The rise, fall of separate but equal government COVID-19 COVID-19 TIMELINE Getting the Shot Vaccine Timeline After missing the mark on vaccinating Here’s a look at the state’s progress in residents for COVID-19, officials are vaccinating its residents against COVID-19, honing in on target from 1796 to the present. PAGE 12 PAGE 13

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FROM THE PUBLISHER The courageous First Amendment PUBLIC OPINION POLL PUBLISHER North Carolina School Choice Amy O. Cooke @therightaoc INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF If location and cost were not factors, what type of school John Trump @stillnbarrel would you select for your child?

OPINION EDITOR Ray Northstine ◼ TRADITIONAL PUBLIC 29.3% [email protected] ◼ CHARTER SCHOOL 11.4% PRIVATE RELIGIOUS 31.7% STAFF WRITERS ◼ Julie Havlak ◼ PRIVATE NON-RELIGIOUS 16.4% @juliehavlak ◼ HOMESCHOOL 4.9% Dallas Woodhouse ◼ UNSURE 6.3% [email protected] imid men prefer the calm pires. Without the First Amend- CONTRIBUTORS of despotism to the tem- ment, there is no 14th Amend- David Bass pestuous sea of liberty,” ment and no 19th Amendment. Do you agree or disagree Students are often given the Andrew Dunn Thomas Jefferson Speaking truth to power and with the following grades A, B, C, and D, and Johnny Kampis “TI love the First Amendment challenging the power structure statement: Parents should Fail to denote the quality with a burning hot passion of a have been crucial to every single DESIGNER thousand suns. It’s what drew civil rights advancement in our have the ability to choose of their work. What grade Greg de Deugd me to journalism. Fear of losing country. Take threats to it serious- where their child attends would you give local public [email protected] it drew me to public policy. More ly. Right now, those threats are school? schools in North Carolina? information is freedom. Less infor- real. PUBLISHED BY mation is tyranny. Following the Jan. 6 violence Freedom of speech, freedom that erupted in Washington, D.C., of religion, freedom of assembly, Democrats are consolidating their freedom of the press, and freedom power with help and encourage- The John Locke Foundation to petition government aren’t just ment from their allies in Silicon 4800 Six Forks Road, #220 quaint phrases. They are the five Valley, the media, Hollywood, Raleigh, N.C. 27609 freedoms enshrined in the First high-profile athletes, and aca- (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 Amendment of the U.S. Consti- demia. They are herding conser- www.JohnLocke.org tution and the cornerstone of our vative free thinkers who challenge republic. Side note: The U.S. isn’t a them into an internet ghetto John Hood democracy. We are a constitution- under the guise of public safety. Chairman al republic with democratic insti- If you’re a student of history, Jim Anthony, Julie Scott tutions. The difference is crucial. this sounds familiar. Think Reich- Emmons, Bill Graham, John M. The First Amendment is to the Hood, Ted Hicks, Christine Mele, powerful as sunlight is to vam- continued PAGE 20 Rodney C. Pitts, Paul Slobodian, Paul “Skip” Stam, David Stover, COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD Edwin Thomas Board of Directors Lower taxes An ESA creates a savings Would you say that you ISSN 2578-8167 Carolina Journal is a monthly journal of news, analysis, account using government approve or disapprove of and commentary on state and local funds for parents with Gov. Roy Cooper's handling government and public policy issues attract key leaders in North Carolina. restricted uses for of school re-opening, in ©2020 by The John Locke Founda- WHEN DEMOCRATS educational purposes. light of COVID-19? tion Inc. All opinions expressed in by- attack are always some human beings lined articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the pro-growth tax reform as whose decisions have a larger views of the editors of CJ or the staff “trickle-down economics,” I effect than others. and board of the John Locke Founda- can understand their rhetorical To observe that economies tion. Material published herein may be reprinted as long as appropriate intent. But the charge is silly on thrive or sputter partly in credit is given. Submissions and let- multiple levels — including the response to the decisions of a ters are welcome and should be di- fact that every Democrat who relatively small group of leaders rected to the editor. ever serves in state or local office is not to say that only elites mat- To subscribe, call 919-828-3876. spends great time and effort to ter or that the rest of us have no Readers also can request Carolina try to recruit business executives, recourse if we dislike what they Journal Weekly Report, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit entrepreneurs, investors, and do. Private-sector leaders who CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, high-value professionals to their make poor decisions run the risk and exclusive content updated each communities. of losing their incomes, jobs, and weekday. Those interested in educa- tion, economics, higher education, All producers and consumers influence. Government officials health care or local government also make choices that define and do, too — although incumbent can ask to receive weekly e-letters drive an economy. But in every politicians are typically harder to covering these issues. economic system that has ever displace than incumbent CEOs. existed, spanning the spectrum Still, there is no question that from primitive villages to cen- the fate of North Carolina’s econ- trally planned states to modern Harper Polling, on behalf of John Locke Foundation, surveyed 950 likely general election voters from continued PAGE 21 market-based societies, there January 20 – 24, 2021 with a margin of error of ±3.18%. CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 3 NORTH CAROLINA Cooper creates new position for left-wing foundation's exec BY DAVID N. BASS portions of what her new role will profits and activism in the Tar Heel entail. State, including partisan caus- ov. Roy Cooper’s office is cre- “The philanthropic sector in es such as Blueprint NC. Blueprint ating a new position and fill- N.C. is rapidly growing and chang- NC was responsible for a 2013 me- ing it with a longtime staffer ing, with several new foundations mo calling on progressive groups to from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foun- on the scene with financial assets “cripple” and “eviscerate” Republi- Gdation, one of the top philanthropic that our state has not previously can legislative leaders. The Reyn- funders of left-wing causes in North seen,” she wrote. “Simultaneous- olds Foundation gave $2.1 million Carolina. ly, our state and nation continue to to Blueprint NC between 2009 and The position, called a philan- reckon with issues of racial injus- 2013. thropy liaison, will be filled by Joy tice, democracy, climate justice, ed- Heinsohn’s hiring comes six Vermillion Heinsohn. Heinsohn ucation, and economic inequality in months after the Reynolds Foun- currently serves as assistant direc- ways that now are overlayed with a dation pledged to give $50,000 to tor of the Reynolds Foundation and pandemic and its repercussions. … a task force created by Cooper to has been with that organization in Moving forward, building partner- study racial equity in the criminal some capacity since 1998. Hein- ships will be central to my new role justice system. sohn officially leaves the Reyn- in state government, which will fo- The hiring also appears to be an- olds Foundation Feb. 5, and her first cus on connecting state govern- other step in recent moves by the day in the governor’s office will be ment and philanthropy to strength- Cooper administration to tap talent March 1. en our collective ability to improve from left-wing philanthropies for According to a news release Jan. the quality of life of the people of official government posts. 27, the new role is “grant-fund- North Carolina.” In August 2019, Cooper ap- Z. SMITH REYNOLDS FOUNDATION REYNOLDS SMITH Z. ed,” although it is not obvious who JOY VERMILLION HEINSOHN. Heinsohn currently serves as assistant director In the past, Heinsohn has pointed Damon Circosta to the the funder is. Questions from Car- of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. been candid about her political state Board of Elections. Circosta, olina Journal on specific duties for views. In an interview from Octo- who was subsequently made SBE the position, plus information on ber that identified her as “a Demo- chair, is executive director of the its source of funding, were not re- cratic voter from the small city of A.J. Fletcher Foundation, another turned by press time. CJ has filed an two-paragraph note on its website “presents numerous conflict of in- Winston-Salem,” Heinsohn called top supporter of left-wing activism open-records request with the gov- from Executive Director Maurice terest” challenges. “Who will she be for “bringing decency back to the in North Carolina. Longtime Capi- ernor’s office to obtain any grant “Mo” Green. accountable to: the taxpayers or the White House” and hoped that tol Broadcasting Company CEO Jim agreements surrounding the posi- In a statement to CJ, Senate Ma- liberal organizations funding her North Carolina would vote against Gooodman chairs Fletcher’s board tion. jority Leader , position?” Harrington said. then-President Trump. of directors. Goodmon’s wife, Barba- Z. Smith Reynolds actual- R-Gaston, noted that having an out- In a letter to Reynolds Founda- The Reynolds Foundation is a ra, serves as the foundation’s pres- ly broke the news Jan. 25, with a side entity fund a state employee tion supporters, Heinsohn outlined stalwart funder of left-wing non- ident.

