RALEIGH — Most economic impact studies fail to show whether a proposed taxpayer-funded project is worth the projected costs. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report explains why. “Whether it’s to support a new highway project, special tax breaks for solar energy, the building of a civic center or sports complex, or to promote subsidies...
RALEIGH — An increased use of Direct Primary Care could lead to better outcomes for treatment of patients with chronic diseases. That could mean cutting the incidence and severity of disabilities, according to a new John Locke Foundation Policy Report. “For the nation’s health care system to slow the growth of health care spending and...
RALEIGH — N.C. Senate Republicans would continue to move the state’s tax policy in the right direction, cutting rates and returning money to the families and business owners who propel North Carolina’s economic growth. That’s the initial assessment John Locke Foundation Senior Vice President Becki Gray offers of the proposed Billion Dollar Middle Class Tax Cut...
RALEIGH — North Carolina has seen early benefits from a regulatory reform with “proven effectiveness” in battling the red tape that slows economic growth. That’s one key fact highlighted in a new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report. A unanimous N.C. Senate approved a measure in February to strengthen the reform’s positive impact. The reform adopted...
RALEIGH — North Carolina should ensure innocent people are not charged, prosecuted, and convicted for conduct they could not reasonably be expected to know is wrong. That’s the key conclusion in a new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report. Lawmakers can address the issue by reviewing, revising, and “recodifying” the entire body of North Carolina law....
Gov. Roy Cooper’s first state budget proposal would expand government spending too much and emphasize some of the wrong budget priorities. Despite some positive elements, including the decision not to seek any tax increases, Cooper’s plan should get careful scrutiny as it heads to the N.C. General Assembly. That’s the initial assessment from the John...
RALEIGH — National rankings of the 50 states highlight North Carolina’s move in recent years toward greater freedom. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report compiles more than a half dozen freedom rankings linked to taxes, regulation, education, and health care. “These rankings from North America’s best free-market and limited-government think tanks showcase an encouraging...
RALEIGH — North Carolina can thank market trends and technological innovation, not renewable energy, for a drop in carbon dioxide emissions that beats most other states. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report highlights that fact. “North Carolinians do not face a hard choice between lowering CO2 emissions or securing least-cost, reliable electricity,” said report...
RALEIGH — North Carolina’s flat-rate income tax promotes economic growth while ensuring that taxpayers with higher incomes pay progressively higher tax rates. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report explains how. “Some people believe that there’s a direct conflict between a flat-rate tax and the goal of tax progressivity, which means taxing a larger percentage...
RALEIGH — An event center that could cost up to $51 million threatens to generate far more costs than benefits for Rocky Mount. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report explains why. The report also recommends alternatives for boosting the city’s economy. “The event center could become an albatross around the necks of both current...
RALEIGH — A new Direct Primary Care option helped Union County government save more than $1.28 million on health care claims in its first year, without sacrificing quality of care for county government employees. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report highlights the cost savings. The report urges other local governments across North Carolina to...
RALEIGH — Overregulation of alcoholic beverages in North Carolina stifles entrepreneurs hoping to expand a growing industry across the state. That’s one of the key findings of a new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report. The state requires 43 different types of permits and licenses for different activities linked to alcohol sales, said report author Jon...