The John Locke Foundation prides itself on making an impact on public policy in our state. For 25 years, our researchers, analysts and writers have received accolades. But now JLF is getting the attention from an unwanted source: progressive Democrats on a U.S. Senate committee. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson discusses the “request” for JLF documents and information related to climate change made in a letter from Democrats on the U.S. Committee on Environment and Public Works. Then we turn our attention to state economic policy. As N.C. lawmakers debate the future of targeted tax incentives, a UNC-Chapel Hill expert is warning them about the limited value of incentives in improving the state’s economy. Brent Lane, director of the UNC Center for Competitive Economies, recently delivered his assessment in a presentation for state senators. Continuing with our look at economics and growth, we delve into a school of economics dubbed “public choice,” which has an answer for the common question: Why do government policies tend to benefit special interests, rather than the public at large? John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research Roy Cordato recently explored the so-called “special interest effect” during a recent speech. That’s followed by a look at fierce local debate in a key North Carolina city: Charlotte. One of the Queen City’s hottest political debates in recent years has involved control of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Michael Lowrey, a JLF economics and regulatory policy analyst based in Charlotte, analyzes the dispute and the various players involved at the state and city level. He also discusses the debate’s impact on Charlotte’s future status as an airline hub. And finally, we look at Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget proposal for the next fiscal year for K-12 public education. John Locke Foundation Director of Research and Education Studies, Terry Stoops, dissects the plan, including how it funds growth in enrollment and how it compensates teachers.
JLF Targeted By Progressives On U.S. Senate Panel
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