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Please email any submissions to opinion editor Ray Nothstine ([email protected]) *We retain the right to edit or to not publish any submitted letters or op-eds. 4 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY New and familiar faces as N.C. General Assembly returns to work Senate welcomes 11 new members; House welcomes 20

BY JULIE HAVLAK from the National Democratic Re- bly Lee was a champion for school AND JOHN TRUMP districting PAC, which during the choice, recodification of the state’s 2019-20 election cycle, its website criminal code, restrained spending, or February, Carolina Jour- says, “targeted ...17 state legislative and limited taxation. nal takes a brief look at each chambers.” She’ll serve on the Sen- new member of the General ate’s Pensions and State, Appropri- Assembly — 11 in the Senate and ations on General Government, and F20 in the House. We look at where Local Government committees. they’ve been, what they’re doing now, and what we might expect them to do as lawmakers. District 11 The 2021-22 session began in late January. Expect COVID-19 and , R-Nash the ongoing fallout from the pan- YESTERDAY: demic to be top priorities for law- District 6 Republican Li- makers, who are crafting a new sa Stones Barnes was first elected budget for the biennium. They’ll al- Michael A. Lazzara, R-Onslow to the General Assembly in 2018, so draw new legislative and con- when she won a seat in N.C. House YESTERDAY: gressional maps for the next decade Republican Michael District 7, which encompasses an based on fresh census data. Each Lazzara, who was born in Palermo, area about 50 miles northeast of legislator, too, has individual prior- Sicily, is a Marine Corps vet who Raleigh. Barnes, who has served ities. served at Camp Lejeune. A restau- on numerous boards in and around rant owner, he was elected to the Nash County, soundly beat Demo- Jacksonville City Council in 2005 crat Allen Wellons in the right-lean- and served as the mayor pro tem. ing district. The seat in the ru- SENATE Lazarra donated more than $24,000 ral eastern N.C. district came open to his own campaign, which raised when Republican de- close to $75,000. He beat Democrat cided against seeking re-election. Ike Johnson in a landslide Nov. 3. Wellons previously served in the Lazarra represents Onslow County, Senate beginning in the late 1990s. home to Camp Lejeune and Marine Barnes is big on issues related to ag- District 3 Corps Air Station New River. The riculture and is married to a long- military is a priority for him. time sweet potato farmer. She TODAY: Ernestine (Byrd) Bazemore, Lazzara, who replac- served on the Agriculture Commit- es longtime Republican Sen. Har- tee in the House. D-Bertie TODAY: ry Brown, bills himself on his web- Barnes will vote along YESTERDAY:

Ernestine (Byrd) site as a “conservative Republican.” LEE MICHAEL conservative lines and lists educa- Bazemore, a Democrat from ru- He boasts support of agriculture, MICHAEL LEE. Expect Lee to vote mostly along conservative lines, although tion, health care, the economy, and ral eastern North Carolina, worked the military, and schools, among he supports state money for film tax grants. dealing with the pandemic as key for 28 years in the Bertie County other priorities, such as econom- issues. She’ll also serve on the Ag- School System, her campaign web- ic development. N.C. Senate leader riculture Committee in the Senate, site says. She was elected to the Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, has ap- always helps me stay grounded and He represents coastal New Hanover in addition to Education/Higher Ed- county’s Board of Commissioners in pointed him to the following legis- a good book for all to read.” County, which includes the city of ucation, Appropriations on Agricul- 2014 and became board chair four lative committees: Appropriations Wilmington and the University of ture, Environment, and Natural Re- years later. She got 52% of the vote on General Government, State and North Carolina Wilmington. sources, and Health Care. Barnes TODAY: against Thomas Hester Jr., a Vance Local Government, Education, and Lee will co-chair the is strong on issues such as separa- County commissioner. Judiciary. Senate’s Education/Higher Educa- tion of powers, including holding TODAY: TOMORROW: Bazemore in August did It’s clear Lazarra is tion Committee and also serve on the governor in check, and active an interview with WIZS in Hender- staunchly conservative and is like- the base budget committee, as well on social media, applauding a de- son. She made her priorities clear ly to side with Republicans on key District 9 as Finance, Health Care, and Judi- cision in December confirming the and offered insights into how she’ll issues and votes. In response to a ciary. He is a proponent of tax re- legislature as North Carolina’s con- serve: “Broadband is a major con- question — What is your favor- Michael Lee, R-New Hanover lief and balanced budgets and in stitutional authority on policy is- cern across all the counties; not all ite book? Why? — in a Ballotpe- 2018 co-sponsored the Hurricane sues and distribution of money. “It’s YESTERDAY: areas are currently being served,” dia candidate survey, Lazarra, who Republican Michael Florence Act after Hurricane Mat- great to see some honest work done she told the station. “Also, the ser- chose The Nails by Max Lucado, said Lee, a lawyer, returns to the Gener- thew, which began as a Category 5 by our state lawmakers and judicial vices offered by rural hospitals as this: “It reminds me that Jesus had a al Assembly after losing his re-elec- storm, struck the Carolinas in Oc- branches,” she posted. TOMORROW: well as Medicaid expansion are big choice not to be crucified but chose tion bid in 2018. Lee was first elect- tober 2016. Matthew caused nearly Barnes is endorsed concerns.” the nails and suffering to show his ed in 2014, but lost by just 231 votes $5 billion in damage and decimat- by the NRA, and says on her web- TOMORROW: Bazemore doesn’t love for us. He had the power to to Democrat in ed communities throughout North site she has a concealed-carry per- appear especially active on social override all suffering but in order to 2018. Buoyed by a campaign chest Carolina. mit and encourages responsible gun TOMORROW: media, which isn’t necessarily a bad fulfill the prophecy, he had to - suf of close to $1 million, and strong Expect Lee to vote ownership. She’ll remain a strong thing. She raised about $20,000 for fer and he did. I translate that to our backing from the N.C. Senate Ma- mostly along conservative lines, al- advocate of the Second Amend- her campaign, according to Ballot- trials and tribulations in our daily jority Fund — some $450,000 — though he will support state money ment, as well as agriculture, which pedia, but spent about $500. A good lives and in suffering there will be Lee returned the favor to Peterson, for film tax grants. During his pre- continued NEXT PAGE chunk of the money, $5,400, came glory that comes to us. This book beating him by about 1,200 votes. vious tenure in the General Assem- CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 5 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

continued from PREVIOUS PAGE and has filed a bill to tighten up the law around collusive lawsuits. TOMORROW: Galey replaces lon- is North Carolina’s No. 1 industry, Alamance senator , a contributing $92.7 billion to the staunch proponent of state alcohol state’s economy. North Carolina, the reform and author of several bills state Agriculture Department says, that aimed to loosen rules on liquor is the largest producer of sweet po- maintained for decades by a state- tatoes in the country, accounting run monopoly. It’s not clear how Ga- for about 54% of those grown in the ley will vote should similar legis- United States. She gained the en- lation come up, though as a com- dorsement of N.C. Agriculture Com- missioner in 2017 she voted in fa- missioner Steve Troxler. vor of the so-called “brunch bill,” which would allow bars and restau- rants to begin serving cocktails at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The move in Al- amance failed at the time. She told the Times-News, “I think of conser- vatism as people can do what they District 17 want as long as they are not hurting anyone else. You don’t have to if you , D-Wake don’t want to.” YESTERDAY: Sydney Batch, a Wake County Democrat, in Janu- ary was chosen by Wake Democrats and confirmed by the governor to fill a seat in the N.C. Senate. The seat came open when District 29

resigned. Batch, elected to the N.C. BATCH SYDNEY House in 2018, in November lost her , R-Davidson SYDNEY BATCH. Batch (left), a Wake County Democrat, in January was chosen by Wake County Democrats and seat to Republican Erin Paré, who confirmed by the governor to fill a seat in the N.C. Senate. The seat came open when Sam Searcy resigned. YESTERDAY: got 50% of the vote to Batch’s 47%. Republican Steve Searcy had won a second term to Jarvis, with some 74% of the vote, the Senate in District 17, defeating lence and sexual assault in Franklin breezed to victory Nov. 3 against Republican Mark Cavaliero. In the County, her campaign website says. Democrat Duskin Lassiter. Jarvis TOMORROW: I will fight for House, Batch was a primary spon- Crawford, who will raised about $133,000 for his cam- sor of a bill to expand Medicaid, a serve on the Health Care commit- common-sense paign, including $80,000 of his own move Republicans have consistent- tee, may break with Democrats on reforms that keep money. Jarvis served a term in the ly resisted but Gov. Roy Cooper will some issues, however, including gun N.C. House before running for Senate continue to push. District 18 laws. Crawford told Indy Week she guns out of the hands and served on the Davidson County TODAY: Batch, in her latest run Sarah Crawford, D-Wake supports the creation of a nonparti- of domestic abusers Board of Commissioners. He was one for office, got endorsements from san commission to determine state of six state lawmakers who visited YESTERDAY: and criminals and several unions and other left-lean- Democrat Sarah and congressional lines, an idea that work to ensure the White House in July to discuss ing groups, such as Democracy for Crawford earned a seat in the Gener- came before lawmakers last year but deregulation with the president. TODAY: America and the Sierra Club. She’ll al Assembly in 2020 after first trying failed to gain traction. “An indepen- communities where Jarvis on his website likely side with Democrats on most in 2014, when she lost to Republican dent process would restore fairness we can live, work and lists regulatory reform as a key is- issues, including those supporting incumbent Sen. by in the political system and create sue. Expect this to be a point of em- more money for public schools and about 6% of the vote. In November, more competitive districts to better play without fear, of phasis for Jarvis as he starts his Sen- environmental regulations. In May, she handily beat Republican Lar- serve the democratic process.” She gun violence. ate term. Critics of overregulation Batch was a primary sponsor of a ry Norman for a seat in the district, said she’s a gun owner and compet- in North Carolina say they overbur- bill limiting toxins in drinking wa- which spans Franklin and Wake itive shooter and “will fight for com- - Sarah Crawford, Wake, D den business and stunt econom- ter. “Our government has a unique counties. Crawford has worked with mon-sense reforms that keep guns ic growth. “The state has the abili- and nondelegable role to play in en- several nonprofits, and she was re- out of the hands of domestic abus- ond Amendment and NRA member, ty to adjust regulatory burden (such suring that our environment and cently named CEO of Tammy Lynn ers and criminals and work to en- her website says, had served on the as compliance and reporting require- natural resources are safe and pro- Center, which offers communi- sure communities where we can live, Alamance County Board of Commis- ments) as they apply to small busi- tected,” she says on her website. ty-based programs that help chil- work, and play without fear of gun sioners, becoming chair in 2017. Of nesses,” he says on his campaign TOMORROW: Batch is a propo- dren and families. Education will violence.” the $1.3 million in campaign funds website. “The answer to regulatory nent of the Second Amendment be a key issue for Crawford, whose raised, according to Ballotpedia, reform would be (to) have all neces- and, she says on her website, “is mother, she says, was a teacher. more than $1 million came from the sary rules ... reviewed and go though TODAY: working hard to preserve North Car- Expect Crawford, who N.C. Senate Majority Fund. the adoption process as if they were TODAY: olina’s natural resources so we con- leans left on many issues, to of- Galey will serve on sever- just submitted.” TOMORROW: tinue to have woods and streams to ten side with Democrats, includ- al Senate committees, including Ed- Jarvis, who owns support hunting and fishing.” ing on things such as raising teach- ucation/Higher Education, Judicia- a construction company, was ap- A lawyer, Batch says she will er pay, expanding Medicaid, and District 24 ry, State and Local Government, and pointed to the Senate’s committees support small businesses, partic- “clean energy” initiatives. In an in- Appropriations on Justice and Pub- on Agriculture, Energy, and Envi- ularly as that relates to loans and terview with Indy Week in October, Amy S. Galey, R-Alamance lic Safety. Galey, a lawyer, will sup- ronment, Health Care, State and Lo- other money distributed through Crawford spoke in favor of “increas- port Republicans on most key is- cal Government, and Appropriations YESTERDAY: COVID-19 relief. ing access to affordable housing and Republican Amy Ga- sues, some of which she lists on on Health and Human Services. Ex- However, Batch as a member of healthy food as well as benefits like ley represents Alamance County, sit- her website, including the Second pect votes along conservative lines, the state House, voted four times the Supplemental Nutrition Assis- uated between Greensboro and the Amendment, jobs and recovery, ag- including on issues — in addition to against safely reopening gyms, tance Program.” She told the news- Triangle. She won with about 52% riculture, and education. In educa- regulatory reform — regarding low- while also sending a campaign paper she supports raising the min- of the vote against Democrat J.D. tion, she pushed to increase fund- er taxes, job growth, and education. piece touting her support of small imum wage and raising the Renew- Wooten in an election tainted with ing for Alamance schools and sup- Jarvis told WXII in an interview in businesses. able Energy Portfolio Standard per- controversy and an ethics complaint ported a school bond referendum in March that he supports gun owners On the mailer, she’s seen appar- centage to 70% renewable energy by over where Wooten actually lived. 2018. She supports increasing teach- and, in the House, sponsored a bill to ently standing in a gym. This didn’t 2030. She serves on the board of di- Wooten filed a defamation lawsuit er pay. She supports reforms to clar- help school children with epilepsy. get past gym owners, who blasted rectors at Safe Space in Louisburg, against Galey over campaign ads. ify the governor’s authority under continued NEXT PAGE Batch on social media. working to reduce relationship vio- Galey, a strong supporter of the Sec- the Emergency Management Act 6 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

