3 Ways to Expand Freedom in NC Almost Immediately

In 1788 Thomas Jefferson wrote that “The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.” It’s a dilemma that has plagued governments long before our own. The concentration of power inevitably leads to corruption and tyranny. Just a quick glance at our federal debt clock exposes the catastrophic mess that has been made out of our national government.

But if there is one advantage of a broken federal government it can highlight the fact that reform is taking place at the state level. We’ve seen some of that in North Carolina and other states. Of course, welfare reform and scores of other innovative reforms were championed by states. While the federal government is boxed in by a mammoth bureaucracy and crippling debt, the onus is on the states and its citizenry to expand freedom.

Here are a few things we can do (and continue to do) in North Carolina to expand freedom now:

1) Lower the tax cap:

Voters have an opportunity in November to approve a state constitutional amendment to cap the income tax at 7 percent. This is lower than the current 10 percent cap. Unfortunately, state lawmakers did not approve the originally proposed cap of 5.5 that passed the state Senate. Still, 7 percent is better than 10. While lowering the cap doesn’t reduce any taxes now it obviously shields citizens from higher rates like the 8 percent that some experienced during the tenures of governors Mike Easley and Bev Perdue.

North Carolinians should continue to demand low taxes. Lower taxes not only stimulate economic growth and prosperity but its the morally right thing to do to allow people the fruits of their labor. North Carolinians should never tire in petitioning their representatives for lower taxes.

2) Reform Occupational Licensure Laws:

North Carolina licenses almost 200 occupations. A locksmith is just one profession. But when qualified applicants are discouraged from practicing their skills because of arcane barriers, it diminishes human flourishing. Not only when it comes to vocational fulfillment but the satisfaction of providing for one’s family or loved ones. The cash needed to purchase licensing certificates are often unavailable to those out of work even though they may have the necessary skills to perform the job. Consumers are hit hard too through higher prices because of lower competition and the cost disproportionally falls on those in lower income brackets.

Thus, the growth of occupational licensing tends to look more like cronyism instead of promoting public safety.

The Goldwater Institute in Arizona has wisely suggested states enact a “Right to Earn a Living Act,” which puts the onus on government to show how licensing protects the public health and the common good, thereby diminishing unnecessary barriers to employment. There is virtually no reason to continue to retain occupational licensing for most professions and scrapping many of them will only improve the overall economic vitality in the state. North Carolina could easily promote human flourishing by enacting the “Right to Earn a Living Act.” More opportunities for vocational fulfillment and higher income would be immediately within reach for so many North Carolinians.

Okay, while this proposal may not show immediate dividends, it’s too important not to make the list. Most of us are in need of more civic education. Freedom, the rule of law, and natural rights don’t just exist in a vacuum. A Republic requires responsible and virtuous citizens not just the right policy prescriptions. We can’t merely continue on so divided politically and not face serious fragmentation as a nation.

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