Protecting children from harm is difficult enough. Thousands of apps are making it even harder. The App Store Accountability Act (https://james.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=247) offers a federal solution to protect children online.
Op-Ed: Impacts of the Double Duty Drawback
The double duty drawback incentivizes US cigarette manufacturers to import cigarettes manufactured outside the US and export cigarettes manufactured in the US to avoid federal excises paid on cigarettes sold in the US. Since a court ruling in 2021 formalized this policy cigarette imports and exports have increased rapidly.
Op-Ed: What's your plan to save Social Security?
There’s one question that should be put to every candidate in next year’s Congressional elections. Because what’s at stake is not just another seat in the House or Senate, but the future of one of America’s most trusted programs.
John Hood: Supply-Side Policies Boost North Carolina
RALEIGH — After North Carolina conservatives won control of the General Assembly in 2010, they began a systematic application of supply-side principles to state policy. It’s been a phenomenal success — although I admit others might disagree if their definition of “supply side” differs from mine.
Governor Stein Urges the U.S. Senate to Protect the Health and Well-Being of North Carolinians and Oppose Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein today sent a letter to U.S. Senators Tillis and Budd laying out the consequences of the U.S. House reconciliation bill for North Carolina families, including cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That bill, along with impending expiration of health care marketplace subsidies, could cause nearly half a million North Carolinians to lose their health care.
Governor Stein Promotes Safe Gun Storage During NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein joined Deputy Secretary William Lassiter, Elizabeth City Police Chief Eddie Graham Jr, and gun safety proponents to highlight NC S.A.F.E.’s (Secure All Firearms Effectively) Week of Action and call for safe firearm storage.
Governor Stein and Emergency Management Officials Provide Updates at the Start of Hurricane Season, Urge North Carolinians to Stay Safe
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein, Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, First Sergeant Chris Knox of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and Colonel Patrick Henderson of the North Carolina Army National Guard held a briefing to provide updates and guidance at the start of hurricane season. Governor Stein urged North Carolinians to have a plan in place in case of emergency and shared resources to help people prepare and stay safe.
Op-ed: Anti-obesity medications deliver substantial long-term healthcare savings; NC Medicaid should continue to cover them
In August 2024, NC Medicaid announced that it would begin covering anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for the treatment of obesity. As one of the states hardest hit by the obesity epidemic, the decision to cover AOMs was a major step in the right direction as the state looks to better treat obesity.
Op-ed: FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products Needs Serious Reforms
Congress and the Trump Administration have a rare opportunity achieve government reforms that would eliminate waste, promote public health, and give adults who smoke in North Carolina and across the country new avenues to leave cigarettes behind for good: Establish an efficient, workable pathway for less harmful alternatives to cigarettes to be legally sold in the U.S.
North Carolina House Honors Senator Elizabeth Dole
Raleigh, NC — Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives formally honored former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole for her extraordinary lifetime of public service. Senator Dole was in attendance for the tribute, which recognized her decades of leadership and enduring impact on both North Carolina and the nation.
John Hood: Put Your Tax Cards on the Table
RALEIGH — The North Carolina House and Senate have enacted very different versions of a 2025-27 state budget, even though two plans would authorize virtually the same amount of spending. The differences are so vast, in fact, that some insiders predict no comprehensive budget will pass this session.
Governor Stein Highlights Need to Expand Housing Access, Ease Burden of High Housing Costs in North Carolina
Today Governor Josh Stein joined state and local elected officials, business leaders, and housing experts to discuss strategies to expand access to affordable housing of all types in North Carolina and ease the burden of high housing costs in North Carolina.
Op-ed: Community Banks Support Local Customers to Strengthen Larger Economy
Over my 24 years living in Mooresville, I've come to recognize it takes people and businesses with diverse backgrounds, skills, products and services to succeed. From our supportive neighbors to our hardworking local businesses, they all depend on strong community institutions that understand their needs and invest in their success.
Op-ed: Combatting the Number One Cause of Injury for NC Seniors Starts with Physical Therapy
As the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, fall prevention practices are a top priority for physical therapists across the country. Falls are expensive and painful but also debilitating and can even lead to death. If we do not provide proper preventative care for our older populations, the number of both fatal and nonfatal falls is set to climb as a higher percent of our population reaching 65+.
John Hood: Requiring Work for Benefits Is Wise
RALEIGH — There are good reasons to criticize the “Big, Beautiful Bill” the U.S. House just sent to the Senate. But its imposition of work requirements for able-bodied recipients of Medicaid — and more-comprehensive work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — are not among them.
North Carolina's April County and Area Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 counties in April 2025. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 4.9 percent while Currituck and Camden Counties each had the lowest at 2.7 percent.
Governor Stein Statement on Revised State Revenue Forecast
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on the Consensus Forecasting Group’s revised consensus general fund revenue forecast:
Op-ed: Why I support tackling our Nation’s debt
As a conservative, former business owner, and former Cabarrus County Commissioner I take the fiscal stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars very seriously. Having the experiences of serving my fellow citizens and running a business, I know that it’s impossible to continually spend money without regard to the consequences of debt.
Leader Reives Statement on Revised Revenue Forecast
The Revised Consensus General Fund Revenue Forecast released by the CFG yesterday should give lawmakers pause. Policies enacted both by the Majority in this General Assembly and by the President of the United States and his Republican majorities in Congress have North Carolina headed toward a precarious financial situation.
Governor Stein Urges Congress to Lower Costs for North Carolinians at NC State Emerging Issues Forum
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein spoke at the Emerging Issues Forum at NC State to outline his energy priorities and urge Congress to lower costs for consumers by protecting clean energy projects in North Carolina.