continued from PREVIOUS PAGE priorities. She received endorse- ments, for example, from the Sier- ra Club, Equality N.C., and several labor unions, including the N.C. As- sociation of Educators.

District 39 DeAndrea Salvador, D-Mecklenburg District 50 YESTERDAY: Democrat DeAn- , R-Macon drea Salvador, along with Sen. Sarah YESTERDAY: Crawford, turned their large districts Republican Kev- blue. Both operate nonprofit organi- in Corbin got almost 67% of the zations. Dan Bishop, a Republican, vote in beating Democrat Victoria had held the District 39 seat before Fox in November. He’s a familiar being elected to Congress. Salvador, face, having served two terms in her website says, founded RETI — the N.C. House, beginning with the Renewable Energy Transition Initia- 2016 election. He served four years tive — a nonprofit focused on help- on the Appalachian State Universi- ing families sustainably reduce en- ty Board of Trustees and is a past ergy costs using smart technology, chairman of the Macon County solar energy, efficiency, and educa- school board, his campaign web- tion. She also serves on the boards site says. He served six years on of Clean Air Carolina and Youth Em- the Macon County Board of Com- powered Solutions, the site says. missioners, elected chairman his She served, too, on the Mecklenburg final four years on the board. He County Air Quality Commission. sponsored a slew of bills in this TODAY: She’ll serve on the Sen- past legislative session, including ate’s Agriculture, Energy, and Envi- CORBIN KEVIN a move to expedite occupational li- KEVIN CORBIN. Corbin (at right), a native of Macon County in the N.C. mountains, will continue to be a strong ronment; and Appropriations on Ag- censes for military spouses. advocate for the western part of the state, including Western Carolina University. TODAY: riculture, Environment, and Natural Corbin lists individu- Resources committees. She becomes al liberty as a core issue, saying the youngest black woman to serve on his website: “I believe that in- in the N.C. Senate and the young- dividuals possess God-given inher- est senator in the upcoming bien- icaid, which is high on the gover- ed Republican Bob Penland, 63% be worn in legislative buildings. ent rights, and it is the job of the nium, The Charlotte Weekly report- nor’s agenda, so much so that he to 37%, in November. It’s not sur- “I find it unconscionable and irre- government to protect them and ed. “I will work towards robust eco- vetoed the latest budget because it prising, considering her decidedly sponsible that the legislative lead- support equality under the law.” nomic recovery, stronger support for wasn’t included. She’ll likely vote liberal district that includes Ashe- ership of our state is unwilling to He’s fiscally conservative, running our schools, as well as strive to con- for Democratic priorities, and her en- ville, where she served on the city adhere to the law, model good be- along N.C. Republican Party lines. nect our community to well-paying dorsements included Planned Par- council. The website mountaintrue havior for our residents, and keep He’ll serve on the Senate’s com- jobs, improved access to clean ener- enthood and the N.C. Association of lists her as its co-director, and she safe the people who work ev- mittees for Commerce and Insur- gy, and to keep environmental and Educators. started with the nonprofit in 2018. ery day at the legislature.” May- ance, Education/Higher Education, racial justice at the forefront,” she The group, its site says, “envisions field will serve on the committees and Appropriations on Education. told the newspaper. thriving communities in our moun- for State and Local Government; Corbin owns two insurance agen- TOMORROW: Salvador says on tain region that are connected to Transportation; and Appropria- cies, the Corbin Agency in Frank- her website she’ll work to rebuild the and help sustain both each oth- tions on Agriculture, Environment, lin and the Blue Ridge Insurance economy, including a push to raise er and our natural environment.” and Natural Resources. Group in Seneca, South Carolina, TOMORROW: the minimum wage, an idea Repub- Gov. Beverly Perdue, the site says, Mayfield supports his campaign website says. He’s al- licans oppose and Democrats em- District 49 in 2011 appointed Mayfield to the the Green New Deal and, on her so a founding member of the gos- brace. She also lists advancing “sus- Mountain Resources Commission, website, says she “will take on cli- pel group Blue Ridge. TOMORROW: tainable” infrastructure projects and Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe which dissolved in 2013. mate change and restore protec- Corbin, a native TODAY: transportation initiatives; investing Mayfield on her Face- tions for air and water to keep our of Macon County in the western YESTERDAY: in education, to include vocation- Democrat Julie book page wrote this about the communities healthy and safe.” mountains, will continue to be a al training and college prep; and in- Mayfield, an Atlanta native and mask mandate, saying the Repub- She wants to expand Medicaid, strong advocate for the western creasing access to health care. That “proven progressive,” says her lican leadership isn’t adhering to a and expect Mayfield to side with continued NEXT PAGE includes support for expanding Med- campaign website, soundly defeat- rule from the governor that masks Democrats on most “progressive”

THIS IS WHAT OPPORTUNITY LOOKS LIKE. LEARN MORE ONLINE AT: WWW.CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 7 GENERAL ASSEMBLY continued from PREVIOUS PAGE I will always stand alongside our Let us face the facts. brave law enforcement officers part of the state, including West- Eastern N.C. is being who keep our families and commu- ern Carolina University. He says, nities safe.” TOMORROW: according to his website, that he’ll neglected in Raleigh. He promises to work to help residents there on is- Virtually all new support small businesses, accord- sues such as broadband expan- business is going to ing to his campaign website. “I un- sion and school safety. A prima- derstand the importance of lower- ry focus, for Corbin and all law- Charlotte, Raleigh, ing taxes, reducing regulations,” makers, is helping the state recov- and Durham. he writes. “As a businessman, I will er from the pandemic. Local news- take this work experience to the paper The Franklin Press wrote of - Steve Tyson, Craven, R legislature. The legislature needs to Corbin: "[His] track record of team- be made up of people with real-life ing with other [lawmakers] rep- business experience, not career pol- resenting rural regions across the mission, and a former chairman iticians.” state positions him well to contin- of the Metropolitan Planning and ue championing rural needs. There Transportation Organization. is strength in numbers, and the state’s rural residents stand to ben- efit from a unified voice.”

