21st century history

Pacesetting states offer growth lessons

High-tax, high-regulation states such as New York and California can’t outcompete Texas and Florida because the latter deliver better public services.

Set clear priorities for road funding

In recent weeks, I’ve written several columns flagging areas where North Carolina lags behind other states. We don’t do a good job of providing patients access to telehealth services, for example, and our education system — previously among the best in the country in converting public investment into reading and math performance — has tumbled...

NC legislators push to rein in government overreach with REINS Act

If a regulation created by officials in the executive branch is going to have significant economic impacts upward of $1 million, then the North Carolina General Assembly should have a statutory role in approving the proposed rule, said lawmakers on Tuesday.

NC governor proposes free community college for high-demand sectors

During his recent state of the state address, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein pushed to make community college tuition free for students entering high-demand fields. “The people of North Carolina are our greatest asset, so to invest in our future, we must invest in our people,” said Stein, a Democrat. “Our goal is to set...