CJ Radio

Carolina Journal Radio No. 924: State should take new steps to fight collusive lawsuits

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500

If a state government agency wants to avoid complying with N.C. law, it might be able to accomplish its goal through a collusive lawsuit settlement. But state lawmakers could take steps this year to strike back against those settlements. Andy Jackson, director of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the John Locke Foundation, explains why the General Assembly should address the issue. The recent addition of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court has revived discussion of the legal concept of originalism. One ongoing debate among constitutional theorists involves the importance of court precedents for originalists like Barrett. That topic sparked a recent online forum sponsored by the Duke law school’s Federalist Society. Featured speaker Randy Barnett, constitutional law professor at Georgetown University, explained how originalists can and should respond to precedents. Gov. Roy Cooper set up a bipartisan group last year to examine health care access issues. During a recent meeting, John Locke Foundation health care expert Jordan Roberts discussed alternatives to the governor’s preferred policy option: Medicaid expansion. Free trade has faced attacks in recent years from high-profile leaders of both major political parties. Even those who support free trade diverge about how to put that support into practice. Donald Boudreaux, economics professor at George Mason University, contrasts free-trade “multilateralists” and “unilateralists.” He explained the difference during a featured presentation to the Classical Liberals of the Carolinas. After nearly 18 years of weekly programs, Carolina Journal Radio is signing off the air. As the John Locke Foundation and Civitas Institute combine forces to create a new major force in North Carolina’s freedom-forward movement, the new organization will promote its ideas in new ways and through new media platforms. Co-host Donna Martinez has been with Carolina Journal Radio since its earliest days. Mitch Kokai joined the show in 2005, roughly 2 1/2 years into the program’s run. As Martinez and Kokai end the program, they offer listeners new ideas for keeping up with insightful analysis of North Carolina’s top political and public policy stories.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 923: Cooper, Robinson to offer contrasting N.C. visions

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson could present very different messages to N.C. voters and taxpayers in the years ahead. The two men previewed a divergent path during their public swearing-in ceremonies in Raleigh. While Cooper complained about the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, unaffordable health care, and unequal opportunity, Robinson emphasized the state’s successes. He pointed to his own story as North Carolina’s first black lieutenant governor. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses the contrast between Cooper and Robinson. Prospective Asian-American students sued the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over its admissions policies. The suit came as no surprise to Kenny Xu, a political commentator and author of An Inconvenient Minority. The book documents similar race discrimination lawsuits challenging admissions policies at Ivy League schools. Xu shares highlights from his work. He compares the Ivy League story with the situation at Chapel Hill. State Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby has taken his oath as the top officer in North Carolina’s judicial branch of government. During his first speech as chief justice, Newby shared details of his judicial philosophy. He also explained why court personnel need to work hard to reopen courtrooms in the wake of COVID-19. Major N.C. universities have problems with pervasive sex discrimination. But it’s not the type of discrimination you might expect when you hear those words. Adam Kissel, former deputy assistant secretary for higher education programs at U.S. Department of Education, documented the problem in a recent report. Kissel shares highlights of the report prepared for the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges since last spring for parents of school-age children in North Carolina. Some of them turned to “learning pods” to help address students’ struggles with online learning. Terry Stoops, director of the Center for Effective Education at the John Locke Foundation, assesses families’ experience with learning pods and other innovations sparked by COVID-19.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 922: COVID-19, government lockdowns create special challenges for businesses that sell alcohol

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

From extended COVID-19 shutdowns to unexpected government fines, owners of alcohol-related businesses in North Carolina have faced special challenges in the past year. John Trump, Carolina Journal managing editor, recaps some of the industry’s key concerns. Bar owners and operators across North Carolina filed lawsuits just before the Christmas holiday. The suits challenge the executive orders Gov. Roy Cooper has used during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep bars shuttered. Jessica Thompson, attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, discusses the suit she filed on behalf of owners of a popular Greenville bar. It has been closed for more than nine months because of government mandates. The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to decriminalize marijuana. Among those objected: U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, R-9th District. During a speech on the House floor, Bishop outlined his concerns about potential negative consequences of changing marijuana’s legal status. Voters selected Mark Robinson to serve as North Carolina’s first black lieutenant governor. The second-highest-ranking office in state government’s executive branch marks Robinson’s first job as an elected official. During a recent online forum for the John Locke Foundation, Robinson highlighted his top priorities for his new role. The head of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality, Secretary Michael Regan, has been nominated to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President-elect Joe Biden. Former DEQ Secretary Donald van der Vaart, now a John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses Regan’s potential impact at the EPA. Van der Vaart also discusses his own reappointment to the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 921: Chief Justice Newby takes over as top N.C. court official

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

After a month of uncertainty, Republican Paul Newby emerged as the eventual winner of the N.C. Supreme Court chief justice’s election, unseating incumbent Democrat Cheri Beasley. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses Newby’s likely impact as the leader of the state’s highest court and top officer in North Carolina’s judicial branch. American history has faced attacks in recent years. But a textbook titled Land of Hope aims to renew interest in the traditional story of American greatness. Author Wilfred McClay, professor in the history of liberty at the University of Oklahoma, explains why he decided to set his scholarly work aside and focus instead on a book for a school-age audience. COVID-19 will continue to present challenges for the University of North Carolina System throughout the rest of the academic year. UNC President Peter Hans delivered a recent status report on plans for conducting spring semester classes at campuses across the state. Voters selected Catherine Truitt as North Carolina’s new superintendent of public instruction. During a recent online forum for the John Locke Foundation, Truitt discussed her priorities. At the top of the list: helping public schools cope with the disruption linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Voters also placed another new face on the statewide elected Council of State: Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson. Having worked with Dobson during his days as a state legislator, Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses his approach to his new role. Gray also outlines some of Dobson’s top priorities, including protection of the state’s right-to-work status.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 920: Teachers union fights efforts to reopen schools

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500

The N.C. Association of Educators teachers union has been vocal about keeping brick-and-mortar schools closed to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s despite the evidence of major learning loss. The union stance also ignores scientific arguments in favor of returning students to classrooms. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, explores NCAE’s opposition to restoring classroom instruction. The N.C. General Assembly is likely to debate law enforcement reforms as the year moves forward. State lawmakers might want to consult Colorado for clues about avoiding bad reform proposals. John Cooke, assistant Republican leader in the Colorado state Senate and husband of John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke, discusses his western state’s recent experience with law enforcement reform legislation. JLF marks a new milestone in the new year. The 30-year-old foundation and the 15-year-old Civitas Institute are joining forces. They are merging capabilities of the state’s top free-market groups. Amy Cooke and Civitas President and CEO Donald Bryson explain why they decided to work together in one single group. Today’s political scene is plagued by too many episodes of grandstanding. Brandon Warmke, assistant philosophy professor at Bowling Green State University, details the problem in a recent book. He shared themes from his work during a recent online presentation for the John Locke Foundation. Gov. Roy Cooper has used emergency powers repeatedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, believes Cooper has exceeded his constitutional authority in using emergency powers. Guze is urging policymakers to rein in Cooper’s actions by amending the state Emergency Management Act.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 919: Year-end program highlights key issues from 2020

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

As we look forward to a new year, Carolina Journal Radio reviews some of the most interesting topics from 2020. Amy Coney Barrett has joined the U.S. Supreme Court as its 115th justice. She has said her judicial philosophy mirrors that of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, and supporters characterize her as an originalist. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, analyzes Barrett’s record. He discusses the new justice’s likely impact on the nation’s highest court. As Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden relied on advice from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known popularly as AOC, in developing policies related to energy and the environment. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy O. Cooke, “The Right AOC,” explains why the other AOC’s policy proposals would be wrong for America. COVID-19 has created challenges for everyone, including leaders of the University of North Carolina System. President Peter Hans recently briefed his Board of Governors on budget and access issues linked to the pandemic. If you follow the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional law, you’ve likely heard the term “originalism.” Until recently, it’s been hard to find a book-length introduction to the concept. Ilan Wurman, visiting assistant professor at Arizona State University’s law school, attempts to fill that gap with the book A Debt Against The Living. Wurman explains why he wrote an introduction to originalism. He also shares its key themes. North Carolina taxpayers would pay the price if the state changes its law against public-sector collective bargaining. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, highlights a new report that tallies the potential costs.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 918: New index tracks COVID-related ‘misery’

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced both health and economic consequences. A new “misery index” attempts to document how those consequences have played out in states across the country. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explains why he developed the index. He explains how North Carolina compares to neighboring states and others throughout the United States. Gov. Roy Cooper set up a new bipartisan group to focus on health insurance coverage. The governor is focusing on one aspect of coverage: Medicaid expansion. But lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle want to turn attention to other issues, including relaxation of harmful government regulations. You’ll hear highlights from their comments during the group’s first meeting. Fresh off his re-election win, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., returned to Capitol Hill for a hearing on potential new regulation of Big Tech companies. You’ll hear Tillis question Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. The General Assembly could consider law enforcement reforms in 2021. But a draft report of potential reforms produced mixed reviews during a recent hearing. You’ll learn why some lawmakers are concerned that the report’s ideas would harm law enforcement. Others believe the report will lead to little positive change. North Carolina’s teacher turnover numbers continue to improve. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, places the numbers into context.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 917: Looking ahead to North Carolina’s 2022 Senate race

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

We still haven’t heard the final word on the 2020 election, but some observers are already looking ahead to North Carolina’s next big electoral contest. Voters will replace Republican Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate in 2022. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes early announcements and speculation about a contest that could have a major impact on partisan control of Congress’ upper chamber. The federal government will look different under President-elect Joe Biden next year than it does now under President Trump. But some parts of the government will carry on without much change even as the White House sees a major shakeup. Jim Copland, senior fellow and director of legal policy at the Manhattan Institute, devotes a recent book, The Unelected, to the powerful people who play major roles in government decisions regardless of election results. Copland recently highlighted themes from the book in an online presentation for the John Locke Foundation. People of all political persuasions can agree that the 2020 election turned into a mess. Robert Natelson, a constitutional law expert and former Montana gubernatorial candidate, says one reason for the problem is that government officials ignored a key provision in the U.S. Constitution. During a recent episode of the John Locke Foundation’s “HeadLocke” podcast, Natelson shared his concerns. He also offered ideas for improving the current system. The U.S. Supreme Court recently welcomed Amy Coney Barrett as its newest justice. Campbell Law School constitutional expert Greg Wallace recently assessed Barrett’s likely impact on the high court during a presentation for the John Locke Foundation. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper starts his second term in 2021. He’ll be forced to deal with the same Republican leaders of the N.C. House and Senate who led those chambers during Cooper’s first term. That arrangement could mean two more years of budget gridlock. Or all parties could try to find new areas of compromise. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses the prospects for cooperation or continued stalemates over the budget and other key issues.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 916: Truitt to take reins as top N.C. education official

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500

North Carolina welcomes a new state superintendent of public instruction in 2021. Republican Catherine Truitt will take the job after serving as leader of the online-only Western Governors University in this state. Truitt also served as former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory’s top education adviser. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, assesses Truitt’s top priorities in her job at the head of the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Mention the word “environmentalism,” and many people will think of left-of-center activists who oppose development, energy exploration, and other economic activity. But a recent article in the magazine National Review advocated a conservative form of environmentalism. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses the pros and cons of the arguments put forward in the leading conservative magazine. The new year will generate new congressional and legislative election maps for North Carolina. During a recent news conference, N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, rebutted myths about the impact of election maps during the past decade. Moore also offered clues about the type of mapmaking process he will support in 2021. Though Democrats came up short this fall, they continue to work toward turning North Carolina as blue as possible politically. Scott Walter, president of the Capital Research Center, discussed Democrats’ strategy during a recent online presentation for the John Locke Foundation. You’ll hear highlights from his remarks. When Moore bangs the gavel on the opening day of the 2021 legislative session, he will tie a state record. Only two other men have been elected to four terms as state House speaker. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, highlights some key priorities Moore has mentioned for the new session that starts in January.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 915: Returning students to in-person schooling presents urgent challenge

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500

There’s an urgent need to return N.C. public school students to in-person instruction. That’s the message Terry Stoops hopes to send. The John Locke Foundation’s vice president for research and director of education studies explains why the science and data suggest that school kids face much more danger of long-lasting negative effects if they remain stuck in forced online learning. Republicans will maintain control of both chambers of the N.C. General Assembly in 2021. After winning key elections this month, state Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, offered their reactions to voters’ decisions. Berger and Moore also discussed key issues likely to crop up in next year’s legislative session. COVID-19 has created challenges for everyone, including leaders of the University of North Carolina System. President Peter Hans recently briefed his Board of Governors on budget and access issues linked to the pandemic. The coronavirus has caused headaches for groups working to help military veterans find jobs in the civilian world. During a recent online presentation hosted by the John Locke Foundation, Kimberly Williams of the group North Carolina for Military Employment, NC4ME, discussed COVID-19’s impact on her group’s operations. Some national Democrats are pushing for presumptive President-elect Joe Biden to push a plan for packing the U.S. Supreme Court with new liberal justices. Brenée Goforth of the John Locke Foundation discusses the history of the court-packing debate. She explains why the idea is just as bad now as it was when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proposed a similar scheme in the 1930s.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 914: N.C. voters tackle taxes, bonds, alcohol measures

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Elections for president, U.S. Senate, and governor grabbed the headlines. But North Carolinians addressed many other items during the recent election, including local referendums on issues such as taxes, bonds, and alcohol. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes the results of local referendum votes across the state. While Democrat Joe Biden has declared victory in the presidential race, President Trump appeared to claim North Carolina’s electoral votes. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper won re-election, but Republicans secured significant victories in other statewide races. In an online forum nearly one week after Election Day, GOP political consultant Jonathan Felts and Democratic counterpart Brad Crone assessed state and federal election results for a John Locke Foundation audience. You’ll hear highlights. COVID-19 has presented plenty of economic challenges, especially for those who lost their jobs in government shutdowns tied to the pandemic. During a JLF online forum, Ryan Ray of Jobs for Life discussed ongoing job-related challenges linked to the coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic has created special challenges — and opportunities — for cities across the country. Co-founder Greg Brooks of the Better Cities Project discussed recently for a JLF audience his group’s efforts to address important issues tied to the life-altering pandemic. With Cooper winning re-election, he’s likely to continue pushing counterproductive energy and environmental policies, Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow and former secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality, previews Cooper’s likely approach to energy and the environment in a second term.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 913: Voters add three new Republicans to Council of State

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will serve a second term as North Carolina state government’s chief executive officer. But voters have added three new Republicans to the group of elected executives making up the Council of State. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses Cooper’s re-election victory, the historic election of Mark Robinson as North Carolina’s first African-American lieutenant governor, and two other newcomers among the council of statewide elected officials. A legislative watchdog group believes North Carolina can help clean up government finances by giving new authority to internal auditors. You’ll learn details of the proposed reform, along with reaction from State Auditor Beth Wood. A former Wake County register of deeds who pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $900,000 from taxpayers has been fighting to keep her government retirement benefits. The N.C. Court of Appeals recently ruled against Laura Riddick in her court fight with the N.C. State Treasurer’s office. You’ll hear highlights from Appeals Court Judge John Tyson’s grilling of Riddick’s lawyer. The number of people with a basic understanding of America’s constitutional system of government is surprisingly low. A group called Constituting America aims to correct the problem. During a recent online forum for the John Locke Foundation, students associated with the group explained why they wanted to help their peers learn more about the nation’s governing document. Republicans will continue to lead both chambers of North Carolina’s General Assembly in 2021. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses the implications for taxes and spending, school choice, regulations, and other important public policies. She’ll also talk about the legislature’s potential areas of cooperation and competition with Gov. Roy Cooper.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 912: Supreme Court welcomes originalist Amy Coney Barrett

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Amy Coney Barrett has joined the U.S. Supreme Court as its 115th justice. She has said her judicial philosophy mirrors that of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, and supporters characterize her as an originalist. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director legal studies, analyzes Barrett’s record. He discusses the new justice’s likely impact on the nation’s highest court. Those who want to reform higher education ought to look at governing boards. That’s a key piece of advice in a recent report from the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. Report author Jay Schalin, the center’s director of policy analysis, explain how trustees and UNC System governors can play a critical role in improving colleges and universities. During the recent confirmation hearings for Justice Amy Coney Barrett, North Carolina’s junior U.S. senator secured a national spotlight. In addition to his questions for Barrett, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis shared his concerns about pressing national issues such as crime and health care. You’ll hear highlights from his remarks. The latest round of state-level COVID-19 relief featured provisions focusing on small businesses. You’ll hear part of the state Senate’s debate over the best ways to boost small businesses in the wake of the pandemic. COVID-19 has had major impacts on public school enrollment across North Carolina. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, discusses the enrollment numbers on local school systems’ responses to the changes.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 911: Voters should pay attention to important down-ballot races

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The races for president, governor, and U.S. Senate have been dominating N.C. headlines. But voters are making other important decisions in the next week. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses recent developments in races for offices such as lieutenant governor, superintendent of public instruction, state treasurer, and labor commissioner. North Carolina’s popular Opportunity Scholarship program faces a new legal challenge. Plaintiffs challenging the scholarships are tied to the N.C. Association of Educators teachers union. Corey DeAngelis, director of school choice at the libertarian Reason Foundation, analyzed the suit during a recent online forum. North Carolina’s junior U.S. senator secured a national audience during the recent confirmation hearings for a new Supreme Court justice. You’ll hear highlights from Sen. Thom Tillis’ opening remarks in the hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause complications for businesses in North Carolina, especially businesses like private bars that have been prohibited from reopening. Zack Medford, founder and president of the N.C. Bar and Tavern Association, recently discussed COVID-19 challenges during an online presentation for the John Locke Foundation. The same online audience also heard a broader perspective on coronavirus-related business uncertainty from Gary Salamido, president and CEO of the NC Chamber. The pandemic also has negative effects on students’ ability to learn material in school. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, explores the learning loss linked to COVID-19 school shutdowns.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 910: Questions surround key COVID-19 data points

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Debate about the COVID-19 pandemic has featured plenty of data involving case numbers, deaths, and hospitalizations. Dig into the details, and you learn that the numbers might not be as useful as they first appear. They might even portray a misleading picture. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, discusses key aspects of his research into key COVID-19 numbers. Americans are paying much more attention to China these days, largely because of that country’s role in the pandemic. Part of the discussion involves American trade with China. Scott Lincicome, senior fellow in economic studies at the Cato Institute, challenges one popular narrative surrounding trade with China. He shares highlights from his research. One reason voters should pay attention to this year’s N.C. Supreme Court elections involves school choice. A lawsuit challenging the state’s popular Opportunity Scholarship program is heading to a trial court. Most experts expect the case to head eventually to the state Supreme Court, which upheld the scholarships by a 4-3 vote in 2015. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, explains why the new lawsuit should raise concerns for school choice supporters. One of the state’s top government watchdogs recently retired. You’ll hear highlights from John Turcotte’s last meeting as head of the General Assembly’s internal Program Evaluation Division. If North Carolina moves forward with Medicaid expansion, ends its ban on collective bargaining, and adopts the types of spending increases Gov. Roy Cooper has proposed in his budget plans, the state budget could grow by 13%. That’s a key finding in a new report from John Locke Foundation Senior Fellow Joseph Coletti. Coletti discusses report and talks about the potential impact for taxpayers if North Carolina pursues ideas popular among Democratic policymakers and political candidates.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 909: Taxpayers cannot afford another state, local bailout

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Federal taxpayers cannot afford another bailout of state and local governments. Joseph Coletti, the John Locke Foundation’s senior fellow, explains why in a column he co-wrote for TheHill.com. Coletti contends most state governments have fared better than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throwing more money at them now would lead to waste while continuing to drive up the multitrillion-dollar federal debt. High-profile Democratic politicians have endorsed the Green New Deal. It’s billed as an environmental program, but the deal would extend government’s reach far beyond environmental policy. Kent Lassman, president of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discussed the Green New Deal’s potential impact during a recent online forum presented by the John Locke Foundation. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., continues to ask questions about the federal government’s response to COVID-19. You’ll hear highlights from Burr’s recent appearance on Capitol Hill with experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Sticking to Capitol Hill, North Carolina’s other U.S. senator, Thom Tillis, took a break from the campaign trail to question former FBI Director James Comey. Tillis’ query focused on the controversial federal government investigation into Russian influence on the 2016 presidential election. N.C. voters will select three state Supreme Court justices this fall. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, highlights questions voters should ask about judicial elections as they prepare to cast their ballots.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 908: Barrett nomination highlights left-wing attacks on Constitution

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Reaction to the nomination of federal Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court offers a reminder of progressives’ continuing attacks against the U.S. Constitution. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, analyzes Barrett’s nomination. He discusses the attacks Barrett faces because of her conservative jurisprudence. As the Supreme Court returns to action, Ilya Shapiro of the Cato Institute looks back at the court’s key rulings from its last term. Shapiro also discusses recent trends on the high court and looks ahead to major cases for the new term. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised plenty of questions about N.C. public schools, including the best way to address the problems of struggling students. State legislators recently discussed the topic during a debate about pandemic-related legislation. Gov. Roy Cooper is allowing public school systems across the state to reopen school buildings for elementary-age students. Middle and high schools remain shuttered for in-person instruction. During a recent news conference, mothers pleaded with Cooper to reopen all state public schools to students. You’ll hear highlights from their comments. North Carolina taxpayers would pay the price if the state changes its law against public-sector collective bargaining. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, highlights a new report that tallies the potential costs.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 907: New analysis reveals N.C. Medicaid expansion funding gap

