John Locke Foundation

06/04/2026

Much of the Declaration’s language of freedom that flowed from the pen of Thomas Jefferson and the minds of his fellow patriots can be attributed to the great philosopher John Locke.

Discover how John Locke's principles of inherent rights and government by consent provided the ideological bedrock for American independence and freedom.

06/03/2026

A constitutional levy limit on local property taxes protects homeowners from automatic tax increases when property values rise.

With House Bill 1089 now receiving the constitutionally required three-fifths supermajority support in both the House and Senate, the proposal will appear before North Carolina voters as a constitutional amendment on the November ballot. At that point, a simple majority of voters will determine whet...

06/03/2026

Gov. Stein’s new Executive Order No. 36 is a welcome acknowledgment of a problem that has been growing for years: NC does not have enough housing.

What's missing are laws to expand by-right development, reduce zoning restrictions, and allow the private market to build more homes.

06/03/2026

Health care costs are crushing family budgets, and voters are paying attention.

In a recent Carolina Journal poll, cost of living was the #1 issue for North Carolinians, with health care ranking among the top concerns. If lawmakers want to tackle the affordability crisis, here are four reforms they can advance right now to help lower health care costs.

Read Mr. Balfour's writing on this topic: https://www.johnlocke.org/four-steps-nc-legislators-can-take-right-now-to-make-health-care-more-affordable/

06/02/2026

Protecting the Opportunity Scholarship Program preserves real educational choice for families, especially when traditional government schools face fiscal and performance pressures.

As a thought experiment, imagine if North Carolina passed a law mandating not just that all children be educated, but that they must attend traditional public schools. No more private schools, homeschooling, or charter schools. This would no doubt make progressive advocacy groups like the North Caro...

06/02/2026

Here are three ways legislators can make state and local government more transparent and accountable.

Here are three ways legislators can make state and local government more transparent and accountable in North Carolina.

06/01/2026

Crafting what may be the first comprehensive state budget bill passed in nearly 3 years, budget writers must focus on the highest priorities. Here are 5 key principles that should take center stage for the FY 2026–27 state budget:

Legislative leaders announced a “framework” for the first comprehensive budget bill since 2023. Here are five priorities to follow.

06/01/2026

It’s time to tell the truth about NCAE.

A national report which saw big drops in teacher union membership and strength in NC has raised some interesting responses from local media outlets in the Tar Heel State.

A national report which saw big drops in teacher union membership and strength in North Carolina has raised some interesting responses from local media outlets in the Tar Heel State. The report, commissioned by the Fordham Institute of Ohio, found membership among teachers in NCAE declined from 49 p...