NC SPIN Posts by John Hood

N.C. Schools ranked 7th

North Carolina’s public schools are currently producing better results than you might think, according to a recent analysis of independent testing data. But there’s bad news, as well: North...    Read More

by John Hood   |   February 15, 2016

NC cuts save taxpayers millions

Here’s a statement that North Carolinians of all political stripes can agree is a fact: Gov. Pat McCrory and the state legislature have enacted the largest tax cut in the history of North Carolina...    Read More

by John Hood   |   February 11, 2016

How Republican is North Carolina?

How Republican is North Carolina? My answer is 63. I realize this number has no meaning to you right now. I’ll explain it. For starters, I’m not saying that 63 percent of North Carolina voters are...    Read More

by John Hood   |   February 8, 2016


Iowa offers lesson for NC

The states of Iowa and North Carolina have at least two things in common. First, they are the nation’s top producers of hogs. Second, they are often overrun with politicians desperate to attract...    Read More

by John Hood   |   February 3, 2016

What explains job growth?

Few political promises are as common as this one: “My policies will create jobs.” You hear it from candidates for federal, state, and local office, as well as from activists, commentators, and...    Read More

by John Hood   |   January 27, 2016

School reform takes big strides

Almost exactly 15 year ago, I wrote an education reform plan for the John Locke Foundation entitled “Reach for the STARS.” I argued that low levels of proficiency in reading and math, particularly...    Read More

by John Hood   |   January 25, 2016



Relief can become a trap

Is unemployment ever voluntary? I don’t ask the question in order to blame unemployed people for their fate. On the contrary, understanding the full range of causes of unemployment is required...    Read More

by John Hood   |   January 18, 2016

Session offers head start on budget

Since Republicans won majorities in the North Carolina House and Senate in 2010, each subsequent legislative session has been dramatic and consequential. Lawmakers have reformed the tax code, reworked...    Read More

by John Hood   |   January 15, 2016


NC sets a good example

If you think government is too large and wields too much power, then you have plenty of reasons to be dismayed by recent national developments. But if you live in North Carolina, there is some good...    Read More

by John Hood   |   January 11, 2016