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper and other advocates of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina argue consistently that expansion would not cost any state taxpayer dollars. A new analysis from the John Locke Foundation and the Ohio-based Buckeye Institute call that claim into question. A model based on enrollment estimates and Medicaid costs in expansion states suggests N.C. budget writers would face a gap of $119 million to $171 million to cover new Medicaid costs. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, highlights key points from the new Medicaid expansion analysis. A Superior Court judge recently struck down Wilmington’s restrictions on vacation rental property. The court decision represents a victory for plaintiffs David and Peggy Schroeder. But it leaves unresolved constitutional claims raised by the Schroeders’ attorneys from the Institute for Justice. Before the ruling, IJ constitutional law fellow Adam Griffin explained why the group had taken the Schroeders’ case. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., raised recent questions on Capitol Hill about the controversial investigation into Russian influence on the 2016 election. You’ll hear highlights from Tillis’ queries of former U.S. Justice Department official Sally Yates. A nurses union won a recent victory at Mission Health hospital in Asheville. The contest prompted a recent John Locke Foundation online forum about union activity in North Carolina. Among the speakers raising concerns about unions were state Rep. Sarah Stevens, R-Surry, Ray Starling of the NC Chamber, and nurse TiAngela Austin. North Carolina will make history in November when voters select the state’s first black lieutenant governor. Both Democratic nominee Yvonne Lewis Holley and Republican Mark Robinson are African-American. But they approach that fact in different ways. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, highlights key differences driving the lieutenant governor’s campaign.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 906: North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race has national significance

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The outcome of North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race could help determine which party controls the chamber for the next two years. Incumbent Republican Sen. Thom Tillis faces a tough challenge from Democrat Cal Cunningham. Carolina Journal Editor-in-Chief Rick Henderson analyzes recent developments in the hotly contested race. It’s safe to say N.C. colleges and universities did not reopen in the fall in the way they had expected. Some campuses welcomed students back, only to send them home again for online learning within a matter of weeks. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, assesses university’s preparations for and responses to the challenges of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the recent actions state lawmakers have taken to address COVID-19 is a $335 check to be sent to parents of school-aged children throughout the state. State Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, explained the checks’ purpose during a recent news conference. In addition to higher education, COVID-19 has forced major changes for K-12 public education in North Carolina. During a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation, state Sen. Deanna Ballard, R-Watauga, discussed key education challenges. Ballard explained legislative leaders approach to addressing public education issues during the pandemic. The N.C. Court of Appeals recently overturned a lower court and restored state constitutional amendments requiring a photo ID for voters and lowering the state’s cap on income tax rates. Voters had approved those measures during a statewide vote in 2018. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, explains the significance of the split 2-1 ruling. She discusses the next steps for the court case that produced the ruling.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 905: Courtroom deal raises questions about N.C. school funding

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

A Union County judge has approved a deal calling on the state of North Carolina to boost education spending by more than $400 million a year. It’s the first stage of a plan that would lead to billions of dollars of new spending. The money is tied to the long-running Leandro lawsuit. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the latest developments in the quarter-century-old Leandro case. The N.C. Association of Educators teachers union is leading a lawsuit designed to kill the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program. But three families are going to court to intervene in the case. They want to defend the scholarship vouchers. Grandparent Janet Nunn explains why she’s working with the Institute for Justice to protect the vouchers. North Carolina and the rest of the United States recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women’s right to vote in elections. During a recent online forum, John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke helped mark the anniversary. Cooke also shared her concerns about current political debates about women’s role in politics. COVID-19 has generated health care challenges across the country. During a recent online John Locke Foundation forum, North Carolinians heard expert analysis from Rea Hederman, vice president for policy at the Ohio-based Buckeye Institute. Hederman discussed state-level innovations that can lead to better health outcomes during the pandemic and afterward. The N.C. General Assembly recently approved a COVID-19 package totaling nearly $1 billion. They dubbed it the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explores the latest package’s pros and cons. He looks at the potential impact on the state’s long-term fiscal outlook.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 904: Comparing N.C. response to Spanish Flu and COVID-19

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

More than 100 years ago, North Carolina addressed problems linked to the Spanlsh Flu. Today the state continues to cope with ongoing challenges linked to COVID-19. In a recent column for Carolina Journal, Brenée Goforth of the John Locke Foundation contrasted the state’s responses to the two worldwide pandemics. She shares highlights from her research. The year 2020 has featured plenty of political turmoil. Andrew McCarthy, senior fellow at the National Review Institute, placed today’s troubles in historical context during a recent online forum co-sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. McCarthy offered ideas for addressing today’s polarized political climate. Greensboro businessman Louis DeJoy has generated controversy ever since taking the job as U.S. postmaster general. During a recent hearing on Capitol Hill, DeJoy rebutted critics’ complaints about his plans to improve post office efficiency and finances. The John Locke Foundation has endorsed efforts to boost privacy protection for donors to nonprofit groups. During a recent online forum, JLF featured comments from Ashley Varner, vice president of Washington state’s Freedom Foundation. Varner discussed that group’s fight against the forced release of donor information. Voters head to the polls this fall amid a climate of deep partisan divisions. Even the parties themselves face internal divisions. Andrew Taylor, N.C. State University political science professor, analyzes the impact of intraparty conflicts. He discusses the potential influence of those fights on on fall election campaigns.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 903: Election campaigns head into home stretch

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The 2020 election moves into its home stretch now that both major parties have held their national conventions. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses highlights from the GOP event, including the renomination of Donald Trump for a second term in the White House. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is relying on advice from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known popularly as AOC, in developing policies related to energy and the environment. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy O. Cooke, “The Right AOC,” explains why the other AOC’s policy proposals would be wrong for America. U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson wants the federal government to consider more reliance on nuclear energy as it plans for a secure future energy supply. Hudson discussed his priorities while questioning Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette on Capitol Hill. N.C. policymakers continue to look at the best way to help the state’s economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, offered his ideas during a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. Newton hopes North Carolina will be the first state in line as job creators and entrepreneurs choose locations for their new and expanding businesses. The Cooper administration’s decision to deny a key water permit for the Mountain View Pipeline could lead to higher electricity prices. That would mean bad news for North Carolinians continuing to struggle with the coronavirus-damaged economy. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explores the impact of the Cooper administration’s decision. Van der Vaart emphasizes the importance of increasing natural gas infrastructure in the state.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 902: Democrats make Biden nomination official as campaign heats up

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Joe Biden has officially accepted the nomination as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the impact of the recent Democratic National Convention on the 2020 presidential race. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated questions about North Carolina’s housing supply. A recent online forum from the John Locke Foundation highlighted housing issues tied to the pandemic. State legislative staffer Brent Woodcox, founder of a group called YIMBY Raleigh, offered ideas about policy changes that could help residents deal with housing challenges. Mark Zimmerman, senior vice president of NC REALTORS, offered additional perspective. During the midst of the pandemic, the University of North Carolina System welcomed Peter Hans as its new president. Hans delivered a first-day-on-the-job message to UNC campuses across the state. He focused on addressing the university’s priorities during difficult times. North Carolina awaits the next step in the long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit. Jeanette Doran, president and general counsel at the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law, dissects key constitutional concerns surrounding a case that involves courts in policy decisions that usually reside within the General Assembly. In the midst of a pandemic, one western N.C. hospital is battling a campaign to unionize nurses. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses the conflict between HCA Healthcare, the largest hospital system in America, and the National Nurses Organizing Committee, the nation’s largest registered nurses’ union.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 901: Kamala Harris’ potential impact on N.C. presidential vote

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate in the bid to replace Republican Donald Trump in the White House. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, explores Harris’ credentials for the vice president’s job. Henderson discusses the VP candidate’s pros and cons for the Biden campaign in North Carolina and nationwide. The U.S. Supreme Court declined this year to take up new cases clarifying Second Amendment rights. During a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation, Campbell University law professor Greg Wallace analyzed the high court’s rejection of gun-rights cases. Wallace offers his assessment of the future of Second Amendment protections across the country. Among the important elections on the ballot this fall are those for N.C. House and Senate. Those races will determine which party controls the legislature for the next two years, including control of drawing election maps for up to a decade. During a recent JLF election forum, political consultants Brad Crone and Jim Blaine offered their assessments of current electoral trends. The John Locke Foundation is pushing for increased privacy protection for donors to nonprofit groups in North Carolina. During a recent online forum, Doug Kellogg of Americans for Tax Reform offered support for the idea. Kellogg explained how donor privacy rights have faced threats across the country. Gov. Roy Cooper and his administration have failed to answer key questions about their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. JLF researchers have assembled some of the most important unanswered questions. Jordan Roberts, JLF health care policy analyst, highlights questions related to nursing home deaths, Medicaid expansion, and hydroxychloroquine. Roberts explains why answers to those questions could help improve North Carolina’s response to the pandemic.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 900: Milestone episode focuses attention on fight for freedom

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio celebrates its 900th weekly episode, marking more than 17 years of documenting interesting developments in N.C. politics and public policy. Using that milestone as a starting point, John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke looks ahead to the future for JLF efforts to spread the message about individual freedom, personal responsibility, and limited constitutional government. Plaintiffs tied to the N.C. Association of Educators teachers union are challenging Opportunity Scholarship school vouchers in court. Opponents contend vouchers violate the state constitution, despite the fact that the N.C. Supreme Court upheld Opportunity Scholarships in 2015. Jeanette Doran, president and general counsel of the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law, analyzes the new lawsuit. Count Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest among those who would like to see N.C. public schools reopen as soon as possible with students in classrooms every day. Forest explained his concerns about the state’s school reopening plans during a recent news conference. The COVID-19 pandemic could lead to long-term changes in the area of telemedicine. Dr. Brian Forrest, founder and CEO of Access Healthcare Direct, discussed telemedicine’s benefits during a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. Forrest explains why telemedicine could play a valuable role in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. The John Locke Foundation and the N.C. Advocates for Justice recently filed a joint amicus or “friend-of-the-court” brief in support of a Wake County property owner named Beverly Rubin. She has spent five years in a legal battle with Apex over a sewer line that the town installed across her property in 2015. Jon Guze, JLF director of legal studies, discusses the case and its important constitutional issues.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 899: Data help create a typical COVID-19 patient profile

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Now that we’ve been dealing with COVID-19 for several months, health experts have better information about the typical characteristics of patients struggling with the disease. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, recently reviewed available data and compiled them for a COVID-19 patient profile. The 2020 election is approaching, and the John Locke Foundation hosted a recent online forum featuring experts on key N.C. electoral contests. You’ll hear assessments from political consultants Jonathan Felts, Brad Crone, and Jim Blaine. The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked a national conversation about police reform. But U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8th District, says he’s disappointed about the way his colleagues have addressed the topic on Capitol Hill. You’ll hear comments from a recent floor speech Hudson delivered in the U.S. House of Representatives. COVID-19 has presented plenty of challenges for colleges and universities across the country, including the University of North Carolina System. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, assesses UNC’s response to the operational challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Federal tax credits have helped promote electric vehicles in the United States. Those credits have generated some unintended consequences. John Locke Foundation Senior Fellow Donald van der Vaart and research intern Dominic Coletti have been calculating the tax credits’ impact. They share the results of their work.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 898: Public school uncertainty prompts interest in alternatives

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Uncertainty about the 2020-21 academic year in N.C. public schools is sparking renewed interest in educational alternatives. The N.C. Senate’s Republican leader recently used unease about public school schedules as a reason to promote the Opportunity Scholarship Program. Those scholarships help low-income families send their children to private schools. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the current climate for school choice in North Carolina. Speaking of school choice, the U.S. Supreme Court recently delivered a victory for advocates of education options. Mike Long, president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, discusses the Espinoza case and its potential impact for this state. Count U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., among those interested in federal action to promote police reform. You’ll hear highlights from Tillis’ recent Capitol Hill interchange with the head of the Center for Policing Equity. COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives, including agricultural markets and government ag policy. Daren Bakst, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, recently analyzed COVID-19’s impact on farms and farm-related business during an online presentation for the John Locke Foundation. In the latest edition of “Locker Room Talk,” Donna Martinez and Mitch Kokai explain how HBO’s new version of the “Perry Mason” story helps make a case against overly burdensome occupational licensing restrictions.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 897: Cooper’s school reopening plan creates uncertainty

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper has announced that N.C. public schools should reopen with a mix of online and in-person classes. No public school can reopen with all students in class at the school building. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the impact of Cooper’s order for students, parents, and teachers in the upcoming academic year. A recent report focused on diversity of viewpoints at the University of North Carolina’s flagship Chapel Hill campus. Co-author and UNC business professor Mark McNeilly discussed details of the report during a recent online John Locke Foundation forum. McNeilly explains why a variety of viewpoints help lead to a better educational climate. COVID-19 has struck nursing homes particularly hard. During a recent legislative briefing, Rep. Perrin Jones, R-Pitt, recounted one particularly sad story about the impact of nursing home restrictions. Jones urged state health officials to help ensure that ailing nursing home residents continue to have contact with their closest family members. That idea also motivates a piece of legislation dubbed the No Patient Left Alone Act. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative debate on that proposal. As North Carolina and the rest of the country continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 election season moves forward. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, offers an update on the N.C. governors’ race, as well as President Trump’s re-election bid against Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 896: Owners scrap plans for Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Duke Energy and Dominion Energy have decided to pull the plug on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The pipeline had faced multiple legal challenges and permitting delays. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes the reasons guiding the ACP owners’ decision. Van der Vaart also discusses the impact for N.C. electricity ratepayers. U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, R-3rd District, brings an interesting perspective to the COVID-19 policy debate. Murphy is a physician. He understands more about COVID-19’s health implications than most policymakers. Murphy shared his concerns about North Carolina’s coronavirus response during a recent Raleigh news conference. Many of Murphy’s Washington, D.C., colleagues want to send more federal money to the states to address public education issues. But Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, has raised questions about that strategy. Foxx shared her perspective during a hearing on Capitol Hill. Critics have spoken out against inequality in the United States. Robert Whaples, professor of economics at Wake Forest University, says much of the criticism fails to distinguish between good and bad inequality. Whaples discusses the differences, building on ideas from the book In All Fairness: Equality, Liberty, and the Quest for Human Dignity. While North Carolina’s Democratic governor and Republican legislators continue to disagree about expanding Medicaid, they are allowing so-called Medicaid “transformation” to move forward. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, explains what transformation means for patients and health care providers. Roberts also assesses potential impact for taxpayers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 895: Audit highlights ‘cracks, potholes, detours’ in N.C. transportation budget

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina’s state transportation budget is full of “cracks, potholes, and detours.” That’s the conclusion of the John Locke Foundation’s top budget analyst, Senior Fellow Joseph Coletti. He dissects key problems with the state Transportation Department’s budgeting practices. Gov. Roy Cooper recently issued a statewide order for North Carolinians to wear face masks in public. Even if Cooper has the power to issue that order, it presents practical enforcement concerns. Jeanette Doran, president of the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law, discusses both the order’s questionable enforcement mechanism and legal questions surrounding Cooper’s order. State lawmakers continue to show interest in cleaning up North Carolina’s messy criminal code. Sen. Andy Wells, R-Catawba, recently discussed the latest effort to gather information about crimes created by statutes, regulatory agencies, and local governments. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit North Carolina’s economy hard. Jonathan Williams, chief economist and vice president of the American Legislative Exchange Council, says policymakers can take steps to help reduce the damage. Other policies would make the situation worse. Williams discussed economic challenges linked to COVID-19 during a recent online forum sponsored vy the John Locke Foundation. The pandemic has caused supply and demand shocks in N.C. health care. Jordan Roberts, JLF health care policy analyst, analyzes the impact for hospitals and for medical providers who operate outside hospital settings.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 894: Recent events shine light on dubious history of N.C. barber regulations

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The state of North Carolina requires more than 1,500 hours of training and a year of apprenticeship before a person can become a barber. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, says those requirements stem from the racism that helped guide North Carolina’s earliest occupational licensing. Sanders discusses the history of barber regulations. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic threw hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians out of work, state government has faced problems getting unemployment checks into people’s hands. A recent legislative hearing highlighted public concerns about the slow pace of unemployment relief. State lawmakers added new funding for public school enrollment growth in 2020-21, though some questioned the increased spending. You’ll hear their questions about the COVID-19 pandemic’s potential impact on future public school enrollment. The pandemic has generated new interest in health care innovation. Josh Archambault, senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability, discusses ways North Carolina could reform its laws to help innovation flourish. The University of North Carolina System has selected Peter Hans as its new president. Hans had worked for the past two years as president of the state Community College System, and he’s a former UNC Board of Governors chairman. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, assesses UNC’s decision to hire Hans as its new systemwide leader.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 893: Lawsuit highlights concerns about N.C. Medicaid contract

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

A lawsuit has helped expose controversy surrounding a multimillion-dollar N.C. Medicaid contract. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, dissects the issue. He says evidence suggests that state regulators manipulated the bidding process to help a favored company. State Auditor Beth Wood recently revealed that the N.C. Transportation Department overspent its budget by $742 million in one year. Wood presented those findings to the General Assembly’s transportation oversight group. You’ll hear highlights from Wood’s comments and lawmakers’ responses. Many N.C. businesses remain closed because of government restrictions tied to COVID-19. State lawmakers have tried to ease restrictions on restaurants and bars. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate over one proposal involving outdoor dining. Before the coronavirus pandemic began dominating state and national headlines, two N.C. congressmen were trying to attract attention to the victims of government sanctuary city policies. You’ll hear Reps. Ted Budd and Dan Bishop discuss their proposals for helping those victims. Gov. Roy Cooper’s approach to the state budget in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has been “reckless and irresponsible.” That’s the assessment from John Locke Foundation senior fellow Joseph Coletti, who criticizes the governor’s decision not to scale back state government spending as the pandemic’s negative economic impact became clear.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 892: Reopened schools will continue to face COVID-19 challenges

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina’s public schools are expected to reopen for the fall, but they’ll face some changes linked to continuing concerns about COVID-19. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, analyzes state guidelines for public school operations in the 2020-21 academic year. The pandemic already has created a nearly $5 billion hole in North Carolina’s budget. Forecasters are not certain whether that hole will grow larger in the months ahead. You’ll hear recent projections from chief legislative economist Barry Boardman, along with reaction from top N.C. House and Senate budget writers. Count Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, among those who would like to see a quicker reopening of the N.C. economy. Berger shared his ideas about reopening during a recent news conference. Before the pandemic struck North Carolina, lawmakers already were taking a look at the impact of the Raise the Age initiative. It shifts most 16- and 17-year-old criminal offenders from the adult court system to the juvenile justice system. William Lassiter, N.C. deputy secretary of juvenile justice, offered lawmakers a recent status report on implementation of Raise the Age. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped focus attention on the importance of primary care. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, highlights primary care’s role in a world focused on serious health care challenges.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 891: COVID-19, protests affect N.C. election landscape

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Candidates in North Carolina’s high-profile elections have been coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they could face challenges linked to looting and riots that followed protests of the controversial Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes potential impacts of these unforeseen developments on the state’s most important electoral contests. The pandemic has caused stress for North Carolina’s meat supply. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler assessed this issue and other ag-related challenges during a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. The John Locke Foundation and Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution recently produced a joint report on the future of telehealth in the United States. Jordan Roberts, JLF health care policy analyst, participated in an online forum designed to promote that report’s key findings. Before the pandemic, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a pro-union bill dubbed the PRO Act. Isabel Soto, labor market policy data analyst at the American Action Forum, points out potential negative consequences tied to this legislation. Laws across the country are targeting privacy of donors to nonprofit groups. Legislation targeting privacy amounts to an attack on free expression. It’s used primarily as a political intimidation tactic. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, explains why N.C. lawmakers should move proactively to reject this type of legislation.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 890: Carolina Rebound offers ideas for post-COVID-19 K-12 education

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

As North Carolina recovers from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the John Locke Foundation is offering help. The new Carolina Rebound project is designed to give policymakers ideas that will help the state recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. Terry Stoops, JLF vice president for research and director of education studies, highlights Carolina Rebound’s recommendation for K-12 education. While some businesses have scrambled to cope with the impact of COVID-19, others have remained closed because of government orders. Steve Pinkerton, owner of Vitality Fitness in Concord, recently discussed for a John Locke Foundation audience his unsuccessful efforts to remain open during the pandemic. Pinkerton explains that regulators rejected his proposals for increased safety precautions. State lawmakers have been wrestling with the best way to tax online education materials from for-profit companies. You’ll hear highlights from a recent debate on the topic. Before COVID-19 started dominating headlines, a top foreign policy concern involved the future of American relations with Iran. Michael Rubin, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, discussed that relationship during a recent lecture for the Jesse Helms Center. Rubin shares his analysis of a policy of “maximum pressure” on Iran. The Carolina Rebound project recommends multiple regulatory changes. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, explains how regulatory reform can help North Carolina recover from the pandemic’s negative impact.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 889: Carolina Rebound offers tax, spending recommendations

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400

As North Carolina recovers from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the John Locke Foundation is offering help. The new Carolina Rebound project is designed to give policymakers ideas that will help the state recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. Joseph Coletti, JLF senior fellow, discusses Carolina Rebound’s recommendations for state tax and budget policy. The pandemic shut down many N.C. businesses. Even those allowed to stay open had to scramble to adapt their business plans to changing circumstances. Ron Joyce of Triad-based Joyce Farms recently explained during a John Locke Foundation online forum how COVID-19 has transformed his business. Once focused almost exclusively on selling high-quality meat to chefs, Joyce and his team now sell directly to consumers. Joyce discusses the steps his business took to remain viable. One of the most important parts of the COVID-19 story involves the search for an effective vaccine. During a recent Capitol Hill hearing, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.., questioned Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases about ongoing studies of potential vaccines. Even before the pandemic, experts were calling for reform of North Carolina’s public pension plan. Leonard Gilroy, vice president of government reform at the libertarian Reason Foundation, and Jen Sidorova, policy analyst with Reason’s Pension Integrity Project, explain why policymakers should address deficiencies in pension plan funding. In addition to tax and policy proposals, JLF’s Carolina Rebound project recommends changes to state health care policy. Health Care Policy Analyst Jordan Roberts explains how those reforms could lead to better access and outcomes at lower cost.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 888: COVID-19 pandemic draws new attention to telemedicine

