budget
Growth, Scarcity, and the Case for Deregulation
North Carolina enters 2025 with a housing market that is often described as “relatively affordable,” especially when compared to coastal states or Sun Belt peers like Florida and Arizona. But that framing masks a deeper and…
North Carolina designed a Medicaid program that it can’t afford
The North Carolina Medicaid program is on an unsustainable fiscal path. Data from state and national budget reports show that Medicaid expenditures have risen sharply, with growth evident across federal receipts, state…
Where are those manufacturing jobs we were promised?
Pres. Trump’s on-again, off-again, on-again tariff regime dominated the economic news in 2025. It was kicked off on April 2, a date Trump called “Liberation Day,” when the president announced his executive order imposing…
Possible Tariff War Over Trump’s Greenland Ambitions Would Hurt North Carolina Farmers
President Donald Trump’s stated desire to acquire the island of Greenland has caused tension with European nations that could result in a tariff war that would harm North Carolina farmers. Trump recently warned that eight…
Should Government Cap Credit Card Interest Rates?
"Instead of intervening in the marketplace, policymakers wanting to address affordability should focus on getting government out of the way by restraining spending that drives inflation and cutting costly regulations…
North Carolina’s property tax reality
During the pandemic, property values surged across North Carolina, generating frustration among residents whose property tax bills have risen faster than their incomes. In response, the General Assembly established the House…
2026 State of the State Response
On Wednesday evening, Governor Patrick Morrisey delivered his annual State of the State address, outlining his priorities for the year ahead and offering a window into his governing philosophy.As is customary, the speech…
What is the role of a think tank?
Nonprofit think tanks serve a distinct role in public life by advancing enduring ideas and principled analysis — rather than engaging in partisan politics or short-term electoral strategy By educating both lawmakers and the…
Job announcements aren’t jobs
Gov. Josh Stein recently celebrated what his Commerce Secretary described as a “record-setting year for job creation” in North Carolina, citing tens of thousands of job announcements statewide. But announcements aren’t jobs —…
A ‘Repeal Day’ glance at Liquor Commission revenues
December 5 is neither a federal nor state day of celebration, but it probably should be. On Dec. 5, 1933, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Utah became the final states to ratify the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The night…
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