Research Brief
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Budget, Taxation & Economy
At the state legislature, Locke advocates for limiting the expenditure of tax dollars and strictly limiting its tax burdens on families and businesses.
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Cooper Says We Have Enough Money for 18% Spending Increase, But Not Enough For Scheduled Tax Cuts
Governor Cooper released his recommended budget for the biennium today. The General Assembly has already begun budget writing, and the Governor’s recommendations, in this case, are purely political. Even so, it is…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Prices Remain High in February; Bank Drama Raises Interest Rate Concerns
The Federal Reserve has aggressively raised target interest rates over the past year to tamp down on rising prices. Even so, inflation persists at worrisome rates. According to today’s release from the…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
January’s Jobs Report Shows Increased Unemployment Since Last Year
North Carolina’s unemployment rate remained unchanged for the month of January, matching December’s revised rate of 3.8% according to the latest release from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The national rate…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Consensus on Spending Number Falls Between Two TABOR Bills
General Assembly leaders agreed to a bottom-line budget number last week, kicking off the biennium budget season. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) announced that General…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Budgets are about money, not policy
Packing policy into budgets harms transparency and accountability.
Budget, Taxation & Economy
NC Senate Introduces Bill to Repeal the Privilege License Tax
It’s time to recognize that earning a living in North Carolina is a right, not a privilege. Thankfully, North Carolina senators introduced a bill last week to repeal the redundant and antiquated…
Freedom Focus
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Three Ways Government Subsidies Ruin the Marketplace
Government subsidies involve policymakers using your money to prop up politically chosen initiatives. Policymakers speak as if using your money to chase lofty, vague ends is morally superior to your…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
NC House Introduces Taxpayer Protection Act to Limit Spending
Rep. Dennis Riddell (R-Alamance) filed a bill yesterday to limit the state’s spending. Specifically, H.B. 146 would amend the North Carolina Constitution by adding a new article to limit the state’s…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
NC Senate Introduces Bill to Enhance Transparency on Bond Referendums
Voters should know total interest payments and potential tax hikes that accompany new debt.
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Americans’ Purchasing Power Down 14% Over Last Two Years
Real wages have been falling 22 consecutive months.
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Consensus Forecast Projects Surplus This Year, Declining General Fund Revenue Next Two Years
The Office of State Budget and Management and the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division released their joint forecast for North Carolina’s revenue today. This is a standard procedure that occurs in the early days…
Budget, Taxation & Economy
Inflation’s Strong January Increase Implies Long Road Ahead
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5% in January after falling 0.1% in December, according to the latest release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On an annual basis, prices have increased 6.4%. …