North Carolina has been able to cut tax rates in recent years without having to slash state services. That’s thanks to sustainable budget practices. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, outlines several key steps lawmakers have taken to pursue sustainable budgets. When Margaret Spellings wrapped up her tenure as…
North Carolina’s ongoing congressional redistricting dispute returned to the U.S. Supreme Court recently. As justices decide whether Republicans engaged in too much partisanship when they drew election maps, a case challenging state legislative district maps is proceeding to trial in state court later this year. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief,…
After months of controversy involving his job status, East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton has announced his resignation. He’ll collect a severance package of nearly $600,000. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes Staton’s decision and the implications for the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors. The U.S. Supreme…
With the appointments of new Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Associate Justice Mark Davis, the N.C. Supreme Court now has six Democrats and just one Republican. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the political implications of changes within the state’s highest court. Henderson also looks ahead to three contested Supreme…
Gov. Roy Cooper recommends average 9 percent public school teacher pay raises and a $3.9 billion bond package in his latest budget plan. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes Cooper’s proposals and highlights key pros and cons. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton garner more attention, but…
Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his priorities for the 2019 legislative session during his recent State of the State address. Cooper pushed for Medicaid expansion, a statewide school construction bond, and higher pay for public school teachers. The Democrat Cooper also talked about seeking bipartisan solutions. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation…
North Carolina’s newly reconstituted state elections board ordered a new election in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District after a four-day hearing into absentee ballot irregularities. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the board’s decision and looks ahead to the next stage in the 9th District dispute. During the heated debate…
Many congressional Democrats, including potential 2020 presidential contenders, have endorsed the idea of providing “Medicare for All.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, examines the proposal. He explains why an expansion of the existing federal health insurance program for older Americans would not lead to the results “Medicare for…
The newly minted N.C. State Board of Elections meets next week to discuss an investigation into absentee ballot irregularities in the still unsettled 9th District congressional election. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the latest developments in the electoral battle between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready. One of…
Candidates are already lining up for the 2020 elections in North Carolina. It’s not unusual to see candidates jump into a race a year before the election. But some might be throwing their hats into the ring even earlier than normal. That’s because primary elections have been moved up from…