Mon, 25 May 2020 07:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated more attention for telemedicine. As more people access health care through their phones and computers, the John Locke Foundation and Brookings Institution have prepared a new telemedicine report. Co-author Jordan Roberts, JLF’s health care policy analyst, discusses the report’s key findings and recommendations. North Carolina has entered the first stage of Gov. Roy Cooper’s phased reopening of the state’s economy. Critics contend the state ought to be reopening more quickly. During a recent online forum sponsored by the John Locke Foundation, N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, offered his ideas for moving North Carolina’s economy forward with proper safety precautions. North Carolina’s public schools are closed for the year. It’s unclear how schools will operate when students return in August. During a recent news conference, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson and State Board of Education Chairman Eric Davis addressed challenges linked to reopening schools. Before the pandemic, one of the hot debates on college campuses involved the benefits and drawbacks of socialism. Freedom activist Andres Guilarte is warning college students about the dangers of turning toward socialism. He offers real-life examples from his home country of Venezuela. The N.C. Department of Transportation recently faced a scathing audit. It contends state DOT officials overspent their annual budget by $742 million. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the audit’s key findings. He discusses potential implications for the cash-strapped DOT.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 887: Remote learning presents challenge for N.C. schools, families

Mon, 18 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The closing of public school buildings across North Carolina has forced students into remote learning for the final months of the school year. But thousands of students have not logged on to participate in a single online education session. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the impact for educational attainment in N.C. schools. Gov. Roy Cooper’s economic shutdown has prompted a number of complaints from business owners, workers, and other government officials. Gaston County Commissioner Tracy Philbeck has offered vocal opposition to the governor’s statewide shutdown orders. Philbeck shared his concerns during a recent virtual town hall sponsored by the John Locke Foundation. It’s unclear just how hard the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic shutdown will hit the N.C. state budget. State Rep. Jason Saine, R-Lincoln, a top House budget writer, offered a recent assessment for colleagues. Saine explains why decisions about the state budget are likely to be delayed until later in the summer. Some educators complain that a focus on preparing for the SAT and ACT can get in the way of important learning in the high school years. An alternative called the Classic Learning Test is designed to address those concerns. Alec Bianco, the test’s marketing director, distinguishes CLT from its better-known competitors. The Trump administration has been tinkering with Obama-era federal fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles. The John Locke Foundation has joined a group of free-market think tanks asking Trump’s team to take a more reasonable approach to those standards. Donald van der Vaart, JLF senior fellow, explains the little-known consequences of these federal rules.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 886: Better modeling could improve COVID-19 response

Mon, 11 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Much of the discussion about COVID-19 involves models predicting the disease’s impact. Governments at all levels are relying on those models as they make decisions about the best way to respond to the pandemic. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow and former N.C. environment secretary, explains why he believes the state should be looking at a range of models. Van der Vaart also explains why COVID-19 offers an existential threat in a way that climate change does not. The decision to shut down much of North Carolina’s economy has generated opposition. The first Raleigh protest of a social media group dubbed Reopen NC led to an arrest, along with a controversial tweet from Raleigh police. The tweet declared that protests amount to a “nonessential” activity. That assessment helped prompt U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, R-9th District, to attend the second protest. Bishop wants to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted JLF CEO Amy O. Cooke to launch a new series of video commentaries. They’re called “The Right AOC on Point.” During one of the earliest editions, she discussed the issue of neighbors reporting on neighbors violating state government orders shutting down much of the N.C. economy. State lawmakers have been gathering information about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on North Carolina. They learned from Will Kehler, director of McDowell County Emergency Management, how emergency workers are dealing with COVID-19. Kehler made a pitch for increased access to personal protective equipment. The pandemic has thrown many long-standing plans into disarray. That includes plans for North Carolina’s 2020 elections. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses key ways COVID-19 is changing campaigns for North Carolina’s top elected jobs.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 885: Debate continues about pace of N.C. reopening

Mon, 04 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400

As North Carolina grapples with the impact of COVID-19, debate has turned to when and how to reopen the state’s economy. While many are calling on government officials to ease restrictions tied to the pandemic, some worry that a reopened economy could lead to major health-related problems. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, analyzes the debate. Families across North Carolina have been grappling with the challenges of online education since COVID-19 shut down brick-and-mortar schools. Catherine Truitt, chancellor of the online Western Governors University North Carolina, offered ideas for parents and students during a presentation for the John Locke Foundation. Truitt also discussed how COVID-19 could lead to long-term changes for N.C. public education. Tens of thousands of North Carolinians have joined a social media group named Reopen NC. It’s goal is to see all coronavirus-related economic restrictions lifted in the state. Lead organizer Ashley Smith introduced herself to members online. You’ll hear highlights from her remarks. Before COVID-19 threw the education world into turmoil, entrepreneur and school choice advocate Bob Luddy was making the case for expanding educational options for parents. Luddy believes excellent schools constitute the best community development programs. In a “Locker Room” Talk segment, JLF Vice President Donna Martinez and Senior Political Analyst Mitch Kokai discuss several aspects of the ongoing pandemic. The discussion includes the media’s intense focus on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, along with the process Gov. Roy Cooper and Health Secretary Mandy Cohen have used to screen media questions during emergency briefings.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 884: JLF leads national effort to boost state CARES Act flexibility

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The John Locke Foundation is leading a national effort to ensure state governments have more flexibility in their use of federal CARES Act money. Without that flexibility, states will have incentives to engage in unsustainable new spending. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke explains how JLF is working to help avoid that outcome. North Carolina could lose half its small businesses if government doesn’t relax soon the economic restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ray Starling, general counsel of the NC Chamber, delivered that warning recently to state lawmakers. Starling also offered lawmakers a larger assessment of the pandemic’s impact on the business community. He offered ideas for addressing businesses’ concerns. Legislators will reconvene in Raleigh next week. Some of them have been preparing in advance for legislation responding quickly to COVID-19’s impact. State House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, discusses the goals of special House working groups that spent weeks meeting online. The pandemic has upended traditional education in North Carolina, including public community colleges and universities. Before the health scare, higher education leaders already were discussing the need to adapt to the state’s changing economic needs. Peter Hans, president of the N.C. Community College System, co-chairs the MyFutureNC group. Hans and Jeni Corn, MyFutureNC’s director of strategic initiatives, discussed that group’s goals before the pandemic struck the state. The pandemic continues to prompt changes in K-12 education as well. Terry Stoops, the John Locke Foundation’s vice president for research and director of education studies, discusses potential COVID-19 impacts on summer school, the possible extension of the school year, and students’ readiness for the next grade level.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 883: Post COVID-19 future unclear for North Carolina

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Much of the N.C. economy has shut down because of government orders linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not clear when the economy can move forward again. Nor can we tell what the “new normal” will look like once the pandemic has subsided. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke addresses questions and concerns linked to planning for the post-coronavirus world. The shutdown of public school buildings across North Carolina has thrust many families toward the world of online education. Lauren Acome, head of school at the public charter N.C. Virtual Academy, offers parents ideas for helping students transition from a brick-and-mortar school building to learning from home. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, state lawmakers already were raising questions about the N.C. Department of Transportation’s spending practices. You’ll hear highlights from a pre-COVID-19 legislative debate about the future of DOT spending. Today’s pandemic woes might make some people yearn for the old days, when nonlethal political scandal was the most likely topic to dominate the headlines. That includes the Watergate scandal that drove former President Richard Nixon from office. Rufus Edmisten, former N.C. attorney general and secretary of state, had a front-row seat for Watergate in his role working for famed N.C. Sen. Sam Ervin. Edmisten recounts Watergate stories in his recent memoir, That’s Rufus. Edmisten ponders valuable lessons from Watergate. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed plans for every candidate seeking an elected office this year. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the pandemic’s impact on two marquee N.C. matchups: the races for governor and U.S. Senate.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 882: COVID-19 pandemic prompts questions about government restrictions

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

As governments across North Carolina and the United States enact new restrictions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, some observers are asking questions and urging caution. John Locke Foundation CEO Amy Cooke discusses the tension between government’s efforts to address a health pandemic and the freedom of action required in a society with a limited, constitutional government. Restaurants and hotels are among the businesses hit hard by government shutdowns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lynn Minges, president and CEO of the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association, assessed the shutdowns’ impact on the hospitality industry during a recent conversation with the John Locke Foundation. Minges also discussed creative ways some restaurants and hotels are responding to changes in their business models. School closings across North Carolina have affected all parents of school-age kids, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson. Johnson discusses how his daughter’s classroom teacher responded in the early days of the school closing. Johnson also offers recommendations for parents looking into ways to help keep their children on track while school buildings remain shut down. Before he tested positive for COVID-19, State Treasurer Dale Folwell already was thinking about the impact of surprise medical billing for North Carolinians. Folwell pointed out the negative impact of surprise billing during a one-on-one conversation with Carolina Journal Radio. The federal government has committed more than $2 trillion in a series of relief packages related to COVID-19. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, examines the potential impact of those packages. Coletti warns about the potential negative impact of driving the federal government deeper into debt.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 881: John Locke Foundation helps policymakers respond to COVID-19 challenges

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is reshaping lives in North Carolina, across the country, and around the world. The John Locke Foundation is helping N.C. leaders respond to challenges linked to the pandemic. CEO Amy Cooke discusses freedom-forward ideas JLF is promoting to help the state. She also assesses the impact on people’s wallets, job opportunities, and plans for the future. Ohio University economics professor Richard Vedder has spent more than five decades teaching in college classrooms. He’s had a front-row view of higher education’s problems. Vedder discusses his concerns in the recent book Restoring the Promise. During a recent visit to North Carolina, he shared key themes from the book. State lawmakers want to make it easier for military veterans and their spouses to work in this state. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative debate about loosening occupational licensing restrictions for those connected to the military. Before COVID-19 hit the American economy, observers already were thinking about the trajectory of the American economy. Paul Cwik, professor of economics at the University of Mount Olive, applies what’s known as Austrian business cycle theory to offer pre-coronavirus projections for the future. N.C. public schools will remain closed to students at least through the middle of May. That means families across the state are transitioning to online instruction. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, discusses challenges and opportunities linked to technology-based education.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 880: Coronavirus pandemic closes N.C. schools

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

COVID-19 prompted statewide public school closings. Those closings are bound to cause disruptions for teachers, students, parents, and others as the academic year resumes. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the challenge schools will face returning to a normal schedule. He addresses the likelihood that students will get access to all the material they would have encountered without the interruption in classes. If you follow the U.S. Supreme Court and constitutional law, you’ve likely heard the term “originalism.” Until recently, it’s been hard to find a book-length introduction to the concept. Ilan Wurman, visiting assistant professor at Arizona State University’s law school, attempts to fill that gap with the book A Debt Against The Living. Wurman explains why he wrote an introduction to originalism. He also shares its key themes. Debates about higher education and the future of the American economy often focus on the value of having more students seeking four-year degrees. Critics argue that other options might prove more valuable to many Americans. During a recent trip to Raleigh, U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia highlighted the importance of apprenticeships. He announced a grant to N.C. State University to boost apprenticeships in the field of artificial intelligence. The coronavirus pandemic is certain to have an impact on the American economy. It’s unclear whether that impact will extend into the long term. Michael Walden, professor of economics at N.C. State University, offered an early assessment during an online-only presentation for the John Locke Foundation. In addition to the short-term impact, Walden says the pandemic is likely to prompt many businesses to rethink issues related to supply chains and other key pieces of their operations. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has thrown off most schedules and plans for 2020. That includes important national and state elections. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses how disruption caused by the coronavirus could impact this year’s races. He ponders which candidates stand to benefit and which ones will face an uphill battle because of changes in campaign plans.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 879: Coronavirus pandemic highlights government barriers that limit response

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

The coronavirus scare reminds us about government-erected barriers that stand in the way of an effective response. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, discusses policy changes at the state level that would help North Carolina deal better with problems linked to the virus’s spread. Medicaid expansion has dominated the N.C. political debate in recent years. A recent report challenges a key claim from expansion’s proponents: They say the infusion of government money linked to expansion would help shore up struggling rural hospitals. Roy Lenardson, government affairs director with the Foundation for Government Accountability, explains why those claims are wrong. As the coronavirus began to affect patients in North Carolina, state health director Mandy Cohen offered lawmakers updates on the state’s response. You’ll hear highlights from one of those initial briefings. Economic freedom sounds like a good concept. The more one learns about the impact of economic freedom, the better it sounds. Fred McMahon, resident fellow and economic freedom chair at the Fraser Institute, outlines key benefits of freedom. He explains how North Carolina compares to other states in freedom and how the state could improve its national ranking. When Mark Johnson decided to run for another statewide office, he guaranteed that North Carolina would elect a new superintendent of public instruction this year. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the superintendent’s job. He also discusses the two candidates Democrats and Republicans have nominated to replace Johnson.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 878: Voters’ Super Tuesday choices set stage for November elections

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Joe Biden’s win in the Democratic presidential primary topped the headlines, but voters made other significant choices in North Carolina’s March 3 election. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes key primary results. He looks ahead at the potential impact for the general election in November. Government rules can have a major impact on the food we eat. Sometimes those rules stand in the way of local entrepreneurs. Donald Bryson, president and CEO of the Civitas Institute, discusses the harmful impact of overly burdensome regulations. He makes the case for “freedom of the fork.” State lawmakers continue to look for ways to increase safety in North Carolina’s public schools. At least one legislator is raising concerns about schools failing to follow common-sense safety measures already supported by state law. Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, shared his firsthand school safety assessments with colleagues during a recent meeting. The 2020 election campaign has brought major political players to the Tar Heel State. Former Republican presidential contender and current U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas led a recent campaign rally in Raleigh. Cruz contrasted conservative and liberal approaches to political and policy debates. Few people know much about the costs associated with health care. A Greenville surgeon is trying to make the process more transparent by offering cash-based services. Julie Havlak, Carolina Journal associate editor, reports on that surgeon’s story. She discusses reaction among other health care providers, including hospitals.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 877: Carolina Journal breaks story of N.C. DOT circus train

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal recently broke the news that the N.C. Department of Transportation had purchased a former circus train and parked its cars in a wooded area near Spring Hope in Nash County. The CJ story stirred up interest in the transaction among lawmakers who oversee the DOT. It’s just the latest example of the impact of CJ’s work. Editor-in-chief Rick Henderson discusses the circus train story. He also highlights the N.C. Press Association’s recent recognition of CJ’s outstanding achievements. NCPA presented seven awards to Carolina Journal writers and editors at an annual banquet. Any person who has been to college, is planning to go to college, or is helping a child prepare for college has some familiarity with the stress linked to admissions tests, predominantly the SAT and ACT. Tyler Bonin, high school teacher at Thales Academy and education fellow at Young Voices, argues those tests are more than stressful. He says they can distract from meaningful education. Bonin shares his concerns and discusses potential alternatives to the current testing regime. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against North Carolina is changing the way the state Revenue Department addresses taxing trusts. State lawmakers recently reviewed the options under consideration as the Revenue Department changes course. The U.S. attorney based in Raleigh recently took some local sheriffs to task for their decisions not to cooperate with federal immigration agents. In a news conference, Robert Higdon discussed the implications of sheriff’s unwillingness to honor federal immigration detainers. The N.C. General Assembly expects significant turnover in membership after this election year. Many lawmakers are retiring from office or leaving their current posts to seek other elected offices. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses the potential impact of that turnover on legislative priorities and cohesion. Gray also looks forward to the new legislative session that starts in late April.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 876: Cooper makes unusual claim about business taxes

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Gov. Roy Cooper emerged from a recent meeting with business executives and proclaimed that none of them had asked for a tax cut. Cooper used that fact to bolster his opposition to reducing business taxation. The problem for Cooper is that every company cited in his comments about the meeting has taken advantage of targeted state tax breaks. Those targeted incentives top $91 million. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, analyzes the governor’s skewed view of business tax policy. The N.C. Coalition for Charter Schools has named Lindalyn Kakadelis as its new executive director. Kakadelis explains how her years of experience in both traditional public education and the school choice movement will help the coalition pursue its goals. The group seeks full public funding for charter schools and a reduction of the schools’ regulatory burden. The latest coronavirus has wreaked havoc, especially in China. State lawmakers recently heard an update on how N.C. health officials are preparing for possible problems related to the virus in this state. You’ll her highlights from that discussion. A new center slated to open this spring will help N.C. military veterans transition back to civilian life. John Turner, founder and senior adviser of the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina, explains the valuable role the center will play for vets returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones. A recent federal Medicaid ruling ends the prospects of tying Medicaid expansion to work requirements. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, discusses the implications of that court ruling for North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion debate. Roberts also discusses alternatives to government-based health care reforms, including his recent campaign to help retire medical debt for low-income residents of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 875: John Locke Foundation joins court fight to protect workers’ rights

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The John Locke Foundation and a dozen other public policy groups in other states have joined together to support a nationally significant court case designed to protect workers’ rights. The case involves a professor at a northeastern public university campus. He challenges a law requiring him to be linked to a labor union he opposes. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, discusses the case’s significance. He explains why JLF is taking part in the case. Social justice is playing an increasingly disturbing role in American higher education. That National Association of Scholars documents that role in a recent report. Association President Peter Wood discusses the report and its significance for the future of colleges and universities. When state lawmakers returned to Raleigh in January, some hoped they would tweak state tax laws ahead of the current tax filing season. You’ll hear why members of the N.C. House supported the change. It was designed to help taxpayers take advantage of recent changes in the federal tax code involving medical expenses. While our system of government allows us to elect the people who write and approve local government budgets, few people outside government actually play a significant role in that budget process. But so-called participatory budgeting, or PB, allows a larger number of community residents to make budget decisions. Whitney Afonso, professor of public administration and government at UNC-Chapel Hill, explains PB. She discusses the N.C. governments that have decided to add elements of PB to their budget-writing processes. A piece of federal legislation dubbed the PRO Act could threaten the “gig economy” in North Carolina and other states. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, shares his concerns about the PRO Act and its potential negative impact.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 874: N.C. voters look ahead to Super Tuesday

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0500

In a matter of weeks, N.C. voters will participate in the Super Tuesday elections. Democrats are likely to face heated presidential and U.S. Senate primaries, Republicans will decide who should face incumbent Roy Cooper in the governor’s race, and members of both parties will see other important races on primary ballots. No one will have to show a voter ID. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses key issues in play as Super Tuesday approaches. North Carolina has made significant reforms to its alcohol regulations in recent years. There’s still plenty of room to relax decades-old restrictions that block growth of booming craft beer and distillery operations. John Trump, Carolina Journal managing editor, offers an alcohol law update. Leaders of the University of North Carolina System continue to focus on ensuring protection of viewpoint diversity on UNC campuses. During a recent forum, UNC Board of Governors member Steve Long shared his concerns about efforts to ensure a wide range of political views among campus faculty. Harvard has faced high-profile legal challenges to its admissions process in recent years. During a recent Hayek Lecture at Duke University, economics professor Peter Arcidiacono shared highlights of his analysis of Harvard’s admissions. Arcidiacono explains how athletic and legacy admissions influence the mix of whites and minorities admitted to the Ivy League school. Fewer teachers are leaving their jobs in N.C. public schools, according to the latest official state teacher turnover report. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the latest numbers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 873: Judge accepts key findings from outside consultant’s Leandro report

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0500

A judge has asked the parties in the long-running Leandro school funding lawsuit to develop a joint plan. It would implement consultant’s recommendations for major changes in the state’s public education system, including $8 billion of new spending in the next eight years. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the latest developments in the Leandro court proceedings. You’ve likely heard of Brexit, Great Britain’s well-publicized exit from the European Union. Now North Carolina is dealing with BLEXIT, a project of black Americans distancing themselves from the Democratic Party. Danielle Robinson, BLEXIT state director, discusses the group’s goals. Leaders of the University North Carolina System are going public with their concerns about the budget impasse between legislative leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper. Interim UNC President William Roper outlines the impact of the budget stalemate on the state’s public universities. North Carolina has taken the first steps toward remaking the state’s criminal code. That’s good news to Jim Copland, senior fellow and director of legal studies at the Manhattan Institute. Copland explains why it makes sense for the Tar Heel State to clean up a complicated and confusing compilation of crimes. A recent settlement will lead to major changes in disposal of Duke Energy’s coal ash. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses potential environmental impacts and the possible costs for Duke Energy ratepayers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 872: John Locke Foundation welcomes new CEO for fourth decade of advancing liberty

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The John Locke Foundation will soon begin its fourth decade of work advancing liberty in North Carolina. As it moves forward, Amy O. Cooke will lead the organization as its fourth CEO. Cooke discusses her history with the liberty movement, her return to her family’s N.C. roots, and her hopes for her new role leading the state’s premier free-market think tank. 2020 is shaping up to be an important election year in North Carolina. The ballot features races for U.S. president, U.S. Senate, and governor. Voters also will determine control of the N.C. General Assembly. One of the state’s leading political pundits and prognosticators is author, columnist, and John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood. He shares his thoughts about the top issues and campaigns to watch during the course of the year. A U.S. House committee led by Democrats recently blasted the U.S. Education Department’s handling of issues related to student loan debt. But the committee’s ranking Republican, North Carolina’s Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, chastised her colleagues. She suggested the group ought to focus on more pressing concerns. You might have heard of the “Game of Thrones,” but you’re much less likely to have heard of the “Game of Worms.” Political scientist Bruce Bueno de Mesquita of New York University discussed the latter “game” during a recent lecture at Duke. Citing the Concordat of Worms of 1122, the professor points to changes in relations between church and crown that helped pave the way for today’s economic divide between northern and southern Europe.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 871: Kansas decision boosts pressure for N.C. Medicaid expansion

