John Hood: Carolina Economy Adding Few New Jobs
RALEIGH — Over the past year, North Carolina has posted one of the largest employment gains in the country. Alas, that’s not saying much.
Opinion
House Oversight Democrats Statement on Hearing
The House Oversight Committee has once again convened in Raleigh to address what the Majority finds to be the most pressing issue facing our state. Not the absence of a budget. Not low teacher pay, public education funding, or any kind of meaningful policy. What urgent priority do they schedule for the very first week of session? A hearing on library books.
John Hood: On Affordability, Deeds Trump Words
RALEIGH — Most federal, state, and local policymakers are saying the right things about housing. Our leaders say they want to make it easier for young people to purchase homes and older people to keep them. But are they doing enough to turn their words into deeds?
Legislative Leaders Establish Committee to Investigate Roy Cooper’s Secret ‘Reentry’ Settlement List
Raleigh, N.C. — Today, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) announced the formation of the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations (Gov Ops): Subcommittee on Prisons.
John Hood: Expand Choice Among Public Schools
RALEIGH — For all the satisfied smiles among school-choice supporters, and the gnashing of teeth among its opponents, North Carolina is not one of the top-ranked states for educational freedom.
COLUMN: Let’s Not Miss Our Chance to Continue North Carolina’s Conservative Successes
Raleigh, N.C. — Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following column highlighting his goals and thoughts ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins on Tuesday, April 21. This column is available for publication by media outlets.
New “Forgotten Smoker” White Paper from PMI U.S. Warns That America Didn’t End Smoking; It Just Moved On–and 8 in 10 Americans Surveyed Demand a Better Approach
America likes to believe it has solved the problem of smoking. It hasn't. Results of a new national survey, released today, show that 79% of Americans say more must be done to combat smoking-related harm. Philip Morris International's U.S. business (PMI U.S.) agrees, as detailed in The Forgotten Smoker: Modern Solutions to America's Oldest Public Health Challenge. This white paper makes the case for policymakers, public health authorities, and medical professionals to recenter cigarette smoking as a public health priority.
John Hood: State Isn’t Prepared for Bad Times
RALEIGH — Is there an immediate prospect of resolving the budget standoff between the North Carolina Senate and House? I hear conflicting signals.
John Hood: Leandro Should Have Ended Long Ago
RALEIGH — For all the confusion, finger-pointing, and rancor that accompanied the North Carolina Supreme Court’s final ruling in the Leandro school-finance case, the primary emotion it conjured in me was relief. This is likely the last time I’ll feel compelled to comment on the matter.
John Hood: Why the Halifax Resolves Matter
RALEIGH — On April 12, a large crowd of North Carolinians will gather in the town of Halifax to commemorate the 250th anniversary of a pivotal historical event.
John Hood: Facts Must Come Before Explanations
RALEIGH — Who is to blame for North Carolina losing its industrial base over the past two decades? Misguided federal lawmakers who passed free-trade agreements? Foolish state policymakers who refused to invest in new infrastructure? Overzealous local regulators?
Letter to the editor: App Store Accountability Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
As a North Carolinian who cares deeply about the well-being of our families and children, I was encouraged to see the App Store Accountability Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month. This common-sense legislation represents an important step toward giving parents more control over their kids’ digital lives.