would also mean less money to state government coffers. Apparently, some state legislators can’t accept…
Books are not the only problem in recent WCPSS controversy
Wake County Public Schools finds itself in the middle of a book controversy. Concerned parents at Highcroft Drive Elementary School have voiced concerns about the use of highly questionable books by fourth graders at the school. A blogger named NC Citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, wrote about the story…
EPA Rules Would Choke NC’s Economy
Gas prices fell below $2.00 a gallon in much of state this month, providing North Carolinians with some extra cash in their pockets to pay off those Christmas credit card bills. Don’t get used to the extra cash, however. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of implementing…
Bad Bill of the Week: Restore Teaching Fellows Program
Facing a $2.5 billion budget shortfall in 2011, the new Republican legislative majority eliminated $13.5 million in annual funding to the NC Teaching Fellows program. Now several legislators – all Democrats – have introduced a bill (House Bill 21, Restore Teaching Fellows Program) that restores $3.6 million in annual funding…