Research experts offer insights

Anti-tobacco activists are making a push again for a substantial increase in the state’s cigarette tax. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research and Resident Scholar Roy Cordato explained this week to radio’s N.C. News Network why a cigarette tax increase is a bad idea. Meanwhile, Daren Bakst, director of legal and regulatory studies, shared his concerns with the Winston-Salem Journal about a state law banning plastic bottles from landfills. The Beaufort Observer and Lincoln Tribune are among the publications that picked up Bakst’s latest column on the possible ban of dogs from restaurants in North Carolina. Bakst also led JLF efforts in conjunction with forced annexation opponents to develop a new position statement in the fight over North Carolina annexation reform. The letter is posted at StopNCAnnexation‘s blog. Speaking of annexation, the New Bern Sun Journal listed Bakst among the speakers for the Annexation Law & Reform 2010 conference scheduled next month in Raleigh. Joseph Coletti, director of health care and fiscal policy studies, discussed North Carolina’s search for new tax schemes during this week’s Tax Foundation State Tax Working Group conference call. Coletti discussed proposals for new taxes on online travel companies and ticket resellers, along with plans to broaden the sales tax base and reform North Carolina’s state income tax. In other news, the Elizabeth City Daily Advance covered Coletti’s recent health-care update for the Al-Pam Republican Club.