Amending Constitutions
As someone who views constitutional government as a basic institution of freedom, and constitutions as wielding near-divine authority, I retain what to some might be a surprising or even cavalier... Read More
NC SPIN Posts by John Hood
Build on Constitution Avenue
As someone who views constitutional government as a basic institution of freedom, and constitutions as wielding near-divine authority, I retain what to some might be a surprising or even cavalier... Read More
Three teams debate tax reform
As the House and Senate negotiate the details of a new state budget, one of their biggest disagreements will be about taxes. Just to be clear: both chambers are led by conservatives who generally... Read More
Wanted, a good budget deal in Raleigh
The state of North Carolina has begun its 2015-16 fiscal year with a continuing resolution instead of a budget. While it would have been better if lawmakers and Gov. Pat McCrory had inked a formal... Read More
Time to strike a good deal
The state of North Carolina has begun its 2015-16 fiscal year with a continuing resolution instead of a budget. While it would certainly have been better if lawmakers and Gov. Pat McCrory had inked a... Read More
Polls mixed on McCrory
In many ways, Republicans and Democrats live in different worlds. I’ve made the point before that the Internet, while greatly beneficial in many ways, has allowed political factions to retreat into... Read More
Moral claims don't persuade
In nearly three decades of writing a syndicated column on North Carolina politics and government, I’ve always received reader response. Back in the day, I’d get an occasional phone call or... Read More
Family debates merit pay for teachers
How can we differentiate the pay of teachers on the basis of their performance while also treating them fairly? This familiar education-policy debate used to play out at the Hood family dinner table... Read More
The Senate's responsible budget
Despite the welcome news of a state budget surplus, the fiscal and economic forecast for North Carolina over the next couple of years is not all blue skies and placid seas. Albeit weak by historical... Read More
Senate plots the right course
espite the welcome news of a budget surplus in Raleigh, the fiscal and economic forecast for North Carolina over the next couple of years is not all blue skies and placid seas. Albeit weak by... Read More
