Recent reforms to the K-12 education system have shaken up the education establishment and received praise from supporters of choice and parental control. Now Gov. Pat McCrory is recommending new K-12 initiatives. John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Education Studies, Terry Stoops, critiques the governor’s ideas for creating ‘master teachers,’ reducing testing, and embracing Common Core standards. Then we turn to tax reform.
The group Americans for Tax Reform says North Carolina “blew all the other states away” this year in accomplishing its new tax reform plan. Patrick Gleason, director of state affairs for ATR, contends North Carolina’s tax reform package will help boost the state’s economic growth. Next is a look at a classic text. To understand today’s political debates, it’s useful to review a 25-year-old book from economist Thomas Sowell dubbed A Conflict of Visions. Rick Henderson, managing editor of Carolina Journal, explains why Sowell’s classic 1987 text remains relevant in 2013. That’s followed by a look at17th-century British philosopher John Locke, who served as a major influence guiding Thomas Jefferson and other American Founders. Many of Locke’s key arguments can be found in his Second Treatise on Civil Government. Brandon Turner, assistant professor of political science at Clemson University, discusses the role of violence in Locke’s Second Treatise. And finally, we delve into whether or not Gov. McCrory’s administration is on the right track with Medicaid reforms. John Locke Foundation Health and Human Services Policy Analyst Katherine Restrepo explains why the McCrory plan adopts the best from other states who’ve embarked on reform and steers clear of pitfalls experienced by the state of Kentucky. She also offers a word of caution about the need for multiple service providers for robust competition.