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.
North Carolina Ranks 2nd Best in Economic Outlook, 10th Best in Economic Performance, in New National Report
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), along with Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, just released their 2023 annual report of Rich States, Poor States. North Carolina ranks 2nd best in the “economic…
Inflation Didn’t Let Up in March
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.1% in March after increasing 0.4% in February according to the latest release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On an annual basis, prices have increased 5.0%. Headlines proclaim inflation…
Three Areas of Pension Risk — and Reform
Pension plans for state government retirees are strained. ESG funding in pension plans prioritizes “woke” values over return on investments, while exposure to China stocks has some fund managers worried.…
And, What about All that Federal Covid Money?
As federal funding to schools for covid relief is entering its last phase, a lot of people are beginning to ask the question: What difference has $172 billion made for…
NC Senate Files Bill Proposing Significant Tax Relief
The NC Senate signaled their intentions Wednesday to aggressively lower the state’s personal income tax rate. The current year’s tax rate is 4.75% with decreases scheduled that would bring it…
Local Jobs Report: Decreasing Unemployment Yet Labor Force Participation Also in Decline
The monthly local jobs report reveals unemployment rates and related economic indicators at the county level. The local jobs report for February released Wednesday shows unemployment rates decreased in 74 counties, increased…
N.C. House Budget Would Increase K-12 Spending, Raise Teacher Pay, and Expand School Choice
Last Wednesday, North Carolina House leadership released a biennial budget proposal that over the next two years would, among other things, increase spending on public schools, raise average teacher pay…
How Progressive is Our Tax System? The Answer: More Than We Thought
The progressive left often argues that the rich do not pay enough in taxes. The tax code is not progressive enough, they say. But, the tax code is much more…
The Short-Run vs. The Long-Run in North Carolina
Did politicians learn their lesson from the Great Recession? It’s a question I pose in my latest piece at RealClearPolicy. Gov. Roy Cooper’s recent budget proposal would increase state spending by 18%. This shortsighted…
Highlights from the N.C. House Budget Reveal
The North Carolina House released its biennium budget proposal this week as scheduled, and the North Carolina Senate is scheduled to release its version next before the two chambers meet…
Why North Carolina Should Avoid Bringing Back Progressive Tax Rates
HIgher tax rates on additional income are particularly harmful to productivity.
State Unemployment Rate Drops, Matching Average National Rate
North Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.8% to 3.6% last month, according to the latest release from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This rate is still above the state’s rate…