2008

RALEIGH – Winston-Salem’s city government earns a C grade, when it comes to making budget and spending information available online. That’s better than the D-plus assigned to High Point and…

RALEIGH – Raleigh and Durham city governments earn C-minus grades, when it comes to making budget and spending information available online. Cary earns a D, according to a new John…

RALEIGH – Wilmington’s city government earns a D grade, when it comes to making budget and spending information available online. New Hanover County and the county school system earn D-minus…

RALEIGH – Government leaders interested in “sustainability” should promote policies linked to individual liberty and a free-market economy, not policies that limit growth. That’s the key message in the John…

This report on sustainable growth is the third in a series of annual research papers from the John Locke Foundation devoted to explaining the principles of free markets and applying them to current controversies in North Carolina.

Citizens don’t have the ability to easily track how state and local governments spend their tax dollars — but they should. Budget information isn’t available online in easily searchable databases, but it should be. Citizens shouldn’t have to make special requests to obtain budget information.

Gov. Easley proposed $21.4 billion in state appropriations for continuing operations in fiscal year 2009, up $1 billion (4.9 percent) from the final budget for fiscal year 2008. Combined pay increases, including one-time bonuses, for teachers and state employees total $594 million. Less than a fifth of the $400 million in spending reductions are much more than reclaiming money that would not otherwise be spent.

RALEIGH – North Carolina state agencies and local governments earn poor marks, when it comes to making budget and spending information available online. That’s the conclusion of a new John…

Low-cost energy is not only critical to the economy, but also to our health, safety, and general welfare. Despite concerns over energy prices, policymakers are intentionally increasing energy prices through new taxes and regulations.

RALEIGH – As energy costs climb in North Carolina, state lawmakers are contributing to the problem with misguided policies targeting climate change. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight report…