District 9 HOUSE District 7 , D-Pitt YESTERDAY: , R-Franklin Democrat Brian Far- kas ousted the Republican incum- YESTERDAY: Republican Mat- bent, physician Perrin Jones. He thew Winslow ran on the slogan represents Pitt County, home of “send a builder.” His first paid job East Carolina University and the District 3 was cleaning hog houses in north- Brody School of Medicine. Farkas eastern North Carolina. He is the now works in his family’s architec- Steve Tyson, R-Craven son of a teen mother who worked ture business, but he also worked to support her family, and he says for emergency management for the YESTERDAY: CAROLINA NORTH OF STATE Republican Steve he knows what it is like to have National Institutes of Health and MATTHEW WINSLOW. Winslow's first paid job was cleaning hog houses in Tyson has lived in eastern North northeastern North Carolina. He founded Winslow Homes. to depend on the government. He the U.S. Attorney’s office. He bagged Carolina his entire life, only leaving founded the homebuilding compa- an endorsement from former Presi- to serve in the Army. He comes from ny Winslow Homes. dent Obama. He became caught up TODAY: a military family, and his son fol- Winslow describes him- in controversy over defunding the lowed in his footsteps. Tyson ran on self as a “pro-faith, pro-family, and police, after House Speaker Time his background as a small business pro-freedom conservative.” His Moore, R-Cleveland, accused him of owner for 35 years. But he has al- government spending, for term the facts,” he says. “Eastern N.C. Facebook campaign page focuses wanting to strip money from police so served in government as Craven limits, and for protecting pub- is being neglected in Raleigh. Vir- on his faith. Like other Republican departments. Farkas disputed the County commissioner for 12 years lic waterways. He wants to make tually all new business is going to campaigns, his posts lean heav- allegation. TODAY: and as a board member of the Cra- schools safer by adding more Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham.” ily on law-and-order messages. He shares Gov. Roy Coo- TOMORROW: ven100 Economic Development Al- trained school resource officers. Tyson also promis- Just above a photo of an N.C. officer per’s focus on education and Medic- liance. He touts his history in econom- es to treat transportation like eco- killed in the line of duty, Winslow’s aid expansion. His campaign web- TODAY: Tyson wants to be re- ic development on his campaign nomic development, he says on his campaign writes that “I’m run- site promises he “will fight to lock membered for protecting the Sec- website, where he targets the ur- campaign website. He is a former ning to build a safer community continued NEXT PAGE ond Amendment, for responsible ban-rural divide. “But let us face member of the Highway 70 com- for families and law enforcement.

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on funding, and funding depends on a healthy state economy. We are currently looking at having to re- cover from an unprecedented re- versal of economic fortune both na- tionally and in North Carolina.” District 38 Abe Jones, D-Wake YESTERDAY: Democrat Abe Jones served Wake County as a Superior Court judge. Gov. Jim Hunt, a Dem- ocrat, appointed him onto the court District 63 in 1995, and he was elected to two more eight-year terms. Jones turned , D-Alamance his attention to the legislature after YESTERDAY: losing judicial elections in 2012 and Democrat Ricky 2014. His district covers northeast Hurtado is the son of immigrants Raleigh in Wake County. who fled civil war in El Salva- TODAY: His campaign focused dor. The 32-year-old UNC Chap- on affordable housing, vocational el Hill instructor says that educa- education, and criminal justice re- tion changed his life. His campaign form. He argued for a more fair legal focused largely on education, es- process, saying that “a costly bail pecially for first-generation college bond system, lengthy trial times, students and immigrants. He scored and overcrowded prisons all cur- endorsements from key nation- rently contribute to a process that al figures, including former presi- disadvantages those without mon- dent Barack Obama and Sen. Eliz- ey and resources in North Carolina.” abeth Warren. He has worked with

ERINE PARE ERINE TOMORROW: Expect him to be an the governor on task forces, includ- ERIN PARE. Pare, pictured with former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, supports getting children back in the advocate for community colleges ing the DRIVE Task Force on edu- classroom. She is the PTA president of an elementary school, and she says one of her key goals is school choice. and funding for vocational train- cation equity and teacher diversi- ing. His website praises Wake Tech ty and MyFutureNC on work force and calls for expanding vocational development. His district sits be- continued from PREVIOUS PAGE training across the state. Commu- tween Durham and Greensboro. TODAY: A costly bail bond nity colleges are bracing for a lean Expect him to oppose up the Education Lottery funding, budget year, and their enrollment Republicans’ education priorities. raise teacher pay, improve distance system, lengthy has failed to rise with the unem- Hurtado regularly criticizes Repub- learning, and freeze college tui- trial times, and ployment rate during the pandemic. licans, accusing them of putting tax tion.” cuts above education funding. He is TOMORROW: overcrowded His website says District 37 skeptical of school choice and char- Farkas will fight for paid family prisons all currently Erin Pare, R-Wake ter schools. He told WXII that the leave, a raised minimum wage, and voucher program was “not work- contribute to YESTERDAY: a state independent oversight com- a process that Republican Erin ing” and that he supports a tempo- mittee for police accountability and Pare defeated a Democratic incum- rary moratorium. But he didn’t call racial inequality. disadvantages those bent by running an aggressive cam- for a cap on charter schools. District 43 TOMORROW: ”We have to commit to real re- without money and paign in suburban Wake County. Hurtado promised Diane Wheatley, forms to repair centuries of system- resources in North She earned U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise’s to “reverse an harmful era of Repub- ic racism and inequality,” Farkas endorsement after her Democrat- R-Cumberland lican deregulation” with environ- says on the site. “Our state must be Carolina. ic opponent mocked the represen- mental policies. He will push Demo- YESTERDAY: a national leader in accountabili- tative’s shooting on social media, Republicann Di- cratic priorities, including Medicaid ty by conducting thorough investi- - Abe Jones, Wake, D says Pare’s campaign website. She ane Wheatley is a registered nurse expansion, diversity in education, gations that provide a just and effi- won against her opponent, Sidney who operates a school bus compa- and higher teacher pay. cient means to reduce incidents of Batch, 50% to 47%, in November. ny with her husband. She served police misconduct.” Batch was appointed later to a state on the Cumberland County Board should be required to provide the Senate seat. Pare describes herself of Education for 10 years. The NRA choice of in-person learning during as a small business owner. She pre- ran videos for her describing her the pandemic. “I have visited with a viously worked in nonprofits and as as the “law-and-order candidate.” lot of small businesses that have re- the director of the Regulatory Im- She focused on making her county ally suffered during this pandemic,” provement Council. catch up with the rest of the state, TODAY: District 66 Miller told WECT. Pare focused on educa- on unemployment and wages be- District 19 “The virus is real, I understand tion and the economy when she fore the pandemic. She won in a re- Ben T. Moss Jr., R-Richmond that, but it’s time to safely open ran for office. She describes - her cently redrawn district, after losing YESTERDAY: Charles Miller, R-Brunswick [North Carolina] back up and let self as an advocate for the taxpayer. in the 2012 primaries. Republican Ben TODAY: people decide. … I don’t think the Her website portrays her as a tradi- She says health care is Moss, a locomotive engineer, flipped YESTERDAY: Republican Charles governor has done a very good job tional, fiscally conservative Repub- her top policy priority, followed by a seat that had been held by Demo- Miller was chief deputy of the taking care of North Carolinians.” lican, with a focus on public safety, education and job creation. She crats for decades. He was also the TOMORROW: Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Miller opposes ex- Second Amendment rights, and low says she most admires her father first Republican elected to the Rich- for more than a decade. He has also panding Medicaid, but he said that taxes. and President Reagan for his “un- mond County Board of Commission- TOMORROW: worked in the private sector and in he wants to review the current level Pare supports get- apologetic patriotism, positive atti- ers in more than 120 years, accord- security at a nuclear plant. of unemployment benefits. ting children back in the classroom. tude, humor, and overwhelming be- ing to the Richmond Observer. His He was the biggest donor to his Miller criticized the deficit Re- She is the PTA president of an ele- lief in the American people.” district borders South Carolina. TOMORROW: TODAY: campaign, putting $75,000 into the publicans inherited from the Demo- mentary school, and she says one She believes the He is the House fresh- election. He served 15 years on the crats when they took over the legis- of her key goals is school choice. biggest challenge facing the state is man whip. He describes himself as a local school board, where he says he lature in 2010. Pare is a military spouse and the revenue and the economy. On Bal- Christian and a strong advocate for tried to reopen schools during the “It’s not time to squander that sister of a disabled adult, and this lotpedia, she writes, “Everything the Second Amendment. He ran on pandemic. He represents a coastal money away. It’s time to buckle has taught her the need for mar- state government does, wheth- safety and security, filling his Face- district just south of Wilmington. down,” Miller told WECT. ket-based solutions in health care, er it is health care, education, pub- TODAY: continued PAGE 10 Miller says schools she says on Ballotpedia. lic safety, or infrastructure, depends CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 9