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Kansas’ decision to move forward with Medicaid expansion has placed more pressure on North Carolina to follow suit. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, assesses the potential impact of Kansas on the Medicaid expansion debate in this state. Republican legislators, especially in the N.C. Senate, have remained cool to all expansion proposals. Conflicts between the United States and China appear to be growing. Walter Lohman, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, recently discussed “The China Challenge” in Raleigh in a speech sponsored by the Jesse Helms Center. Lohman highlighted challenges linked to long-term American relations with China. After a two-month break from work, N.C. state lawmakers still found no agreement to resolve an impasse over the state budget. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and his Democratic counterpart, Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, offered competing assessments of the standoff during the legislature’s one-day return trip to Raleigh. As state lawmakers prepare for primary elections and the 2020 legislative session, the N.C. FreeEnterprise Foundation, NC FREE, has unveiled its latest rankings of legislators based on their support for policies supporting free markets. Anna Beavon Gravely, NC FREE executive director, highlights key results and trends within the latest rankings. North Carolina’s Basnight Bridge attracted President Trump’s attention because of its long history of legal and regulatory delays. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, responds to the president’s comments about the Basnight Bridge. Coletti also analyzes the challenges North Carolina faces in building large-scale transportation projects.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 870: N.C. parental school choice options continue to grow

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

As National School Choice Week approaches, it’s a good time to highlight the growth of parental school choice in North Carolina. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, sifts through the data. Stoops explains why more and more parents are opting for alternatives to traditional district schools. The libertarian Cato Institute has taken an interest in North Carolina’s campaign to reform the state’s criminal laws. Jay Schweikert, policy analyst with Cato’s Project on Criminal Justice, explains why his group focuses its attention on reform. Cato and the John Locke Foundation hosted a recent summit highlighting reform efforts. The nation’s longest-running U.S. District Court vacancy has been filled after 14 years. As U.S. senators voted to confirm Richard Myers as the newest judge for North Carolina’s Eastern District, Senior N.C. Sen. Richard Burr praised Myers as he explained his “yes” vote. One of the University of North Carolina System’s most vocal internal critics turned his attention recently to “social justice” on campus. UNC-Wilmington criminology Professor Mike Adams shared personal anecdotes and highlighted the larger negative impact of social justice on the academic pursuit of truth. As the 2020 N.C. election season begins, a “Locker Room Talk” segment focuses on two important election-related developments. First, a federal judge has blocked the state from implementing its new voter ID law. Second, the State Board of Elections has ruled against the state Republican Party and allowed candidates William Weld and Joe Walsh to challenge Donald Trump on the GOP presidential primary ballot.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 869: Fighting back against public education myths

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Debate about public education in North Carolina gets bogged down by some popular myths. The myths include misconceptions about teacher pay and the impact of school choice on public school enrollment. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, addresses those myths and attempts to correct the record. Occupational licensing laws limit economic opportunities in North Carolina. During a recent speech for the Federalist Society in Raleigh, attorney Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice explained how. Pearson shares highlights from that presentation in a one-on-one interview. The University of North Carolina System has faced several recent high-profile controversies. But system leaders are focusing on positive initiatives heading into the new year. Interim President Dr. William Roper recently highlighted some of the positive news for the system’s Board of Governors. The Leandro school-funding lawsuit has been influencing N.C. public policy for a quarter century. Jeanette Doran, president and general counsel of the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law, discusses recent developments in the case. She highlights observers’ concerns that a judge could order the General Assembly to spend $8 billion more on education programs over the next eight years. N.C. policymakers could take steps to reduce health care costs without touching any policy related to the federal Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. Instead they could eliminate some of the 53 state health insurance mandates. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, is highlighting the impact of those mandates on N.C. health care.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 868: Lawmakers to return to Raleigh for mid-January session

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500

After a December break, N.C. legislators return to Raleigh this month. They could vote to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the state budget bill. They also could try to hash out final deals on the farm bill and other legislation left unresolved in 2019. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, analyzes the upcoming legislative session. The pursuit of diversity on college campuses is hurting American higher education. Heather Mac Donald, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, explains how in her recent book, The Diversity Delusion. Mac Donald shared her concerns during a recent visit to Raleigh for a summit sponsored by the National Association of Scholars. The General Assembly has finalized new reforms to laws involving sexual assault and child sexual abuse. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate over the measures. Three generations of the Scott family played major roles in N.C politics. Longtime Raleigh News & Observer political columnist Rob Christensen tells the Scotts’ story in the book The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys. Christensen explains how the Scott family story fits within North Carolina’s political narrative. The federal government recently announced that Robeson County had been reinstated to a program called equitable sharing. It allows local law enforcement agencies to use proceeds from asset forfeiture involving federal authorities. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, explains why the news is not entirely good. Guze says federal equitable sharing helps law enforcement agencies bypass worthwhile state restrictions on civil asset forfeiture abuse.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 867: Year-end special revisits intriguing 2019 topics

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500

As we look forward to a new year, Carolina Journal Radio reviews some of the most interesting topics from 2019. North Carolina’s system for funding public schools is broken. A more student-centered approach to funding could fix the problem. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, discusses recommendations from a new report that recommends a major overhaul of N.C. public education financing. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that unions representing state government workers couldn’t force nonmembers to pay union dues. The winning plaintiff in that case, Mark Janus, continues his fight against forced unionization. Now a senior fellow with the Liberty Justice Center, Janus visited North Carolina this year to discuss his case and its aftermath. Most public school students advance from grade to grade with their same-age peers. But not all of them are ready for the academic challenges linked to the next grade level. That’s why some state lawmakers are pushing for study of a competency-based education system. You’ll hear details of their plan. The feminist movement has had an undeniable impact on the lives of women. Mona Charen, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, says feminism has had a much-less-publicized effect on men. Charen explored the consequences of feminism during a recent presentation in North Carolina. North Carolina has one of the nation’s best laws limiting civil asset forfeiture abuse. But the state still could be open to problems if local law enforcement agencies circumvent that law when working with the federal government. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, discusses how other states have addressed the circumvention problem.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 866: Interesting developments in N.C. 2020 Senate race

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

North Carolina will conduct one of the nation’s most hotly contested U.S. Senate races in 2020. Incumbent Republican Thom Tillis is seeking his second term. A potential primary challenger recently dropped out of the race. Meanwhile, Democrats are competing for the right to face Tillis next fall. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes recent developments in the highly anticipated Senate battle. He also looks at the number of names on N.C. presidential primary ballots. The college football bowl season has arrived, and college basketball teams are nearing the heart of their conference schedules. It’s a good time for Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, to remind us that big-college sports have lost all resemblance to amateur athletic contests. Robinson highlights problems associated with big-time college sports. She offers ideas for improving the situation. North Carolina’s experience with so-called “sanctuary cities” recently attracted attention on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Tillis highlighted the issue while discussing his proposed Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. He explains how the measure would help those hurt by illegal immigrants who commit other crimes. Most people who go to prison end up returning to society. U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, R-6th District, is pushing legislation that would help former prison inmates return to lives as productive citizens. He outlined his proposals during a recent summit in Greensboro. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest sent competing letters recently to N.C. public school teachers. Both letters discussed the state budget impasse that has blocked teacher pay raises. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, discusses the letters and their links to partisan political activity.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 865: Redistricting fights resolved for 2020 elections

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

A three-judge state Superior Court panel has accepted North Carolina’s redrawn congressional election map. This completes the state’s most redistricting fight and sets the stage for 2020 elections. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the impact of court fights that forced Republican legislative leaders to redraw legislative and congressional election maps for the last election preceding a new national census. The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment has come into conflict in recent years with state and local anti-discrimination laws. Gregory Wallace, Campbell University law professor, assesses how this conflict has played out in recent legal disputes. As the three-judge redistricting panel wrapped up its review of the new congressional map, Wake County Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway offered his assessment of recent changes in N.C. redistricting. He also spoke for his colleagues about their preferences for the future of state electoral mapmaking. A recent case involving N.C. state government and the famous pirate Blackbeard recently made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The dispute focuses on the rights to video and images from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the pirate’s shipwrecked flagship. You’ll hear highlights from oral arguments. Winston-Salem surgeon Dr. Gajendra Singh recently won the first round in his courtroom fight challenging North Carolina’s certificate-of-need restrictions. A judge rejected state efforts to dismiss Singh’s case. Singh challenges the CON law that blocks him from buying an MRI machine to help serve his patients. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, discusses the significance of Singh’s courtroom victory.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 864: Freedom’s defenders see more N.C. victories in 2019

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0500

With the N.C. General Assembly wrapping up work for the year, now is a good time to review some of the year’s victories for the freedom movement. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, focuses on advances in taxes, spending, regulation, education choice, and criminal law reform. She also places this year’s events in the broader context of changes seen since Republicans took over the legislature at the beginning of the decade. Medicine continues to make major advances. But most of those advances involve new treatments for diseases. We’ve seen very few cures in recent years. Rep. Jim Butler, speaker pro tem of the Ohio House of Representatives, is pushing a multistate Cure Bill that would incentivize medical innovators to find new cures. Butler is seeking support for his proposal in North Carolina. A decade has passed since Matthew Bishop co-wrote the book Philanthrocapitalism. During a recent speech at Duke, Bishop highlighted the concept’s continuing significance in the world of charitable giving. As state lawmakers recently redrew North Carolina’s congressional election map, they took public input from supporters and opponents of major changes in the election redistricting process itself. You’ll hear highlights from that public hearing. Mental health issues have played a prominent role in recent years among experts and pundits pushing for health care reforms. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, assesses key mental health concerns. He explains how market-based reforms could help address those concerns.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 863: Candidates flock to wide-open N.C. lieutenant governor’s race

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0500

The open 2020 N.C. lieutenant governor’s race is drawing a crowded field of candidates, including one Republican who plans to vacate his current job on the Council of State. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes recent developments in the race for lieutenant governor. Henderson also explains how Mark Johnson’s decision to run for lieutenant governor will open up competition for the statewide job of superintendent of public instruction. The current lineup of the U.S. Supreme Court has started its second year of hearing cases together. Daniel Gibson, an attorney with the Stam law firm, assesses the high court’s first term with newest Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Gibson discusses key trends that could offer clues about decisions justices will render between now and June 2020. The 2016 election cycle helped spark discussion of a new term: “fake news.” During a recent event at Davidson College, longtime conservative pundit Bill Kristol and Axios co-founder Mike Allen discussed continuing concerns about the media’s reliability as the 2020 campaign approaches. The head of N.C. Emergency Management recently headed to Capitol Hill to share ideas with Congress about improving the federal government’s disaster relief programs. But Mike Sprayberry also faced some pointed questions from an Alabama congressman about the slow pace of North Carolina’s federal hurricane relief spending. You’ll hear highlights from their exchange. Some Democratic presidential candidates have rallied around the idea of raising taxes on the rich. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses their plans. Coletti also assesses the latest efforts from local governments to tax soda.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 862: Identifying the largest problem in public schools

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0500

Everyone knows public schools face problems. What’s the largest problem? The answer depends on whom you ask. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes recent survey results focusing on public perceptions about problems in their local schools. A legal doctrine known as “qualified immunity” can create serious problems when a government agent wrongs a member of the public. Clark Neily, vice president for criminal justice at the Cato Institute, is working to end courts’ reliance on the qualified immunity doctrine. He discusses its ills. He explains how he’s attacking it. A public education reform called the Innovative School District continues to generate controversy in North Carolina. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative debate over changes designed to improve existing ISD rules. As North Carolina pursues criminal law reform, it’s getting high-profile support. Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin served as keynote speaker for a recent Raleigh forum on the topic. Martin, now dean of the Regent University law school in Virginia, spelled out problems tied to overcriminalization. The American Bar Association plays a questionable role in determining whether judges and other lawyers are qualified to take new jobs on the federal bench. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, asks what role the ABA should play in the judicial confirmation process.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 861: Mecklenburg rejects local sales-tax increase

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0500

Mecklenburg County voters recently rejected a sales-tax increase. It was advertised as raising money for “arts and parks.” Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, has examined the impact of the timing of local sales-tax votes on the likelihood of their approval. He’s found that voters are less likely to endorse these tax hikes during high-turnout elections. Public schools have struggled for years with a racial achievement gap. But recent research is pointing toward ways to help improve minority student performance. Seth Gershenson, professor of public policy at American University, explains how a teacher’s race can make an impact on a student’s success. His most recent study applies that finding to charter schools. As N.C. legislators haggled over budget issues during the summer and early fall, one of their fights involved the future of the state business franchise tax. You’ll hear arguments for and against reducing that tax. The General Assembly has taken several steps in recent years to address the opioid crisis. During a recent speech at Western Carolina University, Sen. Jim Davis, R-Macon, recapped recent opioid-related laws. Davis also offered ideas about the next steps North Carolina should pursue in fighting the effects of powerful, dangerous drugs. Medical debt can cause major hassles for many North Carolinians, especially those with low incomes. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, is working with a group called RIP Medical Debt to address the issue. The group purchases low-income patients’ medical debt and wipes it clean, often for pennies on the dollar. Roberts hopes to raise $30,000 in an attempt to relieve as much as $2.5 million in old medical debt in central North Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 860: Judges call for new congressional map, accept legislative districts

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0500

A three-judge panel has upheld the latest version of North Carolina’s state House and Senate election maps. But the same panel has tossed the congressional election map. Now state lawmakers will need to redraw that map quickly for the state to open up candidate filing as scheduled in December. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the latest developments in North Carolina’s redistricting dispute. State lawmakers continue to pursue a process that could lead to a complete rewrite of North Carolina’s criminal code. Rep. Dennis Riddell, R-Alamance, has played a leading role in that process. Riddell discusses the latest legislation designed to help lawmakers compile a list of all current crimes in the state. Legislators continue to debate funding issues as they haggle over a state budget impasse. One of the latest debates involves money designated for the “Raise the Age” initiative. That money will help the state legal system adjust to a shift of most 16- and 17-year-old offenders to the juvenile justice system. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley recently shared lessons from her foreign policy work with students at Elon University. You’ll hear highlights from Haley’s recollection of dealing with some of the world’s worst political actors. Some legal disputes involve civil action. Others involve crimes. Mike Schietzelt, John Locke Foundation criminal justice fellow, distinguishes between civil and criminal disputes. He explains why it’s important to limit the use of the criminal code to the most serious cases. Schietzelt describes North Carolina’s ongoing effort to clean up the criminal code.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 859: Highlighting oddities in N.C. criminal code

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 08:00:00 -0500

Assaulting a referee can carry a more serious criminal penalty than assaulting your neighbor. That’s just one of the curiosities associated with North Carolina’s criminal code. Mike Schietzelt, John Locke Foundation criminal justice fellow, discusses a process designed to identify and compile all of North Carolina’s laws. Once compiled, policymakers could decide whether it makes sense for those two different types of assault to be treated so differently. If you agree that state government should play a larger role in school construction, you likely would support an option that provides more money more quickly — and at a lower overall cost — than the standard school construction bond. State Rep. Dean Arp, R-Union, says that option exists with the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund. Arp explains how the SCIF could help North Carolina address school construction without taking on billions of dollars in new debt. The University of North Carolina System is touting its latest enrollment numbers. Interim President William Roper recently highlighted the news for the university’s Board of Governors. Roper mentioned the positive impact of two programs that help limit tuition charges for new students. The nation recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. In connection with that milestone, the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University hosted a talk from the youngest man ever to walk on the moon. Charlotte native Charlie Duke shared stories from his famous space trip. He also offered students advice about following through on promising career opportunities. Government planners tend to love mass transit. Most everyone else tends to prefer driving in a car. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, explains that more and more people are enjoying the freedom to drive cars. Sanders discusses the policy implications for North Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 858: N.C. Transportation Department raises funding concerns

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Supporters of the N.C. Department of Transportation are raising concerns about dwindling funding for highway projects. They point to higher-than-expected costs from hurricane repairs, as well as money diverted from construction to pay legal settlements linked to the now-discarded Map Act. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explores DOT funding issues. North Carolina does relatively well compared to other states when it comes to parental school choice. That’s the assessment from Neal McCluskey, director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. During a recent visit to the Tar Heel State, McCluskey highlighted its recent school choice improvements. He also points to steps the state could take to boost options for families. Eastern North Carolina’s long-standing federal judicial vacancy could soon be filled. President Trump has nominated UNC law professor Richard Myers for the post. Senior U.S. Sen. Richard Burr recently touted Myers’ record during a hearing of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. After several years of inactivity, the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law is back in action. President Jeanette Doran discussed the group’s goals during a recent relaunch event in Raleigh. She also heard words of support from two former state Supreme Court justices: Robert Edmunds and Robert Hunter. Much of the national health care debate in recent years has focused on the number of people with no insurance. Jordan Roberts, John Lock Foundation health care policy analyst, discusses Trump administration actions that are designed to give people more options.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 857: Recording unveils national Democratic strategy in N.C. Senate race

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Release of a secret recording has shed some light on national Democrats’ plans for winning North Carolina’s 2020 U.S. Senate race. In the recording, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Jackson says he was discouraged from running a grass-roots campaign for the U.S. Senate seat. Instead, Jackson says Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer wanted Jackson to spend all of his campaign time raising money to fund negative ads against Republican incumbent Thom Tillis. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses the impact of the recording for the 2020 campaign. Britain’s chaotic Brexit process now has a new leader. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has won notoriety as a larger-than-life character in British politics. Andrew Taylor, N.C. State University political science professor and a native Briton, analyzes Johnson’s potential impact on his nation’s future. As state lawmakers were complying with a court order to redraw state House and Senate election maps, they heard arguments for and against changing the mapmaking process itself. You’ll hear highlights from that debate. A Winston-Salem surgeon is moving forward with his lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s certificate-of-need restrictions on major pieces of medical equipment. As the case proceeds, the state constitution’s anti-monopoly clause should bolster the surgeon’s case. That’s the assessment from Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies. He explained why during a recent presentation in Winston-Salem for the group Classical Liberals in the Carolinas. A year after Wake County Schools faced the shocking news that systemwide school enrollment had increased by just 42 students, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported an overall enrollment decrease for this new school year. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, examines the causes and potential implications of slowing enrollment in North Carolina’s two largest school systems.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 856: Judge to hear challenge of N.C. certificate-of-need law

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

A judge will hear arguments this month in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina’s certificate-of-need law. A Winston-Salem surgeon is challenging a provision in the CON law that blocks him from purchasing an MRI machine. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, has filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the surgeon’s case. Guze explains why he believes the CON law is unconstitutional. If North Carolina decides to move forward with legislation to allow dental therapy, it will be good to know how that process has played out in other states. Sal Nuzzo, vice president for policy at the James Madison Institute, has watched closely as Florida has considered dental therapy laws. He offers Tar Heel State policymakers ideas about how to proceed. State legislators debated this year a proposed change to school discipline rules. You’ll hear highlights from their discussion. A new state law will allow more small business owners to pursue health insurance options through Association Health Plans. During a recent news conference, legislators and small business advocates touted potential benefits from the plans. Protesters disrupted a recent meeting touting Gov. Roy Cooper’s energy plan. The protesters complain that the Cooper administration isn’t moving fast enough to reach environmental goals. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, responds to the protesters’ concerns. Van der Vaart also offers his own expert assessment of Cooper’s energy priorities.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 855: Leadership shakeup for UNC system

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:00:00 -0400

The University of North Carolina System’s controversial chairman has resigned from that post. Harry Smith’s decision shakes up the university’s Board of Governors as that board deals with other leadership issues. That includes the search for a new system president and for a new chancellor at the flagship campus in Chapel Hill. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses UNC’s leadership challenges. Sarah Lawrence College political scientist Samuel Abrams unleashed a wave of criticism when he decided to write in the New York Times about the lack of ideological diversity on college campuses. Abrams traveled to Raleigh this year to discuss the controversy during a speech for the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal. Abrams shared themes from that presentation with Carolina Journal Radio. State lawmakers agree N.C. counties should replace voting machines that lack a paper record. Disagreement remains about when. Counties have asked for another extension of a deadline to make the change. The extension would extend past the 2020 elections. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate about that proposal. The controversial N.C. House vote to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the state budget bill has led to a war of words between the chamber’s top Democrat and Republican. You’ll learn why House Minority Leader Darren Jackson, D-Wake, labeled his Republican counterparts “liars.” You’ll hear the response from House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, about Jackson’s partisan motives. Some politicians, including Cooper, want to move toward greater use of electric vehicles. Forcing the change could lead to unintended negative environmental consequences. That’s the conclusion from Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow. Van der Vaart explains how a large increase in electric vehicle use could affect other energy resources.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 854: Constitution Day reminds us about the document’s importance

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Constitution Day earlier this month reminded us of the importance of the United States’ governing document. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, emphasizes constitutional provisions that protect the nation from damaging policies put forward by elected officials. Guze touts the value of these constitutional safeguards. Jesse Helms departed the American political scene long before Donald Trump started his campaign for the White House. But at least one man who worked for Helms believes the late U.S. senator would appreciate much of what Trump is trying to accomplish in the White House. Marc Thiessen followed his work for Helms by becoming President George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter. He’s now a Washington Post columnist and American Enterprise Institute fellow. Thiessen explains how his work with Helms influences his assessment of Trump. During an ongoing state budget impasse, N.C. lawmakers nonetheless moved forward with pieces of the budget dealing with hurricane and disaster relief. You’ll hear highlights from their debate. North Carolina ranks No. 18 among the states when it comes to freedom. That’s according to a report prepared for the libertarian Cato Institute. Freedom in the 50 States co-author Jason Sorens recently shared details during the annual meeting in Winston-Salem of Classical Liberals of the Carolinas. Sorens, director of the Center for Ethics in Business and Governance at Saint Anselm College, explains what N.C. policymakers have done well, along with areas that could use improvement. From the inception of the N.C. state lottery, critics have contended that state-run gambling would thrive only by relying on money from low-income customers in low-income counties. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, reviews recent data that suggest critics have been correct.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 853: Republicans win both N.C. special congressional elections

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Voters in two N.C. congressional districts headed to the polls for special elections this week. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes results from the special 3rd District and 9th District races. Henderson looks ahead to possible implications for Republicans and Democrats running in 2020. Political polarization has had major effects on American political life. Thomas Cushman, professor of sociology at Wellesley College and a 2018-19 visiting research fellow at Wake Forest, examines the impact of polarization on support for free speech. Cushman says surveys show that young people divide on ideological grounds over whether to give precedence to inclusion and diversity over freedom of expression. Some state lawmakers want to make it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to take their alleged perpetrators to court. The N.C. House recently debated legislation designed to accomplish that task. You’ll hear highlights. Lawmakers also devoted some debate time recently to a bill that would streamline the process for students seeking college credit for their high school Advanced Placement courses. Some lawmakers objected to lauding the University of North Carolina System’s work on the issue. The specific objection involved near-automatic credit for students scoring a three or higher on AP tests. You’ll hear what lawmakers had to say for and against that idea. The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has released its latest report on public school students’ standardized test performance. In general, school and student performance is up slightly. Meanwhile, the state graduation rate remains fairly constant, and some education officials have raised concerns about areas of stagnation. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, dissects the numbers. Stoops focuses on the most significant trends.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 852: New law takes another step against N.C. overcriminalization

