North Carolina is not alone in facing a multibillion-dollar state budget hole in the new year. John Locke Foundation President John Hood documents the fiscal crises confronting most state governments in a featured article for the latest National Affairs. That piece attracted attention from the Lincoln Tribune, NC Rumors, and FutureOfCapitalism.com. One week ago, Hood helped wrap up 2010 by guest hosting for Bill LuMaye on WPTF’s afternoon program. Hood also took his expertise on the road this week for a presentation on congressional and legislative changes for the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, as noted by the Rocky Mount Telegram. The Southern Pines Pilot also promoted a speech Hood will give later this month to the Moore County Republican Men’s Club. The Winston-Salem Journal published on New Year’s Day Hood’s column explaining that state government simply costs North Carolina taxpayers too much money. A disgruntled Journal letter writer cited Hood in responding to that column.