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@johnlockefoundation @JohnLockeNC 10 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY continued from PREVIOUS PAGE House Local Government Commit- tee, he will help lead the legislature’s response to local governments’ eco- book campaign page with posts nomic woes from the pandemic and about gun rights and law enforce- the shutdowns. ment officers. As whip, he will be re- sponsible for mobilizing votes from his fellow Republican freshmen rep- resentatives. TOMORROW: He says on Face- book he is pro-God, pro-gun, and pro- law enforcement. A political ad pil- District 85 loried him as “Bad News Ben,” a ti- tle he embraced as far as Democrats Dudley Greene, R-McDowell were concerned. He assures support- YESTERDAY: ers that he is “bad news” for anyone Republican Dudley who is “pro-abortion, anti-God, an- Greene replaces Josh Dobson, who ti-law enforcement.” moved on to become the N.C. labor commissioner. Greene served three decades in law enforcement, in- cluding as the sheriff of McDowell County. Not surprisingly, he made law and order a major issue in his campaign for office. TODAY: District 68 His campaign touted his support for law enforcement and David Willis, R-Union career technical training. He de- scribed himself as a common-sense YESTERDAY: Republican David conservative who will support busi- Willis owns and runs a local pre- ness, public safety, and education. TOMORROW: school. He served on the N.C. State Greene opposes Board of Community Colleges, as any cuts to police funding. He called well as on advisory boards for early for more resources for law enforce- education. He campaigned on edu- ment, telling the Avery Journal: “As cational issues and supporting pub- a matter of fact, I think that where lic schools. He will represent the we can, we need to give law en- south-Charlotte area. forcement more resources. If there’s TODAY: He was elected the fresh- not public safety, there’s not an en- man leader in the House. He ran on HURTADO RICKY vironment for business, educa- boosting education, infrastructure, RICKY HURTADO. Hurtado is the son of immigrants who fled civil war in El Salvador. Expect him to oppose Repub- tion, or anything else in the state. and economic growth. He also prom- licans’ education priorities. He regularly criticizes Republicans, accusing them of putting tax cuts above education ... If there’s ways we can expand funding. He is skeptical of school choice and charter schools. ises to identify and eliminate waste- through additional training and ful spending in government. funding, that’s what we need to do.” TOMORROW: Expect him to make education a major priority with primaries. TOMORROW: teacher pay and school choice. “Par- Baker wants to I’ve found a ents should have the opportunity to double the money for low-income decide which educational environ- housing. She also pushed to add an government of any ment is best for their children,” Wil- African American history require- size rarely that had lis writes on his campaign website. ment for high school students. Ex- a revenue problem. District 80 District 93 “Students deserve an education that pect her to fight for increased fund- will help each one of them reach ing for social services. It is far more , R-Davidson , R-Watauga their fullest potential and prepare common to see a YESTERDAY: YESTERDAY: them for a successful career.” government filled Republican Sam Republican Ray Watford is back in office. After serv- Pickett, in what was dubbed “the with overspending, ing two terms in the House, he lost battle of the Rays,” defeated Demo- inefficiency and a 2018 election after voting against cratic incumbent Ray Russell. Pick- corruption. a law that would eliminate the need ett lambasted his opponent for op- District 74 for a concealed-carry permit, as well posing teacher pay raises in the bud- - Jeff Zenger, Forsyth, R as to allow 18-year-olds to buy guns. get and the pro-life “Born Alive” bill. District 72 Jeff Zenger, R-Forsyth He once served on multiple state Pickett accused Russell of looking legislative committees, including out for the “liberal inside-the-belt- YESTERDAY: Amber M. Baker, D-Forsyth Republican Jeff Ze- Appropriations, Elections, Energy, way agenda.” Pickett served on the nger comes from the construction ocrat Dan Besse had outraised Ze- Education, Regulatory Reform, Fos- Blowing Rock Town Council and YESTERDAY: Democrat Amber industry. He ran on reopening the nger by 12 times, as of June, report- ter Care, and State and Local Gov- owned the Blowing Rock Inn for al- Baker was a principal of an elemen- economy during the pandemic and ed the Triad City Beat. Zenger won ernment. His district lies southwest most 20 years. He will represent tary school for 12 years before be- school choice against a Democrat- the seat with 51.2% of the votes. of Greensboro. Boone and Appalachian State Uni- TOMORROW: TODAY: coming a life skills teacher at Mount ic opponent who focused on health Expect Zenger to The waterline contractor versity. TODAY: Tabor High School. She was elected care. Zenger did not give an answer join Republicans’ crusade to reopen has regained one committee assign- His campaign promot- as vice chair of the Forsyth County on Medicaid expansion, but he has the economy this session. He takes ment on local government so far. ed veterans’ issues, broadband, and Democratic Party’s African Ameri- voiced support for market-driven a traditional conservative’s ap- He ran on gun rights, low taxes, less law and order. His Facebook cam- can Caucus. She says she has been solutions to health care needs like proach to government spending. He regulation, and an economic come- paign page pushed back against the homeless and dependent on govern- the association health plans that is suspicious of government ineffi- back. His vote on concealed-carry mask mandate. Pickett also criti- ment assistance for her daughter. would allow small businesses to ciency, and he advocates for school permits returned to haunt his cam- cized the N.C. Department of Trans- TODAY: Her district leans heav- band together for leverage against choice. “I’ve found a government of paign, but he fired back on social portation for overspending. TOMORROW: ily Democratic, with about 58% of insurers. any size rarely that had a revenue media. Pickett wants to TODAY: TOMORROW: its 54,000 voters registered as Dem- Zenger’s win helped Re- problem. It is far more common to Watford argued audit the department and prevent ocrats and only 15% as Republicans. publicans hold onto their majorities see a government filled with over- that he approaches state issues future cases of overspending. “Our She replaces Derwin Montgomery, in the legislature. Democrats invest- spending, inefficiency, and corrup- from the local perspective in a pre- continued NEXT PAGE who ran for Congress but lost in the ed heavily in his district, and Dem- tion,” he told the Triad City Beat. vious election. As the chair of the CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 11 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

people with special needs a legisla- represents a rural district in the far tive priority. “I want to be remem- western mountains. TODAY: bered for ensuring that everyone de- He ran on supporting serves an opportunity. I believe in- law enforcement, jousting with his dividuals with special needs have opponent on support for police of- special abilities that we need to em- ficers. Clampitt was once assistant brace and try to provide opportuni- sergeant at arms for the General ties to help them live productive and Assembly. meaningful lives,” he wrote on Bal- He will serve as chairman of lotpedia. the Federal Relations and Ameri- can Indian Affairs House Commit- tee. TOMORROW: Clampitt says he wants to work with a DWI task force and to bolster drug rehabili- tation. District 118 He says he wants to funnel money from the court system into Mark Pless, R-Haywood more schools. “One thing I’m looking at for YESTERDAY: Republican Mark sure is the fines and forfeitures Pless spent 15 years as a paramed- that go to the current school sys- ic, where he faced the opioid epi- tems, but aren’t being shared with demic and drug overdose calls. charter schools,” Clampitt told The insurance salesman served ABC News. as Haywood County commissioner, where he became embroiled in con- troversy over his comments about addiction. His district lies in the moun- tains in western North Carolina, near Asheville. TODAY: District 120 Pless might have whipped up controversy in his dis- Karl E. Gillespie, R-Macon GREY MILLS GREY trict while serving as county com- YESTERDAY: GREY MILLS. Republican Grey Mills (left) recaptured the seat he held from 2009 through 2012. He took a break after missioner, but he still carried off Republican Karl running for lieutenant governor and losing in the primaries. 64% of the vote. Pless credited the Gillespie trounced his Democrat- controversy to his focus on protect- ic opponent, carrying 74% of the ing taxpayer dollars. vote. TOMORROW: continued from PREVIOUS PAGE The agent with Gillespie is a fifth-generation The biggest thing N.C. Farm Bureau Insurance fo- resident of Macon County, but he Dept. of Transportation has gone cused his campaign on bringing left to spend almost two decades in millions over their budget and still is the budget. With jobs to the region. Expect him to the communications industry. failed to get the job done,” says his reduced revenue support gun rights. He returned to found Nation- website. “Every day I drive on roads being likely, we’ve got “It’s very different for people to al Communications, a turnkey District 98 and infrastructure that need repair. a lot of tough choices be able to stand strong and to be- low-voltage contractor that han- Let’s audit the DOT and stop wast- John R. Bradford III, lieve in government, and it seems dles fire alarms and fiber optics. ing taxpayer money on projects that ahead. It’s a tough like their rights are being threat- He serves on the Board of never happen.” thing, but we’ll have to R-Mecklenburg ened or violated, especially the Trustees for Southwestern Com- Second Amendment and freedom munity College. YESTERDAY: deal with it. Republican John of speech and right to vote,” he His county is home to the Nan- - Grey Mills, Iredell, R Bradford is back in the House, after told The Mountaineer. tahala National Forest in the west- serving two terms and losing during ern mountains. TODAY: the 2018 election cycle. He is a for- Expect his background TODAY: Mills won almost two- mer environmental engineer. He in fiber optics and community col- District 95 thirds of the vote in this election. says he supports renewable energy. leges to influence his policy deci- Like other Republicans, he focused Bradford has a daughter who has a sions. Grey Mills, R-Iredell heavily on gun rights and transpor- serious, chronic health condition. Gillespie says affordable broad- tation. He attacked Cooper for “mis- He describes helping people with band is his top issue, and he plans YESTERDAY: District 119 Republican Grey managing” unemployment bene- developmental disabilities as a ma- to push for “substantial financial Mills recaptured the seat he held fits. jor priority. He has hired employees , R-Swain commitment” from the state and TOMORROW: from 2009 through 2012. He took a Mills will serve with Down syndrome. He followed federal government. YESTERDAY: break after running for lieutenant as chairman of the House Election his grandfather into the state legis- Republican Mike He also wants more money for governor and losing in the prima- Law and Campaign Finance Re- lature. He will represent the north- Clampitt won this round against public education and community ries. Mills once served on several in- form Committee. “COVID-19 has ern part of Mecklenburg County. his Democratic opponent, who has colleges. TODAY: TOMORROW: fluential state legislative commit- changed things. We’ll have a lot to As a small business own- run against him in the past four Gillespie told the tees, including Transportation, Ap- deal with next session,” Mills told er, Bradford prioritizes cutting reg- elections. Smoky Mountain News that he sup- propriations, Elections, and Edu- the Mooresville Tribune. “The big- ulations, taxes, and the size of gov- Clampitt helped win Republi- ports Medicaid expansion, the is- cation. He co-owns a law firm that gest thing is the budget. With re- ernment. He will serve as senior cans their veto-proof supermajori- sue that sunk the last budget amid specializes in personal injury. He duced revenue being likely, we’ve chairman of the House Finance ty in 2016, when he rode President partisan gridlock. interned for U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms got a lot of tough choices ahead. It’s Committee with three other Repub- Trump’s coattails to victory. He promises to promote local while completing law school. His a tough thing, but we’ll have to deal licans. He is a retired fire captain for agriculture, broadband access, and TOMORROW: district sits just north of Charlotte. with it.” Expect him to make the Charlotte Fire Department. He fiscal responsibility.

