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.
Six Fiscal Priorities for North Carolina in 2023
North Carolina’s decade of economic success deserves celebration. Even more so, however, it is worth applauding the important steps toward reform that state lawmakers have undertaken over the past decade. Limiting government…
North Carolina’s Members of Congress Load Omnibus Spending Bill with Pork
North Carolina’s representatives in Congress secured almost $250 million in pork spending in the latest federal spending omnibus bill. While the process for finding federal earmarks is cumbersome and far…
Some Inflation Slows in December, Yet Real Wages are Down and Recession Looms
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.1% in December after increasing 0.1% in November, according to the latest release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On an annual basis, prices have increased…
When Welfare Pays More Than Work, Many Choose Welfare
Economists with the Committee to Unleash Prosperity released a new study last month highlighting our nation’s expansive welfare state. The study shows that welfare pays more than or nearly as much as…
New-Normaling: How They Try to Get You to Accept Bad Policy Outcomes
Preface: The political class has drifted far from Lincoln’s vision of a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” — something that those words and the solemn…
Beware of the Coming Pork-Barrel Spending
The 2022 General Election has come and gone. And while the oft-prophesied national “red wave” failed to materialize, North Carolina Republicans had a successful election season. Republican Congressman Ted Budd…
What Changes Can North Carolina Taxpayers Expect in 2023?
The 2021 long session brought North Carolina a “First in Freedom” budget, with pro-growth tax cuts which will continue to reward taxpayers in 2023 and beyond. The 2022 short-session budget, signed into law in…
2022 Saw Both Economic Recovery and Downturn, What’s Next?
It’s been quite a year for the state and national economy. Looking back on 2022, North Carolina saw economic growth and recovery from lockdowns but also indications of a recession. …
Why You Should Care About the Folwell v. BlackRock Feud
Your money may be used to argue for viewpoints that you may disagree with, and in ways that you did not consent to. Moreover, your money may be invested in…
Would a Minimum Wage Increase Help North Carolinians?
Some argue that minimum wage increases would create more wealth for those with the greatest need in North Carolina Although some would receive a pay raise, it would come at…
Disappointing Jobs Report at State and National Level
North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased for the fourth consecutive month in November, according to the latest release from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage points to…
Higher-Than-Expected Revenues Underline Importance of Fiscal Conservatism in North Carolina
North Carolina’s state government revenues continue to exceed expectations. According to the new state budget Director Kristen Walker, revenues for the current fiscal year that began July 1 are 10%…