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper recently signed into law Senate Bill 584. It marks the latest step in an ongoing campaign to fight overcriminalization in North Carolina. Mike Schietzelt, John Locke Foundation criminal justice fellow, explains how the new legislation fits with the goal of cleaning up the state’s overly complicated criminal code. Overly burdensome occupational licensing rules restrict economic freedom in both North Carolina and South Carolina. During a recent meeting in Winston-Salem, the group Classical Liberals in the Carolinas learned how. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, focused attention on North Carolina’s licensing restrictions. Jennifer McDonald, senior research analyst at the Institute for Justice, offered details about South Carolina’s rules. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., wants to do more to speed up the pace of government hurricane relief. Before Hurricane Dorian approached the N.C. coast, Tillis returned to Raleigh to discuss a bill that could help local governments bypass some layers of red tape in securing federal relief funding. Some state lawmakers want public schools to place more emphasis on phonics in early reading instruction. Rep. Larry Pittman, R-Cabarrus, tried to amend a recent education bill to mandate phonics instruction in the earliest elementary school grades. You’ll hear highlights from N.C. House debate of Pittman’s proposal. Without Cooper’s signature, the Small Business Health Care Act recently became law in North Carolina. It opens the door to Association Health Plans for small business owners and their employees. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, assesses the significance of AHPs and their role in health care reform.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 851: Trump stumps in N.C. ahead of special congressional elections

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

President Trump heads back to North Carolina, one day before voters head to the polls in two special congressional elections. Trump’s trip to Fayetteville is designed to support the campaign of Republican Dan Bishop in the 9th District race. Bishop faces Democrat Dan McCready in a special election resulting from alleged absentee ballot shenanigans involving a contractor for previous Republican candidate Mark Harris. Voters in the 3rd District also head to the polls to choose the successor to the late U.S. Rep. Walter Jones. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes Trump’s visit and its potential impact on the special elections. As North Carolina considers the possibility of permitting dental therapy in this state, the John Locke Foundation recently hosted an event to focus on the issue. Featured speaker Christy Jo Fogarty is a dental therapist in Minnesota and the first advanced dental therapist in the United States. Fogarty offers ideas to help N.C. policymakers decide whether to pursue dental therapy options in this state. As the state budget impasse continues, legislative leaders are pursuing a plan to offer tax refunds of up to $250 to N.C. taxpayers. State House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger recently explained their proposal and its link to North Carolina’s nearly $900 million revenue surplus. Classical liberals play an important role in promoting the virtues and value of the free-market system. John Allison, former head of BB&T bank and former president of the libertarian Cato Institute, delivered that message during the recent annual meeting of the group Classical Liberals in the Carolinas. Some judges and magistrates use computerized risk-assessment tools to determine how to handle criminal defendants before trial. But those tools have come under attack from some high-profile academics. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, analyzes the debate and its possible significance in North Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 850: Poll projects close N.C. presidential race again in 2020

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400

President Trump holds slim leads — well within the margin of error — over several major Democratic contenders for the 2020 presidential race in North Carolina. That’s according to the latest Civitas Poll. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes those numbers and other poll highlights. As thousands of college students head back to campus, it’s a good time to remind you about a recent report questioning the politicization of education schools in North Carolina. Jay Schalin, director of policy analysis at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, recently compiled a report detailing the problem. Schalin shares highlights from his research and discusses possible remedies. The N.C. House recently debated a proposal to allow people to deduct gambling losses from their state income taxes. The idea’s chief proponent says the change would move North Carolina into compliance with federal tax law. Critics cited the potential negative impact on the state’s tax system, as well as concerns about treating gambling losses like business expenses. One of the key players in the recent “paper classes” scandal involving academics and athletics at UNC-Chapel Hill recently took her story to Capitol Hill. Former athletic reading tutor Mary Willingham reviewed the scandal during a forum sponsored by a congressman who’s seeking to federal laws regarding student-athletes. You’ll hear highlights from Willingham’s remarks. State law forces most N.C. public school systems to wait until late August to start their academic years. But some school systems have used loopholes to get an earlier start. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, discusses the ongoing debate over the limits of North Carolina’s school calendar law.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 849: Reform needed for broken N.C. school financing model

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina’s system for funding public schools is broken. A more student-centered approach to funding could fix the problem. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, discusses recommendations from a new report that recommends a major overhaul of N.C. public education financing. When most of think about markets, we think of goods and services. Salim Furth, senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, focuses his attention on the market for neighborhoods. Furth discusses the implications of applying economic principles to the places where we live. The N.C. Constitution bans felons from serving as sheriffs. There’s some confusion about the eligibility of a person who has had a felony conviction expunged from his record. The N.C. House recently debated a measure designed to clarify the rules for potential sheriffs with criminal convictions expunged. N.C. lawmakers have debated for years the rules restricting placement of billboards beside state roads. The latest debate involves replacement of billboards that must be torn down when a local government condemns the surrounding property. Some legislators emphasize the billboard owners’ property rights, while others worry about blocking local government control of billboard placement. Multiple Democratic politicians continue to push for a government-mandated $15-per-hour minimum wage. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, highlights economists’ assessments of the idea. Sanders notes that little news coverage of the $15 wage includes analysis from economists, who tend to criticize the idea.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 848: N.C. budget surplus nears unexpected $900 million

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

N.C. policymakers recently learned that state government ended its last budget year in June with a revenue surplus of nearly $900 million. Meanwhile, Gov. Roy Cooper wants the state to borrow more money as it increases spending in the new budget year and beyond. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, places those facts in the broader context of North Carolina’s fiscal picture. State Treasurer Dale Folwell has seen pushback from large medical providers as he has proceeded with his Clear Pricing Project for the State Health Plan. It serves government workers and retirees. Folwell discusses the project and explains why it’s necessary for the health plan’s long-term viability. North Carolina’s Read to Achieve program recently faced an attack from N.C. House Minority Leader Darren Jackson, D-Wake. You’ll hear Jackson’s comments, along with a response from a Republican House colleague. N.C. lawmakers have debated the pros and cons of legalized smokable hemp. You’ll hear highlights from committee debate about the hemp. Growers and law enforcement interests clash over whether legalized smokable hemp generates more benefits than costs. Most us know that certain drugs are illegal. Far fewer of us know that North Carolinians are expected to pay taxes on their illegal drugs. Brenee Goforth, marketing and communications associate at the John Locke Foundation, discusses the state’s unauthorized substances tax. Authorities can seize property to force people to pay the tax. It generates $6 million to $11 million each year for state government.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 847: Alcohol regulation reforms take major step forward in North Carolina

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 09:00:00 -0400

Reform of North Carolina’s alcohol regulations has taken a major step forward this year. Gov. Roy Cooper has signed into law measures that ease restrictions on craft brewers and distillers. New laws also make other changes that reduce government barriers for consumers. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses the recent legislative interest in reforming decades-old alcohol rules. President Trump is scheduled to head to Charlotte next year for the Republican National Convention. That didn’t stop Charlotte City Council from voting recently to condemn some of the president’s remarks, including criticism of four Democratic congresswomen known collectively as “the Squad.” You’ll hear highlights from the council’s debate, including criticism from Republican members who disagreed with their colleagues’ decision to insert themselves into national politics. N.C. lawmakers continue to tweak the way the state grades its public schools. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative discussion of reforms. Recent advances in genetic editing raise questions about how much freedom parents should have to choose their children’s traits. Jonathan Anomaly, philosophy professor at the University of San Diego, discussed that issue during a recent lecture at Duke. Anomaly explained how interference with the natural range of genetic traits could lead to unintended negative consequences. North Carolina’s Innovative School District has seen recent leadership changes. Lawmakers also continue to tinker with the rules governing how struggling public schools should qualify for inclusion in the ISD. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, analyzes recent developments with the special district designed to help turn around the state’s most challenging schools.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 846: New Duke research raises serious questions about Medicaid

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

New research from Duke University scholars questions Medicaid’s value for the people the health care program was designed to help. The research arrives as the N.C. General Assembly and Gov. Roy Cooper continue to bicker over Cooper’s proposal to expand Medicaid to several hundred thousand more people in the state. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, assesses the new research and its potential impact. The latest U.S. Supreme Court term yielded several important rulings, including two with direct impacts on N.C. congressional elections and the state Revenue Department’s taxing authority. Ilya Shapiro, director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, recaps those cases, other key decisions, and important trends from the nation’s highest court. Legislative supporters of President Trump’s latest trade deal with Mexico and Canada ran into trouble when they tried to approve a resolution supporting the agreement. The resolution included positive comments about the 1990s-era North American Free Trade Agreement. Opponents of NAFTA in the N.C. House refused to vote in favor of any legislation praising that trade deal. House leaders dumped the resolution back into a committee. State lawmakers continue to hear bipartisan arguments in favor of the Second Chance Act. It would allow more people to expunge old criminal convictions from their records. During a recent hearing, lawmakers heard support from the idea from district attorneys, the state’s leading business group, and former criminal offenders tied to the Second Chance Alliance. Evidence continues to mount that film incentives fail to live up to the economic promises advocates make for them. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, offers an update on incentives. Sanders also highlights good news in the ongoing campaign to rid N.C. state government of unnecessary and outdated regulations.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 845: Disagreement over new fund in school construction debate

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

One of the sticking points in this year’s state budget debate involves the State Capital and Infrastructure Fund, or SCIF. Legislators propose using SCIF instead of a statewide bond to fund school construction projects. Gov. Roy Cooper objects. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes the SCIF. He explains how it can work better, faster, and cheaper than a bond package. Some state lawmakers want to take another look at what they call an “opportunity gap” in N.C. public schools. You’ll learn details of their proposed study and hear reaction from Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies. A bill dubbed Sam’s Law is designed to improve the prospects of students who suffer a seizure inside a public school. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate of the measure. A measure dubbed the First Step Act would give judges more discretion in sentencing criminal defendants charged with drug trafficking offenses. Supporters say the measure makes sense for dealing with drug addicts who aren’t large-scale drug dealers. But the proposal is drawing significant opposition. You’ll hear pros and cons from opposing members of the General Assembly. Efforts to improve North Carolina’s criminal code continue in the General Assembly, Mike Schietzelt, John Locke Foundation criminal justice fellow, explains why the current code causes problems for ordinary citizens and the criminal justice system.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 844: Lineups set for special Sept. 10 congressional elections

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

State Rep. Greg Murphy has won the Republican runoff in this year’s special 3rd District congressional election. He moves on to face Democrat Allen Thomas, plus Libertarian and Constitution Party candidates, in the Sept. 10 general election. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes developments in this contest and the special 9th District matchup between Republican Dan Bishop and Democrat Dan McCready. A new state law places more emphasis in N.C. high schools on economics and personal financial literacy. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and colleagues on the N.C. State Board of Education recently discussed the creation of a mandatory high school class on those topics. You’ll hear highlights from their discussion. State lawmakers are helping some school districts fill teaching positions by making it easier to rehire recent retirees. Legislation designed to remove barriers for rehired retirees moved through the General Assembly this year. Some lawmakers continue to push for reform of North Carolina’s certificate-of-need restrictions. You’ll hear debate on the latest version of CON reform moving through the chambers of the state House and Senate. Families continue to turn to homeschooling and private schools as alternatives to the traditional public school system. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the latest enrollment data for both forms of parental school choice.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 843: Polling data offer hints about N.C. governor’s race

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

The 2020 general election is more than a year away, but there’s plenty of political activity at the state and federal level. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest appear to be headed toward a contest for the Executive Mansion. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes recent polling data linked to the governor’s race. Education reform represents an important goal. But reformers have a mixed record of success. That’s the assessment from Robert Pondiscio, senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Pondiscio explains why education reform measures often fall short of their worthwhile goals. He offers reformers ideas for improvement. State lawmakers are pursuing changes that would relax restrictions on North Carolina’s craft distilleries. Their proposals are attracting praise from Pete Barger of Southern Distilling Company. He leads a group promoting state craft distillers. One of the most controversial bills in this year’s legislative session has involved N.C. sheriffs and federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. You’ll learn why some lawmakers want to compel sheriffs to comply with ICE detainers for illegal immigrants arrested for crimes. You’ll also hear critics’ objections. A chief dispute in this year’s state budget debate involves Medicaid expansion. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, outlines the details of the dispute. He explains how resolution of that dispute could affect taxpayers and health care consumers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 842: Recent developments could end long-running school funding case

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina has been dealing with the Leandro school funding lawsuit for 25 years. But recent developments suggest a resolution to the long-running case could be in sight. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the latest recommendations and courtroom developments in the Leandro dispute. Some state lawmakers want to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to take their alleged abusers to civil court. You’ll hear highlights from a recent N.C. House debate over a bill that would allow an adult as old as 38 to file suit in a child sexual abuse case. One N.C. congressman used a recent U.S. House debate to draw attention to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions — or BDS — movement against Israel. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-10th District, asked colleagues to support an amendment to take action against those who support the movement. You’ll hear his argument. One of the most contentious debates in the N.C. General Assembly this year involves fishing. Sponsors of a bill dubbed “let them spawn” want to set new size restrictions for certain fish caught in N.C. waters. Opponents contend the measure would kill the state’s commercial fishing sector. You’ll hear arguments from both sides. The U.S. Supreme Court has closed the door on partisan gerrymandering cases with a 5-4 decision in North Carolina’s Rucho v. Common Cause case. That means the state will not be forced to redraw election districts for 2020 congressional elections. But a similar legal dispute in state court still could affect the future of N.C. House and Senate election maps.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 841: More candidates join North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina’s 2020 U.S. Senate race picked up two more candidates in recent weeks. Cal Cunningham, a former state senator, dropped his campaign for lieutenant governor to make a second bid for the upper chamber on Capitol Hill. Another former state senator, Eric Mansfield, also added his name to the list of Democrats who want to challenge incumbent Republican Thom Tillis. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the latest developments in the high-profile race. The certificate of need represents one way government steps in to restrict health care innovation. Josh Windham, attorney at the Institute for Justice, explains why IJ is challenging North Carolina’s CON law and a similar restriction of health care freedom in South Carolina. Windham says these types of restrictions crop up in other states as well. Some N.C. lawmakers are pushing Allison’s Law. Based on the 2009 murder of Allison Holt in Forsyth County, the measure would enable new tracking of violent domestic abuse offenders. You’ll hear highlights from legislative debate of the issue. A recent report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division gave lawmakers ideas for boosting student achievement in North Carolina’s most challenging public school districts. You’ll hear report details and reaction from lawmakers on both sides of the partisan divide. Unanimous votes in both the N.C. House and Senate killed off North Carolina’s infamous Map Act. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, explains why the end of the Map Act represents a win for property rights.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 840: Health care innovations could boost access, reduce costs

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 08:00:00 -0400

While Medicaid expansion dominates North Carolina’s health care headlines, other topics deserve attention, too. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, focuses on two health care innovations. First, he explains how Medibid connects patients and doctors through online auctions. Second, he discusses the planned merger of Aetna and CVS and the potential impact on retail health care. Advocates of a Convention of States made their pitch again this year in North Carolina. Mark Meckler, president and founder of the Convention of States project, enlisted public support for the idea from conservative commentator and former Florida congressman Allen West. Meckler and West explain how a convention could help rein in an unaccountable federal government. They also rebut concerns from critics who believe a runaway convention could lead to unintended negative consequences. Most public school students advance from grade to grade with their same-age peers. But not all of them are ready for the academic challenges linked to the next grade level. That’s why some state lawmakers are pushing for study of a competency-based education system. You’ll hear details of their plan. Some lawmakers are working again this year to scale back or even eliminate North Carolina’s certificate-of-need restrictions on new medical facilities and major medical equipment. They explained their goals during a recent news conference. They also cited research that questions the value of CON restrictions in states that employ them. Fourteen years after the infamous U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London, North Carolina still has taken no steps to boost protection for residents against eminent domain abuse. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, explains why state policymakers should address the issue. He says the N.C. House has approved seven different eminent domain reform bills since Kelo. The Senate has yet to address any of them.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 839: Compromise opens door for more craft-beer growth

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400

As Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a compromise between craft brewers and N.C. beer distributors, several other proposed alcohol reforms remain in play within the General Assembly. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the prospects for additional reforms during this legislative session. As Medicaid expansion continues to play a major role in this year’s legislative debates, State Auditor Beth Wood is drawing attention to disturbing findings her auditors have issued in connection with North Carolina’s existing multibillion-dollar Medicaid program. Wood explains why she is raising questions about management of existing Medicaid dollars. North Carolina’s craft brewers and the state’s beer distributors have reached a compromise to end a lawsuit involving state restrictions on brewers’ ability to expand their businesses. You’ll hear highlights from the state Senate’s debate of the measure. Advocates from across the political spectrum have endorsed the Second Chance Act. It’s a measure designed to expand opportunities for expunctions that clear crimes from a person’s criminal record. You’ll learn why the idea is winning support from both progressive and conservative groups. Supporters touted Common Core as a way to boost standards in public schools across the country. But recent research suggests Common Core has had a negative impact on student achievement. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the findings. Stoops also discusses the implications for North Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 838: Senate unveils its version of N.C. budget

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:00:00 -0400

State senators have rolled out their version of a $23.9 billion General Fund spending plan for the budget year that starts July 1. The Senate differs from the House in prioritizing pay raises for state workers. Neither chamber has included any money for addressing Gov. Roy Cooper’s proposed Medicaid expansion. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes the Senate’s proposals. Whatever you think about the best way to fight crime, you likely support the idea that crime-fighting policies ought to work as intended. Brandon Garrett, professor at the Duke Law School, focuses on evidence-based criminal justice. He explains how his research could influence public policy. State lawmakers are debating a bill that would loosen restrictions on the state’s craft distilleries. You’ll hear why proponents are touting the measure as a jobs bill, while opponents want to preserve the state’s existing regulations. Fourth Amendment concerns cropped up during debate about a bill to help law enforcement agencies use technology to track missing people. The bill would allow authorities to proceed without a warrant in emergency situations. You’ll learn why some lawmakers raised constitutional objections. State government recently updated rules linked to N.C. livestock operations. The process causes concern for Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow. He explains why the revision seems to be based on discussions between state regulators and environmental activist groups, with little to no input from affected farmers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 837: Partisan politics and the N.C. elections board shakeup

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400

Accusations of partisan politics emerged after the new Democratic majority on the N.C. State Board of Elections decided to fire state elections director Kim Strach. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the politics of the decision. He looks at the potential impact on elections scheduled this year and in 2020. Many of government’s problems stem from an unwillingness to apply common sense to public policy issues. That’s a key tenet of Try Common Sense, the latest book from Philip Howard of the government reform group Common Ground. Howard explains how a dose of common sense would make government operate much better. Some N.C. lawmakers want to step up criminal penalties connected with gangs. You’ll hear highlights from their proposal, along with one critique. Lawmakers are also trying to do what they can to limit telephone number spoofing from telemarketers and scam artists. A bill moving through the General Assembly would give telephone customers a new way to report those who target them with fake phone numbers. Dental therapy offers the prospect of increased access and lower costs. North Carolina doesn’t permit the service today, but Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, recently researched the process the state could use to allow patients access to this alternative to traditional dental office visits.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 836: Bishop’s win sets table for 9th District contest

Mon, 27 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

State Sen. Dan Bishop won a crowded Republican primary in North Carolina’s special 9th Congressional District election. That victory sets up a Sept. 10 showdown with Democrat Dan McCready, who came close to winning the disputed 9th District race in 2018. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses Bishop’s win and looks ahead to the general election. The feminist movement has had an undeniable impact on the lives of women. Mona Charen, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, says feminism has had a much-less-publicized effect on men. Charen explored the consequences of feminism during a recent presentation in North Carolina. Parents, teachers, and policymakers all have complained about the high volume of standardized testing in N.C. public schools. You’ll hear highlights from a bill in the General Assembly designed to address the issue. Some N.C. lawmakers want to extend public whistleblower protections to city police officers and management. A nearly unanimous state House endorsed the idea. You’ll learn why advocates say the additional protection is necessary. There’s a movement in the N.C. General Assembly to modernize state alcohol regulations. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, assesses the proposals. Sanders explains why reform makes sense for consumers and the state.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 835: Tillis picks up GOP challenger in 2020 Senate race

Mon, 20 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina will not face an easy path to re-election in 2020. While Democrats have not yet lined up a high-profile challenger, retired conservative businessman Garland Tucker recently announced his plan to challenge Tillis in the GOP primary. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the current state of the 2020 U.S. Senate race. The recent death of a South Carolina college student helped attract attention to concerns about safety involving Uber, Lyft, and similar ridesharing operations. Some N.C. lawmakers are pushing the Passenger Protection Act to address those concerns. You’ll learn key elements of the proposal. The Read to Achieve program is designed to ensure N.C. public school students read at grade level by third grade. The program has had a rocky start. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, is leading the effort to improve Read to Achieve. You’ll hear his recommendations. Some N.C. lawmakers want to guarantee that public school students learn about the Holocaust. They’re pushing legislation that would mandate Holocaust instruction in the state’s public schools. Telemedicine’s rising popularity has prompted some policymakers to consider new regulations. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, urges caution. Roberts recently prepared a list of telemedicine regulation “do’s and don’ts.”