www.carolinajournal.com 12 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 COVID-19 Getting the shot as the federal government tied vac- and Durham. After missing cine supply to the success of states’ But the state gained ground. vaccine rollouts. State lawmakers North Carolina had injected 99% of and health care advocates criticized the first doses sent by the federal the mark on North Carolina’s progress and ques- government by Jan. 27. The state tioned the governor’s vaccination rocketed from 40th in first doses vaccinating plan. administered per 100,000 residents By the first week of January, to 12th in a week. residents for North Carolina was sitting on al- North Carolinians in nursing most three-fourths of its avail- homes and long-term care homes able doses. The state had given on- aren’t so lucky. Only 53% of the COVID-19, ly 25.5% of its available doses, ac- first doses had reached patients’ cording to the CDC. Only five other arms in long-term care homes as officials are states in the country had worse vac- of Jan. 29. The federal government cination rates, and West Virginia’s manages that rollout. honing in on rate was almost triple that of North State Health and Human Ser- Carolina. vices Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen North Carolina had climbed to says a limited supply of vaccines target the lower middle of the pack by is coming into the state, and health Jan. 26. It ranked 32nd out of the officials have little advanced no- GETTING THERE. North Carolina has injected 99% of first doses sent by the 50 states for administering 699,722 tice when it does arrive. BY JULIE HAVLAK federal government by Jan. 27, but only 53% of first doses have reached elderly patients’ in long-term care homes. of 1,250,900 available vaccines, ac- North Carolina will now get cording to the CDC. 120,000 new first doses from the fter a slow start, North North Carolina’s own data show federal government each week, Co- Carolina is ramping up its a better performance. The state has hen said. She says the state has COVID-19 vaccinations. average 11.1% of COVID-19 tests in late January, but its rollout got administered 69% of the doses. mostly burned through its backlog. Almost 7% of residents got the came back positive. off to a rocky start. Elderly residents The state used mass vaccina- “North Carolina is ready to take Afirst shot of COVID-19 vaccines by North Carolina now ranks sixth crossed the state border to get vac- tion sites to ramp up its numbers, on more vaccines, and we need Jan. 29, when 728,551 people re- in the nation for total doses admin- cines, hospitals canceled thousands but that tactic earned backlash those vaccines now,” Cohen said ceived a first dose, according to the istered, according to the Centers of of appointments, and the slow roll- from local providers. They argued during a press conference in late N.C. Department of Health and Hu- Disease Control and Prevention. out left many confused and frustrat- it left elderly and rural residents January. man Services. Earlier that week, an The state shot up the rankings ed. without access to vaccine sites. “We know that this is hard on North Carolina spent weeks lag- Hospitals had to cancel thou- North Carolinians. Demand for ging behind the nation. Early Janu- sands of appointments as the state vaccines is vastly greater than States Ranked by Number of Doses per 100K ary saw massive backlogs — even diverted vaccines toward Charlotte supply.” North Carolina now ranks sixth in the nation for total doses administered and 12th for total doses administered per 100K population. ALASKA 11,711 WEST VIRGINIA 9,695 CONNECTICUT 8,844 NEW MEXICO 8,597 NORTH DAKOTA 7,895 OKLAHOMA 7,795 SOUTH DAKOTA 7,593 VERMONT 7,432 DELAWARE 7,082 FLORIDA 6,974 LOUISIANA 6,961 NORTH CAROLINA 6,946 ARKANSAS 6,940 COLORADO 6,844 NEW YORK 6,788 OREGON 6,770 INDIANA 6,749 KENTUCKY 6,650 MAINE 6,612 MICHIGAN 6,600 WYOMING 6,559 NEW HAMPSHIRE 6,518 VIRGINIA 6,478 MONTANA 6,365 NEW JERSEY 6,284 UTAH 6,274 GEORGIA 6,209 WASHINGTON 6,153 MISSISSIPPI 6,100 NEBRASKA 6,036 TEXAS 5,972 HAWAII 5,943 MASSACHUSETTS 5,891 SOUTH CAROLINA 5,883 MARYLAND 5,880 OHIO 5,846 RHODE ISLAND 5,810 CALIFORNIA 5,774 ARIZONA 5,672 TENNESSEE 5,648 MINNESOTA 5,597 NEVADA 5,437 PENNSYLVANIA 5,434 KANSAS 5,407 IOWA 5,367 WISCONSIN 5,193 ILLINOIS 5,079 MANDY COHEN: “North Carolina is ready to take on more vaccines, and we need those vaccines now. We know that ALABAMA 4,922 this is hard on North Carolinians. Demand for vaccines is vastly greater than supply.” MISSOURI 4,804 IDAHO 4,777 SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION AND CONTROL DISEASE FOR CENTERS SOURCE: CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 13 COVID VACCINE TIMELINE

JAN. 10, 2020: Chinese manufacturing candidate DEC. 9, 2020: North JAN. 8, 2021: President- JAN. 20, 2021: North researchers publish the vaccines across seven Carolina’s vaccine tracker elect Biden announces Carolina begins sequence of the SARS- companies. is set to go live. North plans to ship out all vaccinating prisoners and COVID-2 genome. Carolina chose to build available doses of the staff. AUG. 11, 2020: Russian its own vaccine tracker, vaccine. He says he JAN. 11, 2020: President Vladimir Putin the Coronavirus Vaccine will stop the Trump JAN. 21, 2021: Cohen Researchers in the U.S. announces the “world’s Management System, for a administration’s policy of acknowledges that vaccine begin working to develop first” approved vaccine, $1.2 million price tag. State keeping doses in reserve doses are being wasted. a mRNA vaccine. Sputnik V, but researchers officials will later complain for the second shot. She says the number is in have only completed the software is slowing the “tens.” 1796: Edward Jenner Phase 2 trials on 76 people. down the vaccine rollout. JAN. 12, 2021: The Trump discovers vaccines, using Global scientists question administration makes big JAN. 21, 2021: Cohen cowpox pus to immunize the ethics of his decision. changes in its plan for disputes the CDC’s data on people from smallpox. vaccine rollout. Officials North Carolina’s vaccine SEPT. 8, 2020: Major begin recommending rollout. She says she’s 1976: Researchers lay the vaccine companies, vaccinating anyone 65 or working with officials to groundwork for today’s including Pfizer and older, and anyone with fix discrepancies on the COVID-19 vaccines. They Moderna, pledge to “stand underlying conditions. federal website. make critical discoveries with science” and to They also change how JAN. 24, 2021: North about mRNA — the MARCH 16, 2020: “adhere to high scientific states get vaccine doses. Carolina reports its first genetic material behind Moderna begins Phase 1 and ethical standards” The federal government case of COVID-19 variant the two leading COVID-19 clinical trials for a for individuals’ safety and will begin prioritizing DEC. 11, 2020: The FDA from the United Kingdom. vaccines. Scientists hope COVID-19 vaccine. wellbeing. states by their speed of approves the first vaccine The variant B.1.1.7 is to use snippets of mRNA for emergency use in the vaccine rollout, as well as to hijack the body’s own MARCH 17, 2020: SEPT. 12, 2020: Pfizer and by population size. They identified in an adult in BioNTech say they will U.S., the Pfizer-BioNTech Mecklenburg County. cells and make copies of BioNTech and Pfizer join candidate. The federal will also stop holding viral proteins. This would forces to create a COVID-19 expand their U.S. trial to doses in reserve. 44,000 participants. government funnels more JAN. 25, 2021: The N.C. teach the immune system vaccine. money into Moderna for a to fight viruses. But mRNA Healthcare Association total of $4.1 billion in and the N.C. Association is fragile, and scientists APRIL 16, 2020: The federal funding. struggle to get it to last U.S. bankrolls Moderna’s of Local Health Directors inside the body. One vaccine candidate. both send letters DEC. 13, 2020: Workers criticizing the governor researcher finally makes a in Michigan load vaccines breakthrough. MAY 21, 2020: The U.S. and Cohen’s plans for onto trucks for the first vaccine rollout. Cone federal government deliveries across the U.S. 2003: The severe acute dumps $1.2 billion into Hospital in Greensboro says it had to cancel respiratory syndrome AstraZeneca’s candidate DEC. 14, 2020: The U.S. 10,400 appointments after (SARS) coronavirus is vaccine, securing at least gives its first vaccinations JAN. 12, 2021: Lawmakers the state unexpectedly identified in China. 300 million doses for the OCT. 6, 2020: The FDA to health-care workers. in the N.C. General U.S. updates its guidelines on diverted first-dose Assembly question vaccines. Lincoln and 2012: The Middle East vaccines, requiring DEC. 15, 2020: North department officials about respiratory syndrome drugmakers to collect two Carolina vaccines its first Gaston counties complain the slow rollout of that they will receive no (MERS) coronavirus is months of safety data volunteer. vaccines. Lawmakers discovered on the Arabian after the second injection vaccines for the week as criticize the speed of the state hosts vaccination Peninsula. Its discovery before applying for an DEC. 21, 2020: The distribution. Secretary of spurs another advance emergency authorization. European Union approves megasites in Charlotte. N.C. Department of Health Cohen apologizes and in coronavirus vaccines. The new guidance the Pfizer vaccine. and Human Services Researchers learn how effectively eliminates the guarantees to give some Mandy Cohen says, “I think providers a baseline of to present the immune likelihood of approving a DEC. 23, 2020: Brazil there are a lot of issues. I system with the now- vaccine before the reports data showing minimum vaccines. North JUNE 2020: China's think, overall, for North Carolina ranks 43 out of 50 infamous spike proteins election, and the Trump that China’s CoronaVac Carolina, our decision to that cover COVID-19. military approves the use vaccine protects just over states for distribution. of a vaccine being administration criticizes prioritize every county ... the guidance. 50% of people, less than means there are some that developed by Chinese previously advertised. vaccine maker CanSino are going to be great and NOV. 8, 2020: Pfizer and and the Academy of some that are going to BioNTech release the JAN. 4, 2021: North Military Science. struggle.” preliminary analysis of Carolina has some of their first 94 cases. the lowest vaccination JAN. 14, 2021: Cooper JULY 14, 2020: Moderna rates in the nation. The publishes initial clinical opens COVID-19 vaccines state has vaccinated only to people 65 older. The trial data. Pfizer follows 966 people per 100,000 suit Aug. 12. state abandons its original people. Only five other rollout plan, which states rank lower. 2017: The U.S. National JULY 22, 2020: The Trump separated residents into JAN. 26, 2021: Cohen says Institutes of Health tiers of priority. 95% of all COVID vaccine administration invests JAN. 5, 2021: Gov. Roy partners with Moderna to almost $2 billion in Pfizer first doses have been see how quickly they could Cooper enlists the N.C. JAN. 18, 2021: The U. administered. The state for 100 million doses of its National Guard to help the develop a mRNA vaccine in vaccine. S. has delivered more has given more than the event of a pandemic. state’s vaccinate effort. than 31 million doses of 110,000 doses. Some JULY 27, 2020: Moderna NOVEMBER 2020: Chinese coronavirus vaccines. But 260,000 first doses were 2018: Scientists win a and Pfizer launch Phase state-owned vaccine only 39% of those doses given in the past week victory for the messenger 2-3 trials with 30,000 developer Sinopharm has have been administered. alone. “We’re ready to take RNA technology behind volunteers across multiple vaccinated almost 1 million on those vaccines now,” today’s vaccines. The FDA countries. This will people in China under its JAN. 19, 2021: Biden says Cohen. approves the first lipid determine whether the emergency-use program. announces plans to nanoparticle carrier for vaccines are safe and activate the National JAN. 27, 2021: North mRNA — the technology effective. DEC. 2, 2020: The United Guard to help Americans Carolina is scheduled to that helps mRNA survive Kingdom becomes the get the vaccines. North receive another shipment long enough to provide JULY 2020: China approves first Western country to Carolina has already beat of 120,000 vaccines from protection against viruses a coronavirus vaccine for approve a vaccine for JAN. 8, 2021: Eight him to it. the federal government. inside the body. emergency use that is emergency use. governors demand the developed by state-owned release of all available JAN. 19, 2021: 450,000 JAN. 29: Cohen announces DECEMBER 2019: Chinese drugmaker Sinopharm. DEC. 8, 2020: The FDA vaccine doses, including people have been North Carolina spot in authorities publicly determines that Pfizer’s the ones held in reserve for vaccinated in North the top 10 states for total identify human cases of AUG. 8, 2020: U.S. vaccine has an efficacy the second shot required Carolina, Cohen says. doses administered. COVID-19. spending passes $9 rate of 95%. for immunity. Cooper is billion for developing and not among them. 14 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 INTERVIEW Jackson plans to compete for statewide seat in 2022

