Tanks for nothing
Early next year, the John Locke Foundation will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. I’ve been with the organization since it opened its doors — earlier than that, actually, as I helped draft its... Read More
NC Spin Articles
The fine print: lesser known details from the state's budget
Every budget is chock-full of details that don’t get much scrutiny from the residents and taxpayers that feel the effects, and this year’s $21.3 billion budget by Republican lawmakers is no... Read More
Jeff Jackson: Prophet
Yesterday I quoted at length from Senator Jeff Jackson’s speech on the legislature’s budget process. Today we learn what a prophet “the new kid” was. Jackson said on the floor last week... Read More
The "rogues" and the battle for a tougher coal ash bill
The most conspicuous failure in this year’s largely unsuccessful legislative session was the adjournment—or more correctly congressional-style recess— last weekend without the passage of a bill... Read More
Missing moderates: Congressional candidates grow more extreme
Those calling for an end to partisan primaries point out that primary voters are typically ideologically driven and have a disproportionate influence on candidate nominations. Yet they overlook one... Read More
Art Pope stepping down as budget director
by John Frank, News and Observer, August 6, 2014. North Carolina Budget Director Art Pope, a prominent conservative donor with broad influence and loud critics, is leaving the top post in Gov. Pat... Read More
Tillis rebounds against Hagan in Civitas Poll
The latest Civitas Institute Poll shows that House Speaker Thom Tillis has edged back into the lead in a head-to-head matchup with Sen. Kay Hagan in the U.S. Senate race. When voters were asked about... Read More
Medicaid reform could cut deep at rural hospitals
Whenever Medicaid cuts filter down from the legislature in Raleigh to small-town and rural hospitals such as Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, the pain is acutely felt. Although they... Read More
Art's grocery
A year ago I didn’t know anything about food deserts and food insecurity. I’ve learned, thanks to my dedicated young friends at the Jamie Kirk Hahn Foundation and at the Interfaith Food Shuttle... Read More
