Community college delivers real value
With the national debate about tax reform heating up, you’ll be hearing a lot about the difference between marginal and average tax rates. It’s an important distinction — and the concept doesn... Read More
NC SPIN Posts by John Hood
Cooper picks unwise political fights
During the 2016 gubernatorial campaign, Democratic politicians, progressive activists, and left-leaning media outlets excoriated Pat McCrory and other North Carolina Republicans for elevating divisive... Read More
Boost facility funding from lottery
State Sen. Rick Horner can quip with the best of them. During a recent debate about school construction needs in North Carolina, the Wilson County lawmaker and former school-board chairman argued that... Read More
What does tax fairness mean?
Back when I used to commission regular surveys of North Carolina voters, one of my favorite questions had to do with tax fairness. The wording varied over time, but here’s essentially what we asked... Read More
Voters compare imperfect options
Most North Carolina voters, regardless of registration, cast their ballots consistently for either Democrats or Republicans. And the swing voters who often determine electoral outcomes tend to cast... Read More
Property rights have economic payoff
When North Carolina is competing with other states and nations for investment, business startups and expansions, and high-value professionals, we start out with some important advantages. Our tax code... Read More
Quicken the pace on school reform
The annual testing data and report cards for North Carolina’s public schools are out. Here are the headlines. Achievement rose in some areas and declined in others, with most changes being fairly... Read More
Four dates North Carolinians should know
Now that North Carolinians can put “First in Freedom” on their license plates, again, it’s worth taking a moment to remember key moments in American history when people from our state played an... Read More
Governors matter to business leaders
Democrats believe that their progressive policies would be best for North Carolina’s economy. Republicans believe their conservative ideas are the best recipe. For business executives, entrepreneurs... Read More
Unaffiliated voters hold the key
About 30 percent of North Carolina’s 6.8 million registered voters are Republicans. So how in the world do Republicans ever win election in the Tar Heel State? Be careful how you answer that... Read More