CJ goes in-depth to run for re-election to the INTERVIEW with former seat in 2022 for a full term. DW: Democrat State What was your first day on the bench like? House Leader What has surprised you so far? Darren Jackson DJ: I have not had my as he transitions first oral argument yet, so technically I have not sat on to State Court of the bench, although I have Appeals considered and voted on Darren Jackson several motions. North Carolina Court of So far, I have been very Appeals Judge impressed by the congenial- Dallas Woodhouse: How ity of all the members of the State Rep. Darren Jackson ran were you first approached court. Almost every judge unopposed for his Wake County about joining the Court has reached out to offer state House seat in the 2020 of Appeals? What were advice, support, and help. I election. As House minority your first thoughts about have also found the staff to leader he oversaw political and making such a move? be very friendly and helpful policy strategy for his party’s as well, although that’s members. Republicans added Darren Jackson: Over the not a surprise. My years in a net four seats to their House course of my career, I have public service have taught majority, leaving the chamber considered what would me that we have wonderful with 69 Republicans and 51 SWORN IN. Judge Darren Jackson says of his judicial philosophy, "The Court of Appeals is an be next in my legal career. people across this state go- Democrats. error-correcting court. I intend to approach each case in a fair and impartial manner without any Through the years, I have preconceived bias or desired outcome. ing to work every day trying When voters elevated Phil indicated to many folks my to do a great job for all the Berger Jr. from the state interest in the bench once citizens of North Carolina. Court of Appeals to the state my legislative service was DW: DW: Supreme Court, Gov. Roy over. I have been in the interest since he success- satisfying in that my office Your fellow Tell us something Cooper picked Jackson to same job since I graduated fully made the transition was able to help a lot of Democrats in the N.C. about yourself that our fill Berger’s vacant Court of from law school. Leaving a from politician to jurist. people with unemploy- House elected you as readers may be surprised Appeals seat. firm and my partners after Locally, I have always ment, loss of health insur- leader. And Gov. Cooper to learn. 25 years is difficult, and admired Justice Michael ance, rental assistance, trusted you to look Jackson is a lifelong resident DJ: of eastern Wake County. He certainly there are reser- Morgan and Superior Court food assistance, etc. after his interests in the That the Bojangles vations, and maybe even a Judge Craig Croom. I have General Assembly, and of cup they normally see in and his wife, Tina, have three DW: children and one grandchild. few second thoughts. watched them on the bench Do you agree with course appointed you to my hand is actually full of from my time as a young the following statement: this position. How will you Pepsi and not sweet tea. He received a bachelor’s degree DW: How do you define lawyer and have seen them The federal government separate your previous in political science from the DW: University of North Carolina yourself politically? serve as role models for has three equal branches role from your new role as Tell us your funniest at Chapel Hill in 1993 and a How will that affect your other young lawyers and of government with an impartial judge? Is it experience in politics. judicial approach? young people in their com- checks and balances. possible? degree from Duke University DJ: munities. Always courteous But while North Carolina Nothing funny that I School of Law in 1996. DJ: DJ: I am a registered Demo- to all those that appear in also has three branches I have often remarked can remember right now (or After graduating law school, crat and will run for re-elec- front of them, I have seen of government with that I thought lawyers that would be appropriate he practiced with the firm tion as such. I was always these judges making a checks and balances, made good legislators be- to share.) After 12 years at of Gay, Stroud, & Jackson a big supporter of nonpar- difference in drug court and the branches are not cause of their legal training. the [General Assembly], I (later renamed Gay, Jackson, tisan judicial elections and juvenile courts in ways that equal, because the You represent a client to can tell you that I still often & McNally) in Zebulon. His believe that politics should have made real differences state Constitution and the best of your abilities, went down stairwells that practice focused on real estate not impact your judicial in the lives of many. the traditions of North without getting emotional- didn’t go anywhere. I think and civil litigation. He litigated approach. Carolina have given more ly involved. the fact that we honored DW: criminal and civil cases in In a sentence or two, power to the legislative At the legislature, I the architecture of that DW: all levels of the state courts, What are the three how would you define your branch, subject to revision represented my district. As building a few years ago to from Small Claims Court to most important qualities judicial philosophy? as the people see fit? leader, I had to stand up and be some sort of an inside the N.C. Supreme Court, as a judge must have to be make certain arguments in joke. DJ: DJ: well as at the U.S. District and an effective jurist? Which I am not approaching Separation of powers is representing my caucus and DW: Bankruptcy Courts. He also judges, current or retired, this new position with any an issue that has become party. Any parting words? worked on appellate cases to past or present, do you preconceived philosophy. before the courts many Now, I am in a totally DJ: the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of most admire? Why? The Court of Appeals is times the last 10 years different job, one where it Writing this on Mar- Appeals. an error-correcting court. and could easily come up is not my job to represent tin Luther King Jr. Day, it DJ: Jackson served 12 years in Socrates aptly described I intend to approach each again during my time on a party, a political party, a seems appropriate to leave the state House. His Court of the essential qualities of case in a fair and impartial the court. According to our point of view, or a bias. I am you with a quote from Dr. Appeals seat will be open for a a good judge. “Four things manner without any pre- Code of Judicial Conduct, to serve as a judge without King: full eight-year term in 2022. belong to a judge: to hear conceived bias or desired “A judge should abstain bias. I believe my training "Injustice anywhere is courteously, to answer outcome. from public comment about allows me to make this a threat to justice every- Dallas Woodhouse interviewed wisely, to consider soberly, the merits of a pending transition very easily. where. We are caught in Jackson by email. DW: and to decide impartially.” What will you miss proceeding in any state an inescapable network of DW: I’ve enjoyed reading most about the General or federal court dealing Have you given any mutuality, tied in a single books about U.S. Supreme Assembly? with a case or controversy thoughts for running garment of destiny. What- Court Chief Justice Earl arising in North Carolina or statewide for this seat in ever affects one directly, DJ: Warren, Justice Thurgood The very good friends I addressing North Carolina 2022? affects all indirectly." Marshall, and Justice Wil- have made and the nonpo- law.” Therefore, it would This interview was edited for DJ: liam Brennan. Of course, litical work. The last nine not be proper to comment Yes, I certainly took You can follow Jackson on clarity and space. now Warren is of particular months were particularly further. this new job with the plan Twitter at @JacksonforNC CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 15 COMMENTARY G.A. should not shy away from expanding gun rights

