Every year at budget time there are calls to raise North Carolina’s teacher pay to the national average. But a new report from John Locke Foundation Education Policy Analyst Terry Stoops shows the average N.C. public school teacher already makes more in total compensation than their average peer across the U.S. Stoops explains the factors he used to arrive at adjusted ‘total compensation’ and discusses pay trends in the state. Then we turn to recent comments to a Raleigh audience from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, considered by many to be a rising start in the GOP. Jindal believes the success of the American political and economic systems depend on a strong culture. He explained why during his address at the John Locke Foundation’s 19th anniversary celebration. You’ll hear highlights from Jindal’s remarks. Next, the state government’s large budget hole has prompted discussion of job cuts and layoffs. Scott Mooneyham of the Capitol Press Association explored the possibility of job cuts during a recent presentation to the John Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury Society. Mooneyham’s years of experience covering the General Assembly provide him with a unique perspective on the likelihood that state workers would face the prospect of pink slips. That’s followed by a look at forced annexation as practiced by North Carolina local governments. It is one of the top issues that lawmakers could address this year. During a recent hearing on possible reforms to the state’s 50-year-old annexation law, foes offered their complaints. You’ll hear some of that discussion, along with a one-on-one conversation with forced annexation critic Tony Tetterton. And finally, the lecture series at N.C. State known as the Millennium Series is one of the state’s most well known events, featuring leading politicians such as former President Bill Clinton. But do the speakers booked over the past couple of years represent a broad range of ideological and political views? Jay Schalin of the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy says a look at the list of speakers shows the answer is no. He explains his view that UNC System President Erskine Bowles should seek to ensure that, going forward, the series features well known men and women other than those who have served in Democratic administrations.