We have a new state budget. And while it took longer than expected for agreement, there are many provisions that fiscal conservatives can cheer, including money set aside for emergencies, tax reform, and the ending of a long-standing taxpayer subsidy for the solar industry. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray goes over the highlights. Speaking of energy policy, conservatives know that North Carolina’s renewable energy mandate drives up electricity prices, especially for those who can least afford it, and it also diverts useful farmland into solar projects. A recent forum at the state Legislative Building highlighted unintended consequences associated with the renewable energy mandate. You’ll hear highlights from the panel discussion. Then we turn to the issue of support for whistleblowers by Sen. Thom Tillis. He’s just a freshman on Capitol Hill, but Tillis is already a co-founder of a group promoting protection of federal government whistleblowers. Tillis recently explained why he believes whistleblowers play a critical role in promoting government effectiveness and efficiency. That’s followed by a look at the role played by state think tanks. Government at all levels tends to grow bigger and bigger if left unchecked. But state-level think tanks across the country are working to help confine government to its proper role. Todd Davidson, policy specialist for the State Policy Network, explains those groups’ critical role in the public policy process. And finally, we look at why every American should learn more about the Constitution. The founding director of the North Carolina History Project, Troy Kickler, discusses the roles played by several North Carolinians in constitutional history.
Budget Reins In Spending Growth, Ends Solar Subsidy
Related
Top lawmakers seek dismissal of Orr’s ‘fair elections’ lawsuit
North Carolina’s top legislative leaders are asking a three-judge panel to throw out a lawsuit aiming to establish a state constitutional right to “fair” elections. Former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr filed the suit in January.
VIDEO: McConnell to step down as leader after November election
US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, announced that he would resign his leadership post in November. However, he said he will complete the job of representing the people of Kentucky and that he "wasn't going anywhere."
Dems hope to defend governor’s office
Since the turn of the 20th century, North Carolina voters have picked Republicans for governor just four times: Jim Holshouser in 1972, Jim Martin in 1984 and 1988, and Pat McCrory in 2012. In each case, there was no Democratic incumbent. In each case, the GOP presidential candidate also won North Carolina. A similar scenario...
Towns are pushing for subsidized stadiums, while others struggle to keep them afloat
While some counties look to build new sports complexes, others struggle to pay bills and upkeep.