It’s tax time, so many of us are busy focusing on what we’ve paid in federal and state income taxes, and what we might still owe. But the issue that typically doesn’t get as much attention is how much we pay in local taxes and fees. A new report from the John Locke Foundation’s Center for Local Innovation (CLI) aims to shed light on that issue: what local government actually costs across the state in our cities, towns, and counties. CLI Director Chad Adams explains the value of the report to North Carolinians, how to assess one’s city and county, and how to compare one’s city and county to others. He also discusses the variety of taxes and fees assessed by local governments, which vary from municipality to municipality. Next, top legislative leaders say much of North Carolina state government’s increased spending in recent years has been tied to education. In public remarks, both House Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Orange), and Senate President Marc Basnight (D-Dare) countered criticism of government overspending by arguing that budget increases have been funneled into North Carolina classrooms. You’ll hear their comments, along with a response from John Locke Foundation education policy analyst Terry Stoops. Then we delve even deeper into education. State lawmakers could debate this year the future of education leadership for North Carolina public schools. The governor has consolidated power under a newly installed CEO for the public school establishment. But the idea does not have universal appeal. Sen. Martin Nesbitt (D-Buncombe) recently raised concerns about Perdue’s actions. Then we turn our attention to thwarting Internet predators. The Internet is a valuable tool, but it has also served as a new way for child predators to target potential victims. Stacie Rumenap, executive director of the group Stop Child Predators, explains a new venture called StopInternetPredators.org, which is designed to help parents keep their kids safe from harm. And finally, Brian Balfour of the Civitas Institute discusses his view that the state should dissolve the Golden Leaf Foundation and redirect its substantial assets into the General Fund in order to help balance the state budget. Balfour, budget and tax policy analyst for Civitas, explains the history of the Foundation and the questionable value of some of the projects it has funded. He also discusses the political underpinnings of the organization. Golden Leaf was established in 1995 to take half of North Carolina’s proceeds from the national tobacco settlement and to use the funds for economic development.