John Hood: Make It Easier to Start Charities
North Carolina has a robust network of charitable enterprises that deliver tremendous value across our great state.
John Hood
John Hood: Who Are You Calling an Extremist?
If you’ve engaged in political activity or debate for longer than, say, a week, chances are someone thinks you’re an extremist. If your activity occurs or draws attention on social media, chances are someone has called you an extremist.
John Hood: Courts Do Have Role in Redistricting
When the North Carolina Supreme Court issued its latest redistricting decision on April 28, both angry Democrats and triumphant Republicans declared that the court had removed itself from any oversight of the state’s electoral districts.
John Hood: Give Nurses More Freedom to Practice
In North Carolina, Medicaid expansion is a foregone conclusion. The General Assembly approved the necessary legislation. Gov. Roy Cooper signed it. While expansion is contingent on the passage of a state budget, no one doubts that’ll happen. So, the governor finally secured his highest legislative priority.
John Hood: Strike a better balance on housing
The North Carolina General Assembly is bustling with activity. Lawmakers are considering a dramatic increase in parental control over the education of their children, major changes in school governance and the structure of state government, pro-consumer reforms of the state’s energy policies, an acceleration of pro-growth tax cuts, huge investments in public buildings and infrastructure, tighter restrictions on abortion, and dozens of other high-profile measures.
John Hood: Lawmakers Propose Electing State School Board
Does North Carolina’s governance system for public schools need a radical overhaul? That’s what some state lawmakers are proposing. Before explaining what they have in mind, I ought to remind you how our current system works.
John Hood: North Carolina Ranks High in Roads
North Carolina can add another item to its crowded shelf of accolades: according to a newly updated study, our state’s road system ranks second in the nation in performance and cost-effectiveness.
John Hood: Spend Now, Reap Benefits Later
When the North Carolina House of Representatives approved its state budget plan a couple of weeks ago, the proposed pay raises for public employees, tax relief, and policy changes found within the budget bill commanded the lion’s share of public attention.
John Hood: Suburban Surge Drove GOP Success
North Carolina has long been a political battleground — but the shape of that battlefield has changed significantly over time.
John Hood: Few Institutions Inspire Public Trust
The three most-trusted social institutions in North Carolina are the military, the police, and small business. Make of that what you will. I made the following column.
John Hood: Sweat the details on teacher pay
The General Assembly ought to enact big pay increases for educators in North Carolina’s public schools. In the context of soaring prices, strong revenue collections, tight labor markets, and persistent vacancies in key teaching positions, it’s the right thing to do.
John Hood: Blue Cross bill makes good sense
How often do the majority and minority leaders of any legislative chamber in America agree on a significant policy change? You can probably count those occasions on your fingers without putting down your coffee cup.