Mother(land) Knows Best

Nanny-state mentality is far from gone in North Carolina politics. In his most recent Spotlight, Daren Bakst makes note of a plan proposed by the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission. The commission is looking to charge an extra fee, aside and apart from normal rates, to help support what is called a “public benefits fund.” The fund would support programs that have nothing to do with the supply of electricity. There’s a little smoke-and-mirrors subversion, here.  Then, in the name of safety, we’ve got that new law requiring back-seat passengers to buckle-up or get a fiscal spanking. Occasionally, though, the state does pass some good rules, like regulations on long-term care. To some, it doesn’t make sense.