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RALEIGH – Entrepreneurs, investors, and the vast majority of business leaders in North Carolina have little to fear from proposed lobbying reforms, according to a new report from the John…

A broad coalition of lawmakers and policy groups favors fundamental changes in NC lobbying laws to require more disclosure, create "cooling off periods" before former officeholders can lobby, and restrict the value of personal gifts to public officials. Still, reformers are overlooking an important issue: the role that special-interest lobbying plays in distorting fiscal policy and stunting economic growth.

RALEIGH — Just in time for its 15th anniversary celebration Friday, the John Locke Foundation has begun a major expansion of its flagship publication, Carolina Journal — including new local…

Supporters of a proposed government lottery argue that it would be a welcome alternative to raising state taxes to fund education. But there is no evidence to suggest that politicians in lottery states use the proceeds to reduce other taxes. They just allow state budgets to grow. Also, properly understood, a state-run lottery does increase taxes — it creates a government gambling monopoly and then levies a steep tax on it.

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s largest public policy think tank has launched a major project to expand its activities, influence, and support in the state’s largest metropolitan area: Charlotte. Residents of…

RALEIGH — Lawmakers are reportedly planning to discuss an expensive state program next year to respond to state court decisions in the Leandro case, but many appear to be operating…

During the 2005 session, state lawmakers are expected to take up the issue of how to comply with court rulings in the Leandro case. It is important to discard widespread misperceptions. First, Leandro does not require taxpayers to spend more money on public education. Second, public-school funding does not differ significantly across counties when all spending is included. Third, the small gap that remains is shrinking, not growing, and is unlikely to explain differences in student outcomes. Finally, local funds are a reasonable way to compensate for elevated labor costs in counties with high housing prices.

RALEIGH — The Raleigh-based John Locke Foundation is devoting much of the week of June 7 to activities in and about North Carolina’s largest urban region: the Charlotte area.

RALEIGH — Two Raleigh-based research organizations with contrasting political philosophies are joining forces to foster a broader and more constructive dialogue on North Carolina public policy with the debut Wednesday…

RALEIGH — State and federal programs directed at the disabled are costly and ineffective because they apply an “entitlement mentality” to problems that would be better addressed by promoting investment…