REMEMBER LIBERTY ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
JLF upholds the Founders' principles of limited government and robust individual freedom

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, a prediction that was flawless except for the date: "The second day of July, 1776, will be memorable epocha in the history of America," he wrote. "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great Anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever." So stirring then was the prospect of independence from a meddlesome, hyperactive government; let us not forget it. Nor will we at the John Locke Foundation, North Carolina's leading think tank. We will continue in our mission to protect individual liberty and promote innovative solutions to the problems North Carolinians worry about most. Those solutions start with a local focus and from there widen to a statewide approach.

Agenda 2008: Recommendations for Greater Freedom in NC

This guide for policymakers lists nearly 100 ways the General Assembly can promote freedom and prosperity by limiting government spending, rejecting policies that raise energy costs, helping more parents make choices about their children’s education, and more.

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City and County Issue Guide 2009

This issue guide offers solutions to problems that confront people at municipal and county levels. The common thread in these recommendations is freedom. By increasing individual freedom, local governments can foster the prosperity of all North Carolinians and keep open avenues to innovative solutions from enterprising citizens.

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New JLF guide urges limits on local government action

RALEIGH -- Local governments will serve their communities best through policies that limit taxes and regulation, while protecting private property from unnecessary government intrusion. Those are some key concepts driving recommendations in the Center for Local Innovation's new City and County Issue Guide 2009.

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No need for tax increases — especially not now

Final N.C. budget plan needs no tax hike

RALEIGH -- State budget negotiators can scrap proposed tax and fee increases while still avoiding the most drastic budget cuts they've threatened to make during the past few weeks. The John Locke Foundation's chief budget analyst explains how in his new "Can-Do Budget."

Tax hikes make no sense as state struggles with high unemployment

Click here to view and here to listen to Joseph Coletti discussing North Carolina's latest unemployment data.

Eminent Domain and Annexation

Simple bill change would help prevent eminent domain abuse

RALEIGH -- Legislators can prove that they care as much about people as they do about open space, if they make a simple change to an eminent domain bill moving through the General Assembly. That's the assessment a John Locke Foundation expert offers in his latest Spotlight report.

Real annexation reform requires meaningful services, legitimate oversight

RALEIGH -- Lawmakers seeking real reform of the state's flawed annexation law should tackle two critical issues that were not addressed properly in a study group's final report. That's the assessment of a John Locke Foundation analyst.