Carolina Journal Radio No. 834: Assessing the impact of the May 1 teacher walkout

Mon, 13 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Thousands of N.C. public school teachers walked off the job May 1 for a march and rally in downtown Raleigh. They called for higher pay, more benefits, and Medicaid expansion, among other demands. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the impact of the teachers’ one-day walkout. One of Donald Trump’s major selling points during the 2016 presidential campaign was his track record for making business deals. Andrew Taylor, professor of political science at N.C. State University, assesses Trump’s record as a presidential deal-maker. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, North Carolina’s Sen. Richard Burr has a front-row seat for Russia’s efforts to disrupt American society. Burr discussed Russian misdeeds during a recent public presentation at Duke University. Some state lawmakers want to address school teachers’ complaints about classroom supply money by making $400 available to every public school teacher in North Carolina. They have unveiled legislation designed to meet that goal. The N.C. House has unveiled its 2019-21 budget proposal. The House would spend less money than Gov. Roy Cooper while still boosting teacher pay by an average of 4.8 percent. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, assesses the House’s key budget provisions.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 833: Two stories highlight ongoing incentives debate

Mon, 06 May 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Tax incentives are back in the headlines. Carolina Journal reports the rare story of a major aircraft industry company building operations in Winston-Salem without seeking any handouts from state local government. Meanwhile, S.C. legislators squabble over a multimillion-dollar incentives package designed to lure the Carolina Panthers business operations south of the state line. Rick Henderson, CJ editor-in-chief, analyzes the latest incentives news. North Carolina has made billions of dollars in promises to retired state workers. Those promises involve both pensions and health care. State Treasurer Dale Folwell focuses on the price of those promises. He’s warning policymakers about the importance of ensuring the state’s ability to keep those promises. Medicaid expansion dominates much of North Carolina’s current discussion of health care reform. But some leading state senators continue to object to the expansion proposal originally tied to the Affordable Care Act. You’ll hear their alternative plan for shoring up the existing Medicaid program. Members of the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors continue to raise questions about rising costs linked to tuition and fees. You’ll hear highlights from their most recent public discussion of the topic. Policymakers have been looking for ways to address North Carolina’s transportation needs as the gas tax becomes a less reliable funding source. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, recently testified before a state Board of Transportation committee on tax principles to consider when modernizing transportation revenues. Coletti summarizes his key findings.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 832: Reformers would reduce, eliminate certificate-of-need rules

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Health care providers in North Carolina need a government permission slip called a certificate of need before they can add hospital beds, build new facilities, or purchase major pieces of equipment. Health care reforms say scrapping CON requirements would boost health care innovation in this state. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health policy analyst, discusses legislative efforts to scale back or eliminate state CON restrictions. Reformers have been targeting the formula North Carolina uses to fund public schools across the state. Aaron Smith, education policy analyst for the libertarian Reason Foundation, has been watching the debate with interest. Smith explains some of the problems with North Carolina’s current system. He explains how reform could lead to better outcomes for students. The shooting death of a state Highway Patrol trooper in Columbus County last year has prompted action at the N.C. General Assembly. Lawmakers say Conner’s Law would step up the penalty for people who use a weapon when assaulting a law enforcement officer. Lawmakers are also pursuing new legislation that would make it easier to charge a drug dealer when an illegal dug transaction leads to death. Dubbed death by distribution, the new crime would enable prosecutors to charge a deal with a crime other than murder or manslaughter. Policymakers continue to push for increased government involvement in providing broadband services. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, explains why these government broadband schemes are misguided. Sanders says they can prove especially costly for taxpayers, even those who never use the service.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 831: Teacher union plans May 1 march in Raleigh

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

The N.C. Association of Educators union is urging public school teachers across the state to skip school on May 1 to take part in a march and rally in Raleigh. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the union’s goals. He also discusses the potential impact of the lost day of classroom instruction. Ever since North Carolina’s Republican-led General Assembly embarked on major tax reform in 2013, the state has served as a model for state-level tax reformers across the country. Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, discusses North Carolina’s successful tax reform model. Ever since losing a Forsyth County court case, the N.C. Department of Transportation has stopped using the Map Act. That act blocked property owners from making any significant changes to property designated in a state highway corridor map. Now some state lawmakers are pushing the repeal the Map Act. You’ll hear their arguments. Some state lawmakers are pushing a new measure to ensure high school students develop a better understanding of personal finances. You’ll hear from the bipartisan supporters of a state Senate measure requiring new financial literacy instruction throughout N.C. high schools. Duke Energy customers will overpay about $1.25 billion over the next 10 to 15 years. The overly high bills will be linked to long-term solar energy contracts state government has forced Duke to sign. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explains that the contracts mean bad news for Duke customers. The arrangement also flouts a state law requiring Duke to seek the lowest-cost electricity and to maintain reliability of the electric grid.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 830: Sustainable budgeting key to recent N.C. success

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0400

North Carolina has been able to cut tax rates in recent years without having to slash state services. That’s thanks to sustainable budget practices. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, outlines several key steps lawmakers have taken to pursue sustainable budgets. When Margaret Spellings wrapped up her tenure as president of the University of North Carolina System, she offered the Board of Governors a positive assessment of UNC’s current state. Shannon Watkins, policy associate at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, says Spellings and other university leaders might be viewing UNC through “rose-colored glasses.” Watkins explains why the actual picture isn’t as bright as Spellings suggested. State lawmakers deal with important issues. They also deal with ice cream. One bill moving through the General Assembly would designate ice cream as the state’s official frozen treat. North Carolina’s congressional election map headed back to the U.S. Supreme Court recently. You’ll hear highlights from oral arguments, including pointed questions from Supreme Court justices about partisan gerrymandering. Supporters of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina want to fund their proposal with a new tax on health care providers. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health policy analyst, analyzes the proposed tax and the problems it could create.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 829: N.C. election maps head back to nation’s highest court

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400

North Carolina’s ongoing congressional redistricting dispute returned to the U.S. Supreme Court recently. As justices decide whether Republicans engaged in too much partisanship when they drew election maps, a case challenging state legislative district maps is proceeding to trial in state court later this year. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the latest developments in both sets of legal challenges. School choice has boomed in North Carolina in recent years. Advocates hope to build on choice options in the coming year. Mike Long, president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina, shares his group’s top priorities. Some N.C. lawmakers hope to improve the state’s health care options through new legislation. It focuses on association health plans. AHPs would allow more small employers and self-employed workers to band together for insurance. They could seek insurance options that have been available only to large companies in recent years. During a recent Capitol Hill hearing on crumbling school buildings across the country, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, highlighted another pressing issue. Foxx reminded her colleagues that education spending has increased substantially in recent years. But she says much of that increased spending has funded administrative bloat instead of teacher salaries and other high-priority items. North Carolina has one of the nation’s best laws limiting civil asset forfeiture abuse. But the state still could be open to problems if local law enforcement agencies circumvent that law when working with the federal government. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, discusses how other states have addressed the circumvention problem.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 828: East Carolina chancellor announces resignation plan

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400

After months of controversy involving his job status, East Carolina University Chancellor Cecil Staton has announced his resignation. He’ll collect a severance package of nearly $600,000. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes Staton’s decision and the implications for the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that unions representing state government workers couldn’t force nonmembers to pay union dues. The winning plaintiff in that case, Mark Janus, continues his fight against forced unionization. Now a senior fellow with the Liberty Justice Center, Janus recently visited North Carolina to discuss his case and its aftermath. Some state lawmakers want to change North Carolina’s rules governing liquor sales. Carol Shaw of the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division recently offered some recommendations for how to proceed with reforms. Economic freedom, not socialism, offers the path toward wealthier, health societies. Southern Methodist University economist Robert Lawson delivered that message during a recent speech at Duke University. Lawson shared highlights from an annual report on economic freedom in countries around the world. North Carolina’s haphazard collection of criminal laws creates a losing proposition for N.C. taxpayers. Mike Schietzelt, criminal justice fellow at the John Locke Foundation, explains how taxpayers would benefit from a complete overhaul of the state’s criminal code.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 827: N.C. Supreme Court sees major personnel changes

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400

With the appointments of new Chief Justice Cheri Beasley and Associate Justice Mark Davis, the N.C. Supreme Court now has six Democrats and just one Republican. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the political implications of changes within the state’s highest court. Henderson also looks ahead to three contested Supreme Court elections in 2020. Donald Trump has changed the face of presidential politics. He’s also had an impact on the national Republican Party. F.H. Buckley, professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, assesses those changes in his recent book The Republican Workers Party. Buckley shares key themes from his research. Some state lawmakers want North Carolina to ban female genital mutilation. Their legislation responds to a recent court ruling striking down a federal law covering the same topic. Reformers are trying again this year to change the way North Carolina draws state congressional and legislative election maps. One proposal would write nonpartisan election redistricting rules into the state constitution. You’ll hear from supporters, including former UNC System President Tom Ross and conservative businessman and philanthropist Art Pope. Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget proposal features 9 percent pay raises for public school teachers over the next two years. Cooper also wants to kill off the state’s Opportunity Scholarship school voucher program. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, critiques Cooper’s proposals.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 826: Cooper budget plan features teacher pay raise, bond, Medicaid expansion

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper recommends average 9 percent public school teacher pay raises and a $3.9 billion bond package in his latest budget plan. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, analyzes Cooper’s proposals and highlights key pros and cons. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton garner more attention, but James Wilson also played a significant role as an American Founder. Jim Zink, associate professor N.C. State University, has studied Wilson’s impact on the U.S. Constitution. Zink shares details of his research. State Treasurer Dale Folwell is running into opposition as he tries to change the prices the State Health Plan pays for health care services. You’ll hear debate surrounding Folwell’s presentation of his plan to a state House committee. Longtime conservative commentator and prominent Donald Trump critic William Kristol will spend the fall teaching ethics at Davidson College. During a recent speech at Davidson, Kristol highlighted some top ethical issues in today’s political landscape. Residents of North Carolina’s 3rd and 9th Congressional Districts have had no representation in Congress this year. But state officials have scheduled special elections to fill both congressional vacancies. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, reminds us of the circumstances surrounding each election. He tells us when residents should know who will represent them on Capitol Hill.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 825: Cooper sets out priorities in State of the State speech

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his priorities for the 2019 legislative session during his recent State of the State address. Cooper pushed for Medicaid expansion, a statewide school construction bond, and higher pay for public school teachers. The Democrat Cooper also talked about seeking bipartisan solutions. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, analyzes Cooper’s remarks and the response from Senate Republican leader Phil Berger. Freedom of religion is the first freedom spelled out in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. It’s also the fundamental freedom that faces some of the strongest attacks in today’s America. Ashley McGuire, senior fellow with the Catholic Association, assessed ongoing challenges to religious freedom during a recent presentation at N.C. State University. Besides Gov. Cooper, top N.C. House leaders have expressed interest in a state school construction bond. Leading state senators have put forward an alternative plan. Senate Majority Leader Harry Brown, R-Onslow, recently explained that the Senate plan would devote more money to school construction, available more quickly, and without incurring $1.2 billion in interest payments linked to a bond. Partisans like to bicker over whether Republicans or Democrats are more charitable. Richard Clerkin, director of the Institute for Nonprofits at N.C. State University, looks beyond the partisan spin to focus on the relationship between political competition and charitable giving. Debate over state government’s role in local school construction is likely to take up much of the General Assembly’s time this year. While Cooper and leading House Republicans back a bond, Senate leaders prefer their pay-as-you-go alternative. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, weighs pros and cons of the alternative approaches.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 824: New election proceeding for N.C. 9th Congressional District

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

North Carolina’s newly reconstituted state elections board ordered a new election in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District after a four-day hearing into absentee ballot irregularities. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the board’s decision and looks ahead to the next stage in the 9th District dispute. During the heated debate over the last U.S. Supreme Court confirmation, critics argued that Brett Kavanaugh represented a threat to the Constitution. Greg Wallace, professor at the Campbell University Law School, examines those claims. Wallace assesses now-Justice Kavanaugh’s likely impact on the nation’s highest court. U.S. Rep. Walter Jones died recently at age 76. He had represented eastern North Carolina on Capitol Hill for nearly a quarter century. His colleagues honored him during a brief ceremony on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. American business history presents many examples of fraud over the years. Edward Balleisen, professor of history at Duke University, documents many of those examples and government responses in a recent book. Balleisen shares key themes from Fraud: An American History from Barnum to Madoff. North Carolina state government exercises tight restrictions over alcohol sales. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, documents the state’s system of alcohol “control” in his latest research report. Sanders highlights key elements from his studies.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 823: Advocates mislead public about ‘Medicare for all’

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Many congressional Democrats, including potential 2020 presidential contenders, have endorsed the idea of providing “Medicare for All.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, examines the proposal. He explains why an expansion of the existing federal health insurance program for older Americans would not lead to the results “Medicare for All” proponents are proposing. The Democratic takeover of the U.S. House of Representatives means a much different political world for conservatives and for the Trump administration. David French, National Review senior editor, explores the potential impact of recent political changes on conservative policy priorities. State government collects plenty of data. That doesn’t mean the data is used most effectively. Charles Perusse, Gov. Roy Cooper’s state budget director, recently told lawmakers the governor is likely to seek funding in the next budget to help make better use of collected government information. Dr. William Roper recently transitioned from leading the University of North Carolina Healthcare system to leading the university system. During his first official meeting as interim UNC president, Roper outlined his priorities for the 17 campuses across the state. Hog farms have faced repeated legal fights in North Carolina in recent years. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explains that many of those fights have resulted despite the fact that farmers have complied with regulations established by government agencies.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 822: New elections board considers 9th District congressional dispute

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

The newly minted N.C. State Board of Elections meets next week to discuss an investigation into absentee ballot irregularities in the still unsettled 9th District congressional election. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the latest developments in the electoral battle between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready. One of the hottest topics in the world of college sports involves paying athletes for their performance. Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr doesn’t want to get caught up in that debate. But Orr recently told the state’s Legislative Commission on the Fair Treatment of Student-Athletes that he favors allowing athletes to benefit from the “fruits of their own labor,” as the N.C. Constitution requires. During the ongoing debate over the 9th District congressional race, Harris’ lawyers asked a Wake County judge to order elections officials to certify the Republican as the winner. You’ll hear why Judge Paul Ridgeway refused to insert himself into the electoral fight. Social media has had a major negative impact on the tenor of political debate. That’s the assessment of Jonah Goldberg, American Enterprise Institute scholar and National Review senior editor. During a recent visit to Chapel Hill, Goldberg shared his concerns about political polarization and its impact on the American economic Miracle. North Carolina’s latest teacher turnover report offers good news about the number of teachers staying in state classrooms. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, dissects the numbers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 821: Candidates make early jump into 2020 races

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Candidates are already lining up for the 2020 elections in North Carolina. It’s not unusual to see candidates jump into a race a year before the election. But some might be throwing their hats into the ring even earlier than normal. That’s because primary elections have been moved up from May to March. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses developments in the upcoming races for governor, U.S. Senate, and other important statewide elected positions. Some governments use sin taxes to nudge people away from behavior that elected officials and bureaucrats dislike. Adam Hoffer, associate professor of economics at the University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse, discusses the problems associated with using taxation to spur behavioral change. His comments are linked to his work from the recent book For Your Own Good. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill faced a couple of recent surprises. Chancellor Carol Folt announced her resignation, then decided to remove the pedestal of the controversial Silent Sam Confederate monument in the middle of the night. That move prompted UNC System officials to move up Folt’s departure date. Harry Smith, chairman of the system’s Board of Governors, explains why he and his colleagues took action. The N.C. Supreme Court recently celebrated its 200th anniversary. Speaking less than three weeks before he announced his resignation, Chief Justice Mark Martin urged colleagues to set aside personal policy preferences to work together in upholding the rule of law. N.C. lawmakers will face pressure this year to expand the state’s Medicaid program. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, says Medicaid expansion would create problems for North Carolina, even in a form different from the expansion proposal tied to President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 820: Examining growth in N.C. private school choice options

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0500

School choice takes many different forms in North Carolina. In recent years, state legislators have established Opportunity Scholarship vouchers for students from low-wealth families, a separate grant program for students with special education needs, and education savings accounts. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes each of these programs. Cyberspace might represent the most important battlefield in future conflicts between the United States and its adversaries. During a recent visit to North Carolina, Washington Post staff writer Shane Harris explained how President Trump has approached cyberwarfare differently from his predecessors. Harris analyzes the potential impact of the policy shift. For the first time in his nine years as leader of the N.C. Senate, Phil Berger will not have a Republican supermajority to override a governor’s veto. During the opening day of the new legislative session, Berger explained how the change could affect relations between Senate Republicans and Democrats. Speaking of vetoes, lawmakers voted to override Cooper’s veto of a bill re-establishing separate state elections and ethics oversight boards. During the vote, lawmakers debated the potential impact on investigations of alleged campaign finance violations. Buncombe County voters approved a local sales tax hike in 2011 to address repairs and renovations for their local community college. A recent scandal involving the ousted county manager revealed that the money had been used instead to balance Buncombe’s budget. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, discusses the problem and potential solutions for Buncombe taxpayers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 819: The case for capping N.C. capital gains tax

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

North Carolina could make a major improvement to its tax system by ending taxation of capital gains. But the state doesn’t have to scrap its capital gains tax completely to move in the right direction. Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, recommends capping the capital gains tax at its current rate. With that step, the rate would never climb again, even if future legislatures decide to raise taxes in other types of income. The University of North Carolina System could do a better job recruiting military veterans as students. The system’s Board of Governors heard that message recently from Jared Lyon, president and CEO of the group Student Veterans of America. You’ll hear highlights from his remarks. Political observers are already looking ahead to the 2020 elections. John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood warns against relying too heavily on 2018 election results when making predictions about 2020. Hood offers his own thoughts about trends and factors to keep in mind at this stage of the election cycle. State legislators recently loosened restrictions on one of North Carolina’s key targeted tax incentive programs. The decision to raise the per-job cap for the Job Development Investment Grant generated heated debate among N.C. House Republicans. North Carolina has made great strides in expanding parental school choice during the past decade. As National School Choice Week concludes, we review this state’s recent achievements with help from Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 818: Familiar faces will lead N.C. General Assembly in 2019

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

State senators have elected Republican Phil Berger to a fifth consecutive term as the Senate’s top officer. The state House has elected Republican Tim Moore to a third term as House speaker. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the potential impact of these leadership elections on the next two years of state legislative action, including relations with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Some governments use selective taxes to fund public pension liabilities. This creates potential problems, as professor Thad Calabrese of New York University documents in the recent book For Your Own Good. Calabrese outlined the potential problems during a recent panel discussion co-hosed by the John Locke Foundation. Voters decided last November that North Carolina should add a photo ID voting requirement to the state constitution. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill designed to meet that new constitutional requirement. You’ll hear highlights from the legislative debate before a vote to override Cooper’s veto. Partisans on both the left and right make mistakes when they discuss government and its role in both causing and responding to economic inequality. That’s one of the key points of a recent book, The Captured Economy. Co-author Steven Teles, a Johns Hopkins University political scientist, shared major themes from the book during a recent lecture at Duke University. Trump administration efforts to roll back federal regulations are being counteracted to some extent by the so-called ESG movement. The movement involves basing investment decisions on environmental, social, and governance criteria — rather than the traditional goal of maximizing returns. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, assesses the ESG movement’s impact.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 817: More N.C. tax relief kicks in for 2019

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0500

North Carolina’s individual and corporate income tax rates dropped again on Jan. 1. The personal income tax rate now stands at 5.25 percent, down more than 30 percent from the top marginal rate of 7.75 percent that it was in effect in 2013. North Carolina’s 2.5 percent corporate tax rate is the lowest rate of any states that assess a tax on corporations’ income. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, assesses the significance of the latest tax rate cuts. Negative partisanship plays a significant role in our current political debates. That’s a problem for Jonah Goldberg, American Enterprise Institute scholar and National Review senior editor. Goldberg explains how our political discourse suffers when both Democrats and Republicans support their parties only because they hate the opposite party. State lawmakers looking into a controversial fund tied to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline have hired three former federal agents as outside investigators. You’ll hear highlights from the legislative meeting that led legislators to hire the agents. Supporters of electric vehicles tout their environmental benefits. Andrew Yates, professor in the UNC-Chapel Hill economics department, says those benefits are not as clear-cut as advocates suggest. During a recent presentation for the John Locke Foundation, Yates detailed research into the environmental impact associated with electric vehicles. After years of fast growth, enrollment in North Carolina’s largest school system — Wake County — grew by just 42 students in the past year. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the significance of that slowdown for state and local education policy. That includes the prospects for a statewide public education bond package.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 816: Getting to the core of Apple’s decision to bypass N.C.

