On March 19, 2024, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. introduced the Embracing anti-Discrimination, Unbiased Curricula, and Advancing Truth in Education (EDUCATE) Act to ban race-based mandates at medical schools and accrediting institutions.
All in State Government
John Hood: Sales Tax Rules Don’t Make Sense
RALEIGH — I think the North Carolina General Assembly deserves loads of credit for making our tax code friendlier to growth, investment, and freedom. In one respect, however, the state still imposes too heavy a load. It requires too many out-of-state retailers to collect and remit sales taxes. Lawmakers ought to fix this problem when they reconvene April 24.
Governor Cooper Announces Three Judicial Appointments
Governor Roy Cooper announced three judicial appointments to North Carolina District Courts.
North Carolina community colleges see highest enrollment jump in 15 years
RALEIGH - North Carolina community colleges reported a five percent increase in Full-Time Equivalent student enrollment in Fall 2023 – marking the highest one-year enrollment jump in 15 years. This includes a 10 percent increase in workforce continuing education, nine percent in basic skills, and four percent in curriculum.
Treasurer Folwell applauds Unilever, PLC for spinning off Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
RALEIGH - Unilever PLC has decided to separate its ice cream business, which it started in 1922, citing future growth benefits for both entities. State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell praised this move, stating that North Carolina's Investment Management Division would assess whether this separation aligns with the state's "Divestment From Companies Boycotting Israel" statutes. This decision follows DST's inclusion of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., and its affiliates, including Unilever PLC, in the list of companies subject to divestment due to their boycott of Israel.
Governor Cooper Hosts Women’s History Month Celebration
RALEIGH: On Wednesday, Governor Roy Cooper hosted a Women’s History Month celebration at the Executive Mansion and honored women in state government. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women in State Government who have worked tirelessly to ensure North Carolina works for all.”
Attorney General Josh Stein Asks Congress to Fund Fentanyl Scanners at the Border
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein asked Congressional leaders on Tuesday to give U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) approximately $300 million in funding to install equipment CBP already has to detect fentanyl in vehicles entering the United States. CBP has the equipment but cannot install it without additional funding.
Attorney General Josh Stein Urges Cigna and Unified Women’s Healthcare to Maintain Coverage for Patients
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today urged Cigna and Unified Women’s Healthcare (UWH) to reach an agreement so women do not lose access to affordable OB/GYN care.
Coinciding with Governor Roy Cooper’s “Equal Pay Day” proclamation and the National Women’s History Alliance 2024 theme of celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders is urging greater gender diversity on corporate boards to better represent North Carolina’s demographics.
Commissioner Causey sets up 2024 WebEx flood insurance conferences
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will offer conferences across North Carolina to provide vital information regarding the need for flood insurance.
Senator Ted Budd questions Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command
During Senator Ted Budd’s (R-NC) questioning at today’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, the Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, General Gregory Guillot, disclosed that there are currently thousands of drone incursions along the southern border every month.
Commerce Secretary Urges North Carolina Companies to Increase Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards
Coinciding with Governor Roy Cooper’s “Equal Pay Day” proclamation and the National Women’s History Alliance 2024 theme of celebrating “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders is urging greater gender diversity on corporate boards to better represent North Carolina’s demographics.
N.C. Department of Labor Chooses Not to Adopt Infectious Disease Petitions
After thoughtful consideration of the petitions received on December 14, 2022, I, Josh Dobson, Commissioner of Labor, have made the decision not to adopt either of the proposed rules, to include the General Industry/Construction Infectious Diseases and the Airborne Infectious Diseases for Migrant Housing and Agricultural employers.
North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from December’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent.
Governor Cooper Rescinds Initial State Order Guiding NIL for NC Universities
Governor Roy Cooper took executive action rescinding state rules guiding Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) compensation issued in July 2021 after the NCAA announced it would allow NIL payments to college athletes. The repeal comes after the federal court decision in Tennessee v. NCAA, other fast moving developments affecting NIL and consultation with North Carolina colleges and universities.
John Hood: Disappointing Primaries Lacked Substance
RALEIGH — Party nominations for North Carolina’s 2024 elections are, for the most part, decided. Just four races remain to be settled in runoffs on May 14. So, would you say you’re generally satisfied or dissatisfied with our primaries this year?
John Hood: Common Fallacies Impede Sound Policy
RALEIGH — Those who advocate rational public policy, based on a thorough understanding of the principles of human action and the benefits of voluntary exchange, are bound to be disappointed much of the time.
Attorney General Josh Stein Takes Legal Actions to Protect North Carolina Homeowners
Attorney General Josh Stein today announced legal actions to help protect North Carolinians’ housing and homeownership. He is suing Canary General Contracting and Design for deceiving Charlotte homeowners and launching an investigation into real estate software company RealPage over concerns about anticompetitive conduct to raise the cost of rental housing.
Op-Ed: North Carolina's role in innovation
North Carolina’s role as the innovation state is becoming more apparent with each passing year. Our state’s elected officials, business leaders, academic institutions and technology minds have united to position the Tar Heel State among the most impactful innovation hubs in the nation.
John Hood: Dodd-Frank damaged housing market
Would it shock you to learn that a regulatory bill enacted in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis ended up hurting some of the very households lawmakers were trying to help?