Today the Civitas Institute begins releasing our “20 Changes for 2010: A Primer for State Reform.” Here’s a slice of the introduction:
A majority of North Carolina voters believe state government is failing them. According to Civitas Institute January 2010 polling results, 54 percent of likely voters believe that the state is on the “wrong track,” compared to only 31 percent who replied that the state is headed in the right direction.
North Carolina deserves better.
High unemployment, failing schools, corruption, overspending, tax increases and declining family values all are the results of a generation of corrupt politicians implementing endless rounds of failed policies.
But merely criticizing is not enough. Fresh, alternative policies are needed to turn things around. Indeed, North Carolina can do better.
With that in mind, the Civitas Institute presents its 2010 Policy Agenda: “20 Changes for 2010: A Primer for State Reform.”
Our first installment features recommendations 1 and 2 that focus on providing a jumpstart for job creation in North Carolina.
North Carolina’s ability to create jobs has been hampered by several failed policies. Tax rates that are highest in the region and among the highest in the nation create a disincentive for entrepreneurs to relocate or expand in North Carolina. In a misguided attempt to offset high state tax rates, lawmakers have opted for a steady stream of targeted tax breaks and corporate welfare handouts to a select group of politically-connected companies. Such a practice creates an uneven playing field and establishes unfair competitive advantages for the privileged firms.
Each week over the next two and a half months, Civitas will release new recommendations that address policies in health care, education, corruption, fiscal responsibility and many more.
[…] steps to better state government Our good friends at Civitas are preparing a series on state government […]