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0500

When Apple announced plans for a major expansion in Austin, Texas, it appeared that Raleigh and North Carolina had “lost” another competition for a major economic development. That was despite the state’s willingness to give Apple substantial tax incentives. Jon Sanders, the John Locke Foundation’s director of regulatory studies, assesses the impact of Apple’s announcement on N.C. tax incentive policy. Free speech is one of the most fundamental rights protected in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. But free speech faces continual attacks. David French, senior writer for National Review, worries about attacks on the culture of free speech. He explained his concerns during a recent visit to Raleigh. Association health plans offer an alternative to the Affordable Care Act in providing access to health insurance. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, praised those plans during a recent floor speech in the U.S. House of Representatives. Millions of people know Brian Kilmeade as a co-anchor of the Fox News morning program. He’s also an author of books focusing on key episodes in American history. Kilmeade discussed his TV role, his historical research, and current events during a recent speech in Raleigh for the John Locke Foundation. A federal judge recently struck down the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, assesses the ruling’s significance for health care policy in North Carolina and across the country.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 815: Year-end special revisits intriguing 2018 topics

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0500

As we look forward to a new year, Carolina Journal Radio reviews some of the most interesting topics from 2018. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York describe themselves as socialists. But neither one fits the classic definition of “socialist.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, distinguishes the two politicians from traditional socialists and explains why their policy goals would not lead to institutionalized socialism. More and more elected leaders treat politics as a type of performance. That approach has helped transform American politics. Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, is working on a book that explores the transformation. He shared insights from his research during a visit to Raleigh. It’s possible to define “conservative politics” in multiple ways. John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood offered his definition during a speech to the Leadership Institute. Hood explained why his definition follows Margaret Thatcher’s maxim that the facts of life are conservative. Private property rights play a critical role in a free society. The U.S. Constitution focuses attention on protecting those rights. Ilya Somin, professor of law at George Mason University, discussed the Constitution’s property rights protections during a speech this year at N.C. State University. Somin shares themes from that presentation. North Carolina’s certificate-of-need law has restricted new medical facilities and major medical equipment for decades. The idea behind the CON law goes back even further. That’s according to Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst. He discusses the history and explains how the CON law hurts those seeking affordable health care options.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 814: Lawmakers will face budget challenges in 2019

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0500

Republicans have been able to cut tax rates, balance budgets, and increase spending on high-priority items since taking control of the N.C. General Assembly in 2011. But they will face some new challenges as they return to the budget process in the new year. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, outlines those challenges. Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman delivered free-market messages to a wide television audience with his “Free to Choose” program on public TV. The Free to Choose Network follows in Friedman’s footsteps with a series of programs highlighting the importance of markets. President and CEO Robert Chatfield discusses the network’s latest projects. Before announcing plans to step down as UNC System president, Margaret Spellings offered praise for a program designed to highlight two cost-saving programs for students within the statewide university system. Spellings touted the taxpayer-funded We Promise campaign during a meeting with the system’s Board of Governors. Absentee ballot irregularities in southeastern North Carolina prompted members of the N.C. elections board to delay certifying results of the hotly contested 9th District congressional race. As elections officials investigated, three Republican state senators called on the governor to establish a new bipartisan task force to look into the issue. You’ll hear why they believe an outside group should probe allegations of illegal activity involving absentee ballots. A special N.C. House committee has unveiled its proposals for addressing safety in the state’s public schools. Lindsay Marchello, Carolina Journal associate editor, covered the committee’s debate of its final report. Marchello highlights the group’s top priorities.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 813: Legislators loosen restriction on N.C. tax incentives

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0500

Legislators recently loosened restrictions on North Carolina’s targeted tax incentive program, allowing companies to claim as much as $16,000 for every job created in connection with a Job Development Investment Grant. That’s a 246 percent increase from the old cap of $6,500 per job. The change passed without much opposition in the General Assembly. But Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, explains why an increased reliance on targeted tax incentives means bad news for state taxpayers. Progressives argue that their policies are designed to help disadvantaged groups, including minorities and the poor. But Michael Jacobs, professor at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, has conducted research demonstrating how policies adopted by North Carolina’s most progressive local governments have ended up hurting the groups progressives say they want to help. Hurricanes Florence and Michael caused substantial damage in North Carolina, including the state’s agriculture and agribusiness. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler delivered a recent status report to state lawmakers. After 55 percent of N.C. voters supported a constitutional amendment requiring people to present photo identification when they head to their polling place, state lawmakers sought input about translating that new constitutional requirement into law. You’ll hear highlights from a public comment session tied to the debate over implementing North Carolina’s new voter ID requirement. Prospective charter school operators face a number of challenges as they try to set up their publicly funded, privately operated K-12 schools. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, has seen many of those challenges firsthand. Stoops and his wife are leading efforts to establish a new charter school in Wake County. Now that the school has reached its groundbreaking, Stoops reflects on the charter school development process.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 812: Poll suggests N.C. will remain presidential battleground state

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0500

A recent Civitas poll suggests North Carolina will continue to play a role as an election battleground state in 2020. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, dissects the poll’s key findings. Henderson assesses the implications for Tar Heel politics during the next two years. Partisans on both the left and right tend to agree that our political debates have become far too polarized. In a recent column for National Review Online, John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood offered ideas for addressing the crippling level of polarization. Hood highlighted the work of North Carolina’s bipartisan Leadership Forum. Today’s economy requires an increased role for community college training. That’s the assessment from N.C. Community College System President Peter Hans. He recently explained to University of North Carolina leaders how state community colleges are responding to the state’s changing economic needs. A special legislative study group is looking into the controversial $57.8 million fund Gov. Roy Cooper set up in connection with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Lawmakers want to ensure that Cooper’s office did not coerce pipeline operators into paying the money in return for a necessary state environmental permit. You’ll hear highlights from the group’s first meeting. State Treasurer Dale Folwell is taking steps to increase transparency related to health care costs charged to the State Health Plan for government workers and retirees. Folwell’s efforts are facing some opposition within the General Assembly. Dan Way, Carolina Journal associate editor, reports on the latest developments. Way also notes Folwell’s concerns about some local governments’ financial stability.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 811: Lawmakers look into controversial pipeline fund

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 08:00:00 -0500

A state legislative committee plans to hire an outside investigator to look into a controversial $57.8 million fund tied to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief analyzes the decision to seek outside investigative help. Henderson explains why the fund has raised concerns about North Carolina’s environmental permitting process. Some people want to target hate by censoring or banning so-called “hate speech.” Nadine Strossen, professor at New York Law School and former national president of the American Civil Liberties Union, disagrees. During a recent visit to North Carolina, Strossen touted free speech as the best tool to fight hate speech. A special N.C. legislative committee is studying the treatment of student-athletes on University of North Carolina campuses. During the group’s first meeting, one senator questioned a representative of the NCAA about the group’s role in overseeing big-money football and men’s basketball programs. A top advocate of school choice in North Carolina has a new leader. Mike Long recently joined Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina as its new president. Though new to PEFNC, Long is a native North Carolinian with more than three decades of experience in public and private school education. Millennials’ desire for on-demand services could lead to major changes in the future of American health care. That’s the assessment of Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst. Roberts discusses the shift away from traditional health care services toward urgent care, retail clinics, telemedicine, and direct primary care.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 810: Trump, Obama both claim credit for economic gains

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500

The U.S. economy has posted impressive gains recently. Both President Trump and former President Barack Obama are claiming credit. Roy Cordato, the John Locke Foundation’s senior economist, puts the competing claims to the test. A Winston-Salem surgeon is taking North Carolina state government to court because of a law that blocks him from purchasing an MRI scanner. Dr. Gajendra Singh says the scanner would help him provide a valuable service to his patients at a reasonable cost. North Carolina’s certificate-of-need law blocks Singh from making the purchase. Singh and his attorney, Josh Windham of the Institute for Justice, explain why they’re challenging the CON law. One likely consequence of the 2018 elections is a renewed push for redistricting reform in North Carolina. John Locke Foundation Chairman John Hood offered that prediction during a recent post-election analysis. Hood says Republican legislative leaders looking ahead to 2020 elections might want to rethink their opposition to reform. Higher education faces significant challenges in North Carolina and across the United States. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, highlighted key challenges during a recent speech in Raleigh. Robinson emphasized the lack of viewpoint diversity on college campuses, along with an overall decline in academic quality. As state and national politicians continue to debate the future of health care, the recent rise of Association Health Plans is offering a new option for many health care consumers. Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst, explains AHPs. He also assesses their potential impact on the future of health care.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 809: Voters break Republicans’ N.C. legislative supermajorities

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500

Voters have broken veto-proof Republican supermajorities in the N.C. General Assembly. The November election results ensure a more powerful role for both the Democratic minority and Gov. Roy Cooper. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, analyzes the election’s significance. The United States and other Western nations are choosing to reject the economic Miracle that has generated most of the world’s prosperity. That’s the assessment of Jonah Goldberg. The American Enterprise Institute Scholar and National Review senior editor explains his assessment in the recent book Suicide of the West. He discussed key themes from the book during a recent visit to Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina System has turned to the retiring CEO of UNC Health Care to lead the state’s public universities on an interim basis. Dr. William Roper recently shared with reporters his reaction to the appointment as interim UNC president. Conservative principles can improve public policy at all levels of government. P.J. Connelly is applying those principles to his job as mayor of Greenville. It’s the largest N.C. city with a Republican mayor. Connelly discusses his priorities and challenges as a conservative working in local government. Democrats made big gains in N.C. judicial elections on the statewide November ballot. The state’s voters also approved four of six proposed constitutional amendments. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the significance of the only ballot items every N.C. voter faced this year.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 808: Expert analyzes Cooper’s N.C. emissions order

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:00:00 -0500

Gov. Roy Cooper has signed an executive order calling on state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to have North Carolina follow through on dictates of the Paris climate agreement, even though the Trump administration has pulled the United States out of that agreement. Donald van der Vaart, John Locke Foundation senior fellow and former N.C. environmental secretary, dissects Cooper’s order and analyzes its implications. Many American cities appear to face a state of decline. The group Strong Towns endorses action that would help reverse that decline. Development director Bo Wright discusses Strong Towns’ recommendations. That includes the roles public and private actors should take. After less than three years on the job, UNC System President Margaret Spellings has announced plans to resign in March. Despite the surprise announcement, Spellings told reporters she is proud of the system’s accomplishments during her tenure. She outlined some of those accomplishments during a recent news conference. Today’s college students have embraced activism to a degree last seen in the 1970s. But former Yale professor William Deresiewicz recently cautioned a Duke audience against treating college as a way to promote that activism. Deresiewicz made a plea for a traditional liberal-arts education that forces people to think, reason, and question their beliefs. The federal government has granted North Carolina a waiver to make major changes in its Medicaid program. Among the changes is a shift from a fee-for-service system to one in which the state allots a set amount of funding to address care for each Medicaid patient. Statewide and regional groups will contract with state government to manage its Medicaid services. Dan Way, Carolina Journal associate editor, discusses waiver details and assesses the significance for Medicaid’s future.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 807: Voters to decide future of N.C. General Assembly

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Voters will choose all 170 members of the N.C. General Assembly Tuesday. The elections will determine whether Republicans maintain veto-proof supermajorities in both the state House and Senate. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, explains how the legislative elections could affect state policy. That includes relations with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Most of us believe that we possess pretty good character. A recent book, The Character Gap, suggests we’re wrong. Author Christian Miller, professor of philosophy at Wake Forest University, identifies the gap between the character we have and the character we want. Miller also explains how we can help shrink that gap. Hurricane Florence tore up hundreds of N.C. roads, causing hundreds of millions of dollars of damage. N.C. Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon offered state lawmakers a recent status report. Trogdon explained that the state DOT hopes to make major roads more resilient in the face of future hurricanes. As the debate over global warming and climate change continues, Bill Lynch tries to separate facts from myths. Lynch, fellow at the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, explains why some popular arguments related to climate change are wrong. All 13 seats in North Carolina’s delegation to the U.S. House are up for grabs this year. Three in particular are attracting attention. In each case, Democrats could unseat Republicans and change the delegation’s current 10-3 GOP majority. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses hotly contested congressional races in the 2nd, 9th, and 13th Districts.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 806: Lawmakers target more money toward hurricane relief

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

N.C. lawmakers have approved an additional $850 million for relief from damage inflicted by Hurricane Florence. That total exceeded the amount Gov. Roy Cooper requested, and the relief package earned unanimous support within the General Assembly. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, analyzes key aspects of the relief package. Governments tend to like imposing “sin taxes” on items like alcohol and tobacco. But a new book titled For Your Own Good explores the potential negative consequences of sin taxes and other selective taxes that target disfavored groups. Co-editor Todd Nesbit, assistant professor of economics at Ball State University, explores key problems associated with selective taxes. Some lawmakers are raising concerns about an unpublicized office within the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles that offered driver’s licenses for selected state government employees. The office drew negative media scrutiny. And some legislators urged their colleagues to take a closer look into the matter. They also want to know why waiting times are so long at many public DMV offices. Governments often get involved in financing stadiums for privately owned sports teams. Many of those projects rely on selective taxes, including extra charges for car rentals or hotel and motel bills. Craig Depken, professor of economics at UNC-Charlotte, discusses unintended consequences associated with those taxes. With no presidential, gubernatorial, or U.S. Senate race on the North Carolina ballot this year, some observers are focusing most of their attention on six proposed constitutional amendments. The major parties have staked out positions: Republicans support all six, and Democrats oppose them. All living former governors and state Supreme Court chief justices have joined the debate on two amendments. And an activist group that often supports Republican causes is launching a campaign against one of the amendments. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses recent developments in the amendment debate.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 805: Libertarian group assigns Cooper F grade for fiscal policies

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Gov. Roy Cooper is one of just two Southern governors — and eight nationwide — to earn F grades in the libertarian Cato Institute’s latest “Fiscal Report Card for America’s Governors.” Cooper earns this failing grade despite the fact that other measures tout North Carolina’s strong economy and fiscal health. Chris Edwards, editor of Cato’s DownsizingGovernment.org, explains why North Carolina’s chief executive deserves such low marks. School choice faces a number of attacks from critics. One of the most common criticisms involves standards at private schools that see increased enrollment thanks to school voucher programs. Matthew Ladner, senior research fellow at the Charles Koch Institute, explains why those critiques miss the mark. As students headed back to class this fall, state education officials sought to reassure parents that public schools are taking steps to ensure safety. Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson led a recent news conference outlining safety measures designed to help prevent the incidents of school violence that have generated headlines across the country in recent years. A new state commission is focusing on the fair treatment of college student-athletes in North Carolina. During the group’s first meeting, some of the most compelling testimony came from lobbyist David Collins, a former UNC-Chapel Hill football player. Collins explained how a serious ankle injury during his senior year led to unexpected problems and lingering health concerns. State lawmakers are offering contrasting assessments of hog lagoons’ environmental performance during Hurricane Florence. Dan Way, Carolina Journal associate editor, reported those assessments from one of the General Assembly’s top agricultural advocates and one of its most vocal environmental watchdogs. Way shares highlights from his work.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 804: Lawmakers approve first round of hurricane relief

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

N.C. legislators returned to Raleigh for the first of what they expect to be multiple sessions linked to Hurricane Florence disaster relief. In addition to a $56.5 million disaster relief fund, lawmakers unanimously supported legislation targeting schools, state matches for federal disaster funding, even mosquitoes. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, assesses lawmakers’ initial responses to the hurricane. North Carolina’s Robert Shibley, executive director of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, recently took part in a U.S. Justice Department forum addressing free speech on college campuses. Shibley discussed recent improvements in campus speech codes. He also identified ongoing challenges, including problems linked to outside speakers invited for campus lectures. As lawmakers returned to Raleigh to address hurricane relief, some of them were still dealing with issues linked to hurricane damage in their home communities. Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, offered inland colleagues insight about the storm’s impact on his community and neighbors. Before he leaves office at the end of the year, Rep. Bert Jones, R-Rockingham, is trying to draw attention to the danger of Lyme disease. During a recent hearing, Jones and Lyme disease patient Nia Davenport described some of the problems associated with the tick-related illness, which few people have associated with North Carolina. Some public school students missed weeks of classroom instruction because of Hurricane Florence. State lawmakers have granted local school systems flexibility in making up that lost time. But that still leaves school systems with challenges in trying to educate thousands of students. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, evaluates those challenges.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 803: N.C. colleges make advances in protecting free speech

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Higher education watchdogs have seen good news in recent years when it comes to free-speech protections on N.C. college campuses. Jenna Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, discusses a new report that grades the campuses based on their policies promoting or limiting speech. It’s no secret that American politics has become increasingly polarized. Duke University ethics professor Walter Sinnott-Armstrong believes more argument could help fight that polarization. Sinnott-Armstrong explained his theory during a recent speech in Raleigh. You’ll hear highlights from his remarks. Before Hurricane Florence stormed through North Carolina, state lawmakers already were talking about ways to improve disaster relief in the wake of the 2016 damage from Hurricane Matthew. Rep. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, explains how government could learn lessons about disaster preparations from the state’s farmers. N.C. voters face six proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot. John Dinan, professor at Wake Forest University, places North Carolina’s latest proposals in a national context. Dinan is author of the book State Constitutional Politics: Governing by Amendment in the American States. North Carolina’s certificate-of-need law has restricted new medical facilities and major medical equipment for decades. The idea behind the CON law goes back even further. That’s according to Jordan Roberts, John Locke Foundation health care policy analyst. He discusses the history and explains how the CON law hurts those seeking affordable health care options.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 802: Rainy-day fund will help N.C. recover from Florence

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

As North Carolina recovers from Hurricane Florence, state government leaders are happy to have access to a $2 billion “rainy-day fund.” The Republican-led General Assembly made a concerted effort to rebuild that fund in recent years. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explains why. Coletti also explains how the fund could help state government move more quickly to address issues arising from Florence’s damage. Amid recent controversies involving Facebook, some critics have called for increased regulation of the social media giant. Computer expert Bob Chandler, president of Macvantage, discusses Facebook’s recent woes. Chandler examines pros and cons related to government involvement in Facebook’s operations. The U.S. Supreme Court nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh has taken recent twists and turns. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis recently chided Democratic colleagues and left-of-center partisan activists for refusing to engage Kavanaugh on substantive legal issues. President Trump recently traveled to Charlotte to unveil a new program designed to help more small business employees save money for retirement. U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, Linda McMahon of the Small Business Administration, and other national and local business leaders joined the president to tout the new program. The arrival of Hurricane Florence prompted N.C. officials to trigger the state’s price-gouging law. It allows people to complain to government when they believe vendors are charging prices that are too high. Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, says the law creates serious negative unintended consequences. Among them: empty store shelves and dried-up gas pumps. Cordato explains why higher prices make sense during an emergency.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 801: Ballot set with N.C. election lawsuits resolved for now

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400

With legal battles over congressional redistricting and state constitutional amendments resolved — for now — North Carolina’s election ballot is now set for November. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses the key issues voters will be addressing in this so-called “blue moon” election with no presidential, gubernatorial, or U.S. Senate race. Critics of school voucher programs often point to history. They say vouchers arose from segregationists’ efforts to fight school integration. Phillip Magness, senior research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, says the actual history is much more complicated. Magness explains that the earliest supporters of school vouchers often believed they would help fight the negative impact of segregated public school systems. A new digital tool is giving members of the UNC Board of Governors quick access to valuable data about the system’s schools. During a recent discussion about the new “dashboard,” board members debated the value of relying more heavily on data to guide board decisions. The N.C. General Assembly is setting up a new committee to examine the details of a $58 million fund set up in connection with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Sen. Paul Newton, R-Cabarrus, explained in a recent committee meeting why lawmakers want to examine Gov. Roy Cooper’s role in establishing the fund. Kristi Jones, Cooper’s chief of staff, questioned lawmakers’ actions. You’ll hear highlights from their remarks. A national education group claims that North Carolina’s public school math scores have lagged because the state dropped its support of Common Core academic standards. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, says the argument is wrong. Stoops corrects the record. He explains why North Carolina’s math standards still have ties to the controversial Common Core.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 800: Carolina Journal Radio celebrates episode No. 800

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400

As Carolina Journal Radio marks its 800th weekly episode, we look back at some of the most interesting guests who have analyzed political, public policy, and historical developments over more than a dozen years. You’ll hear from Fred Barnes, Arthur Brooks, Charles Cooke, Steve Forbes, Robert George, Jonah Goldberg, Mary Katharine Ham, Andrew McCarthy, Deroy Murdock, Charles Murray, Peggy Noonan, Michael Novak, P.J. O’Rourke, Ramesh Ponnuru, Virginia Postrel, John Stossel, Cal Thomas, and Walter Williams. New data released from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction help tell the story of student performance in the state’s public schools. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes the most important information emerging from the latest DPI report. The N.C. Historical Commission recently rejected Gov. Roy Cooper’s request to move three Confederate monuments from the State Capitol grounds to a historic battlefield site in Johnston County. But commission members hold a range of views about the best way to deal with the monuments. You’ll hear highlights from two members with contrasting viewpoints. UNC-Chapel Hill has attracted national attention after protesters toppled the Silent Sam Confederate statue just as the new school year started. The university system’s Board of Governors has ordered Chapel Hill campus leaders to develop a permanent plan by Nov. 15 for dealing with Silent Sam. You’ll hear Chancellor Carol Folt’s initial reaction to that timeline, along with concerns from BOG member and former state senator Thom Goolsby. State legislators have formed a new subcommittee to look into a nearly $58 million fund set up in connection with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, explains why lawmakers have questions about Gov. Roy Cooper’s role in establishing that discretionary fund.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 799: Unaffiliated voters offer clues about 2018 election contests

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Political prognosticators often look at independent, unaffiliated voters for clues about the likely outcomes of upcoming elections. The Civitas Institute recently polled unaffiliated N.C. voters. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the poll’s findings. He discusses how the numbers could affect key elections and the fate of proposed constitutional amendments. A Winston-Salem surgeon is challenging state certificate-of-need restrictions that block him from buying an MRI machine. Dr. Gajendra Singh says the machine would help him provide MRI services for patients at a lower price than they would pay at a nearby hospital. You’ll hear highlights from a recent news conference with Singh and Institute for Justice attorneys. IJ is helping Singh challenge the state CON law in court. Among the recent honors for the late U.S. Sen. John McCain is one you might not have expected. Democratic N.C. Sen. Erica Smith praised the longtime Republican U.S. senator and GOP presidential nominee during a speech in the state Legislative Building. Smith used McCain’s words to urge her Democratic and Republican colleagues to do a better job working together. Silent Sam has filled recent headlines, but that Confederate statue at UNC-Chapel Hill is not the only monument generating controversy on college campuses. Shannon Watkins, policy associate at the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, shares her concerns about recent debates involving the future of campus monuments. A leading Democratic U.S. senator is promoting legislation dubbed the Accountable Capitalism Act. Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, highlights flaws in Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s proposal. Cordato explains that capitalism already holds businesses accountable without government intrusion.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 798: Parents, teachers, taxpayers foot bill for school supplies

