Shortsighted lawmakers, more concerned with funding pork projects and winning the next election, have put healthcare benefits for future state retirees in jeopardy. Consider that ... Keep Reading
pro-life
State Employee Retirement Benefits at Risk
This article originally appeared in the Fayetteville Observer. Concerned about the rising cost of health insurance? State employees aren’t. According to state policy since ... Keep Reading
State Benefits: Ticking Time-Bomb
This article originally appeared in the Greensboro News & Record on December 2, 2007. Hey buddy, can you spare 11 grand? That's the question state lawmakers are asking ... Keep Reading
Promises Broken: “Temporary” Taxes Unnecessary
Are new taxes necessary? No – at least not if the history of the temporary taxes is any indication. Yet once a new tax is passed – even a temporary tax – it ... Keep Reading
Transit Tax Unwise: Look for Alternatives
On November 6, Mecklenburg County voters can help derail the “folly trolley” by repealing the transit tax. Charlotte citizens deserve a more sensible and affordable ... Keep Reading
Commissioners Taking Our Money to Change Our Minds
Did you know your tax dollars are being used to, well, convince you to raise your own taxes? If your county is one that has the land transfer tax referendum on the ballot ... Keep Reading
Earmark Extravaganza
In recent years, much attention and scrutiny has been placed on the use of “earmarks” in the Federal budget. The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) describes ... Keep Reading
Senate Budget Introduces Continuation Review
The Senate has taken a new approach to funding for select line items, nonprofits, and other non-state entities. All told, 32 organizations and state divisions have been put on ... Keep Reading
Outside the General Fund
The General Fund Availability Statement of the House budget states that General Fund appropriations are $20.3 billion. This sum is paid with revenues from taxes, fees, transfers ... Keep Reading
$205 Million Wasted by the State on Pork Barrel Projects
The Civitas Institute has identified $205.4 million in new “pork barrel” spending in the FY2007-2009 expansion budget. In addition, the budget contains $155 million in ... Keep Reading