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Most school-age children are back in classrooms after summer break. Their families recently encountered the annual trip to the store to buy new school supplies. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and resident scholar, crunches the numbers to determine how much parents, teachers, and state taxpayers spend to equip kids for a new year of school. Advocates of North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship school voucher program recently touted results of a study from N.C. State University. It documented the vouchers’ “positive, large, and statistically significant” benefits for low-income students. Two of the key NCSU researchers, assistant professor Anna Egalite and professor Stephen Porter, discuss their findings. They explain why the Opportunity Scholarship program’s design limits researchers’ ability to perform the highest-quality performance review. North Carolina voters will decide in November whether to lower the state constitution’s existing cap on the state’s income tax rate. The current cap stands at 10 percent. The amendment would reduce that number to 7 percent. You’ll hear highlights from the N.C. House’s recent debate on the issue. Greenville businessman Harry Smith recently took over as chairman of the UNC System’s Board of Governors. During his first meeting as chairman, Smith outlined for colleagues his priorities for the board, which oversees 16 university campuses and the N.C. School of Science and Math. You’ll hear highlights from his remarks. A recent state audit criticized the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for millions of dollars of waste over more than a decade. Some observers hope the audit will help spark interest in privatizing state alcohol sales. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes reaction to the audit and the likely response from state policymakers.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 797: Russian collusion with environmental groups deserves probe

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Headlines in recent months have focused on accusations of Russian collusion. At least one aspect of the collusion debate deserves more scrutiny. In a recent column for TheHill.com, John Locke Foundation Senior Fellow Donald van der Vaart recommended that the Trump administration look into possible collusion between the Russian government and American environmental activist groups. Van der Vaart explains why an investigation makes sense. Small business leaders today often point to government regulation as one of the largest obstacles blocking their growth and success. But that attitude about government is a relatively new development in the history of American small business. UNC-Chapel Hill history professor Benjamin Waterhouse says small businesses once relied on government as an ally against big business. Waterhouse offers a history lesson and discusses some of the reasons for the changing stance regarding government involvement in the economy. One of the N.C. General Assembly’s latest debates involved ballot captions for six constitutional amendments in the November election. You’ll hear highlights from floor debate about a measure to replace captions with the simple words “constitutional amendment.” Speaking of the constitution, North Carolina’s five living former governors have united in opposition to two proposed amendments. One would change the way the state fills judicial vacancies. The other would change the makeup of the state elections board and assign the General Assembly the ultimate power over appointments to state boards and commissions. You’ll learn why Republicans Jim Martin and Pat McCrory and Democrats Jim Hunt, Mike Easley, and Bev Perdue all oppose the changes. As state lawmakers raise questions about the pace of state disaster relief related to Hurricane Matthew, Gov. Roy Cooper spent a recent day touring parts of the state hit hardest by the storm. Lindsay Marchello, Carolina Journal associate editor, covered Cooper’s tour. She recaps her account of Cooper’s interaction with North Carolinians who continue to recover from Matthew’s damage.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 796: Legal scholars of varying philosophies support Kavanaugh

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Legal scholars of all political stripes are assessing the relative merits of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as the next justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Considering arguments from conservatives, libertarians, free-speech advocates, and fair-minded liberals, Jon Guze is inclined to support Kavanaugh’s nomination. Director of legal studies at the John Locke Foundation, Guze explains why assessments of experts from a range of political perspectives convince him that Kavanaugh would make a good addition to the nation’s highest court. Facebook has faced some major political blows in recent months. N.C. State University political scientist Andrew Taylor analyzes Facebook’s recent controversy and assesses its significance. Former UNC System President C.D. Spangler died recently at age 86. North Carolina’s senior U.S. senator, Richard Burr, honored Spangler with a speech in the U.S. Capitol. You’ll hear highlights from Burr’s remarks. One question drives much of the debate about college sports: Are big-time athletic programs compatible with universities’ core missions? UNC-Chapel Hill history professor Jay Smith answers no. He explained why during a recent presentation for the John Locke Foundation. Time magazine recently offered glowing praise to Georgia’s film incentive program. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, says the Time article omitted key facts that would have painted a much different picture.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 795: Popular ‘socialists’ don’t fit the word’s definition

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez describe themselves as socialists. But neither one fits the classic definition of “socialist.” Roy Cordato, John Locke Foundation senior economist, distinguishes the two politicians from traditional socialists and explains why their policy goals would not lead to institutionalized socialism. Most of consider ourselves to be law-abiding citizens. But we might be breaking laws without our knowledge, thanks to the problem of overcriminalization. James Copland, senior fellow and director of legal policy at the Manhattan Institute, explains the problems created when a state has too many crimes on its books. Copland emphasizes the negative impact for small business owners who might face criminal charges when they run afoul of complicated regulations. North Carolina could be leading the nation in educational achievement if it had joined Florida years ago in launching reform efforts. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush delivered that message during a recent visit to Raleigh. You’ll hear Bush’s recommendations for N.C. policymakers interested in pursuing reforms. A congresswoman from North Carolina is leading a new charge against unfunded federal government mandates. The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx’s legislation targeting unfunded mandates. You’ll hear highlights from Foxx’s speech defending the proposal on Capitol Hill. The N.C. School Boards Association and local school boards across the state are heading back to court to get more money from state government. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, explains why the school boards are turning to the judicial branch to help secure more funding.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 794: Economic impact of 2020 RNC unclear for Charlotte

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Charlotte will host a major national political convention for the second time in a decade. Republicans chose the Queen City to host their 2020 convention. That decision came despite Charlotte City Council’s 6-5 split to endorse the deal. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes the potential impact of the RNC for Charlotte, the state, and 2020 politics. More and more elected leaders treat politics as a type of performance. That approach has helped transform American politics. Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, is working on a book that explores the transformation. He shared insights from his research during a recent visit to Raleigh. The recent furor over President Trump’s Helsinki summit with Russian strongman Vladimir Putin has prompted one N.C. congressman to renew his push for bipartisan legislation tackling election security. During a recent news briefing, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-11th District, chairman of the Freedom Caucus, highlighted details of his proposed PAPER Act. Meadows explained why he believes Congress should act on the measure before the fall election. A Fayetteville man will lead the federal government department charged with handling veterans affairs. The U.S. Senate confirmed Robert Wilkie to serve as secretary of the department that oversees veterans’ services. You’ll hear highlights from Wilkie’s confirmation hearing. New Mexico is taking new steps to reform its system of occupational licensing. Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation director of regulatory studies, analyzes the western state’s actions. He discusses possible implications for occupational licensing in North Carolina.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 793: Tennessee study questions value of government pre-K

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

A new Vanderbilt University report questions the academic benefits of Tennessee’s prekindergarten program. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president of research and director of education studies, assesses the new research and discusses its implications for state pre-K programs in North Carolina. As stories about a national opioid epidemic continue to generate headlines, more and more states are considering new taxes on opioid drugs. Patrick Gleason, vice president of state affairs at Americans for Tax Reform, analyzes the growing interest in targeting opioids for taxation. He explains ATR’s concerns about these taxes. It’s hard to tell how well a government program works if no one is measuring its impact. That’s why John Turcotte, director of the N.C. General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division, is touting the idea of establishing new government performance measures. He discussed the topic during a recent briefing for state lawmakers. Much of the recent debate about American trade involves popular myths. Bryan Riley, director of the Free Trade Initiative at the National Taxpayers Union, rebutted some of those myths during a recent panel discussion in Raleigh. Riley touts the benefits of free trade. GenX dumped in the Cape Fear River has generated plenty of headlines. But there’s been much less publicity surrounding the presence of GenX and related chemicals in solar panels that dot the N.C. landscape. Dan Way, associate editor of Carolina Journal, reports that some policymakers are beginning to raise questions about solar panel composition and potential long-term environmental impacts.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 792: Enrollment grows in home, private schools

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Parents homeschool more than 135, 000 students in North Carolina. Nearly 102,000 more students attend private schools in the state. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, analyzes recent growth in both of those numbers. Stoops assesses the significance for education policy in the state. Private-sector innovation has driven massive positive changes in the American energy industry. Recent tax and regulatory reforms should lead to even more growth in the nation’s energy sector. Dan Brouillette, deputy U.S. energy secretary, delivered that message recently during a speech in Raleigh for the Jesse Helms Center. Brouilette explains how American energy production affects the nation’s geopolitical position. A proposed constitutional amendment on North Carolina’s ballot this November would change the way the state fills vacancies for state judges. During a recent floor debate, senators spelled out the pros and cons of changing the current rules. State leaders will need to take more steps to shore up long-term funding for North Carolina’s State Health Plan. State Treasurer Dale Folwell describes recent steps his office has taken to help address the issue. Folwell explains why state policymakers need to take the issue seriously. North Carolina continues to pay out millions of dollars for an “expired” tax credit linked to renewable energy. Dan Way, Carolina Journal associate editor, recently reported the numbers. Way explains why taxpayers are still paying for a credit that’s been eliminated.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 792: Enrollment grows in home, private schools

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 790: Voters will have six chances to amend N.C. Constitution

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Voters will have several chances to amend North Carolina’s state constitution when they head to the polls in November. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, discusses the proposed constitutional amendments and how they might shape the future of state government. Free trade has taken hits from politicians in both parties in recent years. Economist Peter Boettke of George Mason University explains why that should disappoint anyone who’s interested in promoting economic growth. Boettke contends that advocates of free trade need to develop new arguments to convince skeptical voters. The N.C. General Assembly recently approved the HOPE Act as the latest tool in the fight against opioid abuse. But critics worry about the potential impact on personal privacy rights. One key provision gives law enforcement agencies easier access to some medical records. You’ll hear highlights from N.C. House debate on the issue. The late U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms spent much of his time on Capitol Hill focusing on national security. It’s no surprise that an event in Raleigh marking the 30th anniversary of the Jesse Helms Center featured remarks dedicated to security issues. Former Helms staffer Danielle Pletka, now the senior vice president for foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, quoted her former boss as she took stock of today’s top security challenges. State lawmakers are enlisting the help of N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson as they look for ways to cut the number of standardized tests in the state’s public schools. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research, assesses the increased emphasis on cutting down the number of unnecessary or duplicative tests in school.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 791: Recapping short, busy N.C. legislative session

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

The N.C. General Assembly has concluded most of its work for the year. Lawmakers have left Raleigh and don’t plan to return until late November. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, recaps the legislature’s key achievements during its abnormally brief six-and-a-half-week session. States across the country face a looming problem: They haven’t set aside enough money to address promised benefits for retired government workers. Leonard Gilroy, director of government reform for the libertarian Reason Foundation, explains why these unfunded liabilities represent such a substantial problem. He explains how a state like North Carolina could benefit by taking action now to address the issue. The N.C. House took a brief break recently from state-centered policymaking to focus attention on an international ally. A unanimous House approved a resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of Israel. You’ll hear why lawmakers decided to honor the Middle Eastern democracy. A 2017 newspaper investigation found that thousands of N.C. students from low-income families earned the highest possible scores on standardized math tests but did not have a chance to take advanced-level math classes. A new state law addresses the problem. You’ll hear highlights from state House debate of the issue. Public school advocates have complained that the Republican-led General Assembly has not provided “adequate funding” for schools. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, wishes those critics would define “adequate.”

Carolina Journal Radio No. 787: Voucher study finds significant benefits for low-income students

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

A new report from N.C. State University researchers shows that North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship voucher program for low-income students has a “positive, large, and statistically significant” impact. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation vice president for research and director of education studies, assesses the study’s impact for the voucher program’s future. A fatal attempted prison break at Pasquotank Correctional Center in 2017 has prompted state legislators to focus attention on prison reform. Adrian Moore, vice president of policy for the Reason Foundation, has spent years research the topic across the country. Moore offers ideas N.C. lawmakers might want to consider as they beef up security and make other necessary changes throughout the state’s prison system. State lawmakers recently addressed recommendations for increasing efficiency within the N.C. Department of Administration. They heard a warning that some efficiency measures could be complicated by poor data collection. You’ll hear legislative reaction to the efficiency report. Water infrastructure across North Carolina is aging and, in some cases, crumbling. But local regulations can lead to less choice and higher costs as pipes are upgraded. That’s a concern shared by Michael Power, senior director of state government affairs, Southern region, for the American Chemistry Council. Power explains why his group is seeking state legislation that would block local governments from adopting overly stringent restrictions on the types of materials used in new water pipes. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled, 7-2, that the state of Colorado could not force a professional cake baker to design a cake for a same-sex wedding. But the ruling’s long-term impact is not as clear-cut as the result might imply. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, analyzes the Supreme Court’s decision in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 788: Veto override puts $23.9 billion General Fund budget in place

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

State lawmakers voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of their $23.9 billion General Fund budget for the new budget year that starts July 1. Becki Gray, John Locke Foundation senior vice president, shares highlights from the new budget. Gray discusses key components of the spending plan and how they reflect legislative priorities. A new N.C. State University study shows that North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program demonstrates “positive, large, and statistically significant” benefits for low-income students. That’s good news to Brian Jodice, interim president of the group Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina. Jodice assesses the significance of the researchers’ findings and looks ahead to future assessments of the Opportunity Scholarship vouchers. N.C. legislators have been considering multiple ways to improve public school safety. Rep. Larry Pittman, R-Cabarrus, has been disappointed to see them ignore his proposal. During a recent news conference, Pittman and Paul Valone of the gun-rights group Grass Roots North Carolina touted potential benefits of a bill that would have allowed some school teachers to carry concealed handguns to protect students. It’s hard to gauge the state’s economic health without paying attention to its businesses. Dane Huffman, managing editor of the Triangle Business Journal, spends his working day talking to business people about their challenges and success stories. Huffman shares his insights about business leaders’ assessment of current N.C. economic conditions. North Carolina has good laws against civil asset forfeiture abuse, but a federal process called “equitable sharing” helps local law enforcement agencies get around the state law. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, says “equitable sharing” represents a significant threat to property rights.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 789: New index will help N.C. keep track of its crimes

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Legislators unanimously approved a bill that will lead to an index of North Carolina’s crimes. Supporters hope the proposal marks the first step toward a complete rewrite of the state’s criminal code. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, assesses the significance of the new legislation. Guze explains why the state needs to take account of all crimes listed in the General Statutes, as well as those created by state agencies, local governments, and regulatory boards. Americans have amended the U.S. Constitution just 27 times in nearly 230 years. Yet states have amended — and even completely rewritten — their constitutions many more times during that same time period, Political scientist John Dinan of Wake Forest University discusses the contrast between the state and federal amendment processes. Dinan has devoted his latest book to the issue. It’s titled State Constitutional Poltics: Governing by Amendment in the American States. Lawmakers are taking another step toward fighting opioid abuse in North Carolina. During a recent news conference, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Rep. Greg Murphy, R-Pitt, touted potential benefits of the HOPE Act. (During a future program, we’ll highlight some legislators’ privacy concerns about the newly enacted measure.) The N.C. House of Representatives voted 59-53 in 2017 not to move forward with a proposed Convention of States. The convention would proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Despite the loss, convention supporters pushed again this year to revisit the topic. Convention project founder Mark Meckler explains why. More than half of the recently enacted $23.9 billion General Fund budget for 2018-19 focuses on education. That means billions of dollars also targeted other core government issues. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, details some of the other priorities within the budget plan that takes effect July 1.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 785: Treasurer targets proposed bond, pension reforms

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

State Treasurer Dale Folwell has made headlines in recent weeks. He’s proposed that any new statewide bond package should face a voter referendum. He’s working to help reduce State Health Plan costs. He’s advocating pension reforms related to spiking and government workers convicted of crimes. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, analyzes Folwell’s high-profile activity. No one knows all of the crimes created in North Carolina. Not even the woman who literally wrote the state’s book on criminal law. Jessica Smith, professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government, says hundreds of crimes are scattered across more than 140 chapters of the N.C. General Statutes. Plus local governments and licensing boards have authority to create even more crimes. Smith explained during a recent presentation for the John Locke Foundation why she’s interested in a complete rewrite of the state criminal code. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has called on the Republican-led General Assembly to raise teacher pay. During a recent news conference, Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore responded that they’ve already planned average 6.2 percent teacher pay raises for the new budget year that starts in July. Berger and Moore also explained their recent efforts to boost overall education spending. The transition from Barack Obama’s presidential administration to one led by Donald Trump has led to major changes in a number of federal government policies. Scott Bullock, president and general counsel at the Institute for Justice, has been monitoring changes in the federal government’s approach to property rights. Bullock sees some good news from the Trump administration, along with some areas in which Obama’s policy was preferable. The lack of easily accessible medical services serves as no roadblock to the thousands of motorcyclists who head to Graham County every year to tackle the Tail of the Dragon mountain pass. Dan Way, Carolina Journal associate editor, recently offered details about the popular motorcycle route and the connection to local health care challenges.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 786: Targeted tax incentives focus on wrong approach to economic growth

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Politicians who rely on targeted tax incentives to help recruit businesses to North Carolina share a common trait with teenagers who stuff their faces with the first piece of chocolate cake they see. Joseph Coletti, John Locke Foundation senior fellow, explains that analogy as he dissects this state’s incentives policy. Coletti explains why the politicians — and teenagers — would benefit from considering alternatives. Charlotte’s Sugar Creek Charter School has demonstrated clear success. But school founder and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot says that success followed early struggles. Vinroot explained recently for state lawmakers how an early threat of closing prompted Sugar Creek leaders to improve the school’s performance. A national education expert recently urged N.C. lawmakers to add more local spending flexibility to the state’s school funding formula. Marguerite Roza of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab explained how North Carolina could benefit from a formula establishing a more direct link between taxpayer money and particular students. The former Dorothea Dix mental hospital campus in downtown Raleigh is moving closer to conversion into the area’s largest park. Kate Pearce, Dix Park planner for Raleigh’s city government, recaps key pieces of the park planning discussion and looks ahead to the next steps in the process. The top statewide race on this year’s N.C. election ballot features Republican state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jackson. Democrat Anita Earls already has announced plans to challenge Jackson, and other candidates could file for the office starting June 18. Rick Henderson, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, handicaps the race and explains its significance for the high court’s future.

Carolina Journal Radio No. 780: Pictures help place budget choices in perspective

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 779: School safety review includes nurses, psychologists

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 778: General Assembly to tackle important education issues in May

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 777: Pro-growth policies yield dividends for North Carolina

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 776: Expert pans UNC study of teacher training programs

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 775: Reforming graduate medical education to boost health care

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 774: Pipeline fund continues to generate questions

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 773: Carolina Journal reporting, editorials earn honors

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 772: Relaxing nurse practitioner restrictions could boost rural health care

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 771: Fatal attack helps expose problems in N.C. prisons

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 770: Voluntary fund stokes N.C. pipeline controversy

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 769: Pipeline fund generates controversy

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 768: Triangle makes Amazon’s top 20 list for HQ2

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 767: Key school choice application date approaches

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 766: Parity law unnecessary to boost N.C. telemedicine

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 765: Teacher attrition rate drops, more effective teachers stay

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 764: Park master plan adds coda to Hammocks Beach property-rights fight

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 763: Year-end special revisits intriguing 2017 topics

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 762: Bad government policies could hurt fight against opioid crisis

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 760: Southport megaport proposal still stagnant

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 759: Medicaid program remaining within budget as changes approach

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 758: Recent poll highlights growing partisan divide

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 757: State should ban law enforcement from ‘equitable sharing’ programs with feds

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 756: Hometown debates highlight top education issues

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 755: N.C. attorney general latches onto anti-Trump cause

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 754: N.C. continues to benefit from recent tax reforms

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 753: N.C. DOT bets on viability of passenger-only ferry

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 752: Placing new AP, SAT scores in context

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 751: High Point proceeds with controversial baseball plan

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 750: Lawmakers head back to Raleigh for special session

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 749: Revisiting major N.C. boondoggles

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 748: Price-gouging laws create more problems than they solve

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 747: Makeup artist sues over burdensome N.C. regulations

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 746: Politically active CEOs can hurt shareholder value

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 745: Double standard exists involving profit and public schools

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 744: Cooper wants court to declare parts of N.C. budget unconstitutional

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 743: Long-running school funding lawsuit hits milestone

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 742: N.C. State researchers say school silenced their solar views

Mon, 07 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 741: Former ambassador’s daughter leads legal fight against Twitter

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 740: N.C. focuses on fighting human trafficking

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 739: N.C. lawmakers set to return in August

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 738: Lawmakers override veto to approve $23 billion General Fund budget

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 737: Task force to study N.C. school funding

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 736: Beaufort County community fights solar facility

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 735: Governor ties North Carolina to Paris climate accord

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 734: Blue Cross plans another double-digit Obamacare rate increase

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 733: U.S. Supreme Court strikes down old N.C. congressional maps

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 732: Supreme Court refuses to hear N.C. voter ID case

Mon, 29 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 731: Senate budget cuts taxes, builds savings, limits spending growth

Mon, 22 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 730: Compromise delays N.C. class-size changes for one year

Mon, 15 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 729: One coastal N.C. county cuts off new solar projects

Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 728: NCAA’s decision to return championships to N.C. doesn’t end debate

Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 727: House tackles hog farm nuisance lawsuits

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 726: Tax Day reminds us of recent N.C. reforms

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 725: Direct primary care could help fight chronic diseases, disabilities

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 724: Solar industry’s reliance on taxpayers highlighted

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 723: Governor, top legislator disagree on State of the State

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 722: Congress wrestles with Obamacare replacement

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 721: Contrasting education plans from Cooper, General Assembly

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 720: Cooper, legislative leaders pursue teacher pay hike

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 719: Plans for Hyde County landmark generate controversy

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 717: Trump hits home run with Supreme Court pick

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 716: Obamacare repeal, replace options take shape

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 715: Charter school popularity helps blunt Wake enrollment growth costs

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 714: Familiar faces lead new N.C. General Assembly

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 713: New governor creates new dynamic for legislative session

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 712: N.C. lawmakers change balance of power with governor

Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 711: Year-end edition reviews interesting 2016 topics

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 710: N.C. takes first steps toward disaster relief

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 709: Governor’s race resolved nearly one month later than expected

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 708: Regulatory maze blocks alcohol-related entrepreneurs

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 707: Wallace couple gets federal prison time for tax fraud

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 706: Trump’s potential impact on Obamacare

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 705: Burr could play important Senate role as Trump heads to D.C.

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 704: Updated teacher turnover report sheds light on who’s leaving N.C. schools

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 703: Latest Obamacare rate hike raises questions about viability

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0500

Carolina Journal Radio No. 702: Education reformers make great strides, have work to do

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Carolina Journal Radio No. 701: JLF’s Agenda offers road map for conservative N.C. reformers

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0400