in violent crime, proving there’s no ugly head again. danger in expanding an inher- It’s important that state legisla- ent right enshrined in the Bill of tors continue to expand something Rights and state constitution. James Madison declared to be an Vermont has had constitutional “advantage” to Americans that carry since it has been a state. “the Constitution preserves.” In RAY NOTHSTINE Two other New England states, The Federalist Papers, in what is an OPINION EDITOR Maine and New Hampshire, passed essential point, Madison goes on this legislation in 2015 and 2017. to explain that European countries North Carolinians need to ask their don’t trust their citizens with arms f one isn’t paying attention to lawmakers why they are less de- because they are afraid of their Second Amendment issues, serving of these rights than many subjects. Yet, over here, citizens they might not know North Northeasterners? Are we less should remember they are masters Carolina has lost a lot of ground capable of self-government or less and not servants of the govern- Icompared to other states over knowledgeable of firearm safety? ment. the past few decades. Our state NORTH CAROLINA SLIPPING IN GUN RIGHTS. A state Superior Court judge had Another reason the General As- An essential part of federalism doesn’t make any of the worst to intervene when Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker tried to use the coronavi- sembly should go on the offensive is the state legislatures exert- lists, but many rankings no longer rus pandemic to suspend pistol permits temporarily. is that it’s unclear how aggressive ing their power against federal put us near the top 10. Gun & the Biden White House will be in encroachment, especially if the Ammo magazine ranked N.C. No. attacking the Second Amendment. issue has the backing of the Bill of 26 out of 50 for best states for gun Another problem with the a more defensive strategy. This Taken directly from his campaign Rights. North Carolinians should owners in 2019. permit process: The Wake County was true even during legislative website, Biden says he wants ask their legislators why the state North Carolina has a pretty sheriff tried to use the coronavirus supermajorities. Yet it may be time to restrict gun purchases to one is falling behind on this issue, strong concealed carry law, yet, pandemic in 2020 to suspend pistol finally to rethink this tactic given per month and add a ban on the especially compared to many amazingly, the state still requires permits temporarily, essentially that states less red than North manufacture and sale of so-called neighboring states? the Jim Crow-era pistol permit implementing a de-facto handgun Carolina have passed constitution- assault weapons, a nebulous term North Carolinians should know to buy a handgun. The only way purchase ban. A Superior Court al carry legislation over the past often used for certain semi-auto- they are only one election from to bypass that is by having a judge had to intervene to restore decade. Missouri and West Virgin- matic rifles. going the way of Virginia last state-issued concealed-carry the rule of law and equal protec- ia even achieved bipartisan votes Fortunately, since the Heller year, where the legislature passed permit. Other Southern and many tion under the U.S. Constitution. to override constitutional carry Supreme Court decision, federal seven gun-control bills. Finally, Midwestern states have already Furthermore, while the permit cost vetoes from Democrat governors. judges have been more favorable most North Carolinians know the scrapped these laws, which are of $5 is not an undue hindrance, Constitutional carry, sometimes to protecting the plain meaning long-established truth on this well-known for their racist legacy what other inherent rights are you called “permitless carry,” would of the text of the Second Amend- issue: More firearm regulations are of trying to keep firearms away charged for by the government? simply allow for concealed carry ment. However, states can place ineffectual for preventing crime from black Americans. Reason In recent years, Republicans without a state-issued permit. regulations on firearms, and feder- or improving public safety. It’s magazine called it “the Klan’s haven’t done much to expand gun States that have enacted this leg- al overreach during a Biden-Harris the criminals, not the law-abiding favorite law” in 2005. rights in North Carolina, preferring islation have not seen an increase administration is bound to rear its citizens, who eschew gun laws.

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www.carolinajournal.com Breaking news, top stories, and analysis delivered each morning to your inbox. 16 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 EDUCATION Radical changes coming to N.C. social studies standards

lack a basic understanding of critical question: What is it that civics and U.S. history. There is a holds a nation together?” crisis in social studies in education America’s political, religious, in America, and these standards and intellectual leaders formu- would do nothing to address it. lated the “melting pot” ideal as a In April 2020, we were reminded “brilliant solution for the inherent DR. TERRY STOOPS of the appalling state of social fragility, the inherent combusti- CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE EDUCATION studies education in the United bility, of a multiethnic society,” JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION States. That’s when we learned Schlesinger observed. But it’s an that only 15% of eighth-grade stu- ideal under assault in our public dents were proficient on the 2018 schools, the one place that taught n February, the N.C. State National Assessment of Educa- generations of Americans about Board of Education is expect- tional Progress U.S. history test, a the things and ideas that bind ed to approve new academic 3-percentage-point drop from four them together and offer a perpetu- standards for all public school years ago. And only around one in ating justification for the Amer- social studies courses. The new four students scored at or above ican experiment. Today, tribal I DIVIDING US? Protesters surround a monument in Raleigh in May 2020. Tribal standards represent an extreme proficient on the NAEP civics and antagonisms have led to violent antagonisms have led to violent confrontations in cities and towns across the departure from those approved in geography tests administered in confrontations in cities and towns nation, and there is no indication such conflicts will subside. the past, and parents may begin 2018. While state-level results are across the nation, and there is to notice changes in their chil- not available, there’s little reason no indication such conflicts will dren’s social studies lessons as introductory statement affirming DPI staff released revised to believe that N.C. students would subside. early as the next school year. the state’s commitment to diver- standards the following Decem- outperform national averages. In the end, North Carolina’s The current review of academ- sity and equity, Bristow-Smith, ber. In addition to being littered We should recognize the poten- revised social studies standards ic standards for the state’s K-12 Morris, and Ford called for sweep- with spelling and grammatical tial for divisiveness and ignorance focus on what divides us, not what social studies courses began in ing changes. Ford echoed Bris- mistakes, staff appeared simply to to undermine our nation’s social unites us. It typifies the kind of April 2019. Many expected the tow-Smith’s complaint that the substitute references to “people” and political foundations. In identity politics that many North process of drafting, vetting, and standards did not contain “specif- and “groups” with lists of those his 1991 book, The Disuniting of Carolinians and Americans reject. revising the standards to be ic words and concepts,” particu- deemed marginalized or oppressed. America: Reflections on a Multi- Perhaps it’s time to adopt an aspi- completed in one year. In fact, larly those related to the “rich and Agency staff also recommended cultural Society, historian Arthur rational vision for social studies the State Board of Education was diverse history of marginalized the inclusion of numerous new Schlesinger Jr. worried the classifi- education in our state. A 1952 poised to approve new standards groups and the representation of standards designed to focus on cation of all Americans according bulletin published by DPI is a good in June 2020. But the process was them.” Ford contended that “spec- America’s sins. It is hard to imag- to ethnic and racial categories place to start. “Social studies,” derailed when State Board of Edu- ificity and inclusiveness will help ine a more cynical and divisive col- would lead to the kind of corrosive the authors wrote, “is the area of cation principal adviser Matthew produce more socially conscious lection of social studies standards. social fragmentation and sepa- our school program that children Bristow-Smith, teacher adviser and empathetic future citizens to Proponents of the change ratism that make preservation of re-discover the past and seek to Mariah Morris, and board member have a more perfect union.” A ma- offered no empirical or anecdotal nationhood impossible. understand and appreciate their James Ford opposed approval due jority of the board relented, and evidence that students lack an ap- “Unless a common purpose heritage; unravel the present and to concerns about “inconsisten- its leadership instructed the N.C. preciation of marginalized groups binds them together, tribal an- seek to understand their world of cies on race and equality perspec- Department of Public Instruction or that teachers sought to suppress tagonisms will drive them apart," people; and finally, live and work tives.” to incorporate suggestions from minority perspectives. But there Schlesinger wrote. "In this century with others in an effort to make Despite a proposal to add an the three objectors. is plenty of evidence that students darkly ahead, civilization faces a this a better world.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 17 COMMENTARY DID YOU KNOW? UNC schools will get millions in COVID-19 funding

Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding to UNC System schools students, an institution of higher education shall prioritize grants to UNC Charlotte $38,861,459 students with exceptional need, East Carolina $31,238,299 such as students who receive Pell UNC Greensboro $30,170,663 Grants. N.C. State $27,804,067 New HEERF funding will be allo- JENNA A. ROBINSON UNC-Chapel Hill $25,354,738 cated to favor institutions that en- COLUMNIST Appalachian State $23,839,125 roll a large number of low-income N.C. A&T $22,583,386 students. This is a change from the UNC Wilmington $16,961,330 CARES Act, which allocated fund- ongress recently approved the Western Carolina $14,558,112 ing based on total enrollments. Consolidated Appropriations NCCU $14,421,744 The Department of Education Act of 2021, a $2.4 trillion UNC Pembroke $10,903,457 is expected to release more details spending package that includes $23 Winston-Salem State $10,125,820 on HEERF funding in the coming Cbillion in aid for public and nonprof- Fayetteville State $9,236,570 weeks. it colleges and universities. UNC Asheville $5,398,076 Universities have suffered sig- The relief package will provide nificant losses over the past two Elizabeth City State $3,540,695 about $286 million in new Higher semesters due to COVID-19. This UNC School of the Arts $1,245,712 Education Emergency Relief Fund- aid, in addition to the $179 million ing to University of North Carolina SOURCE: United States Department of Education in CARES Act that UNC schools System schools. Of that amount, received in the spring, will help almost $90 million is allocated tors, UNC System President Peter a transition to distance education, exclusively enrolled in distance universities recover. It will also directly for emergency student Hans explained that the aid to uni- faculty and staff trainings, and education), which may be used mean that there is less pressure on aid and about $196 million will versities can be used for various payroll); for any component of the stu- the N.C. legislature to increase its go to the institutions themselves. purposes, including: Carry[ing] out student support dent’s cost of attendance or for own appropriations to UNC in the (These figures are estimates creat- Defray[ing] expenses associ- activities authorized by the Higher emergency costs that arise due to coming year. ed by the Association of Public & ated with coronavirus (including Education Act that address needs coronavirus, such as tuition, food, Land-Grant Universities.) lost revenue, reimbursement related to coronavirus; or housing, health care (including Jenna Robinson is president of the In an email to the UNC Board of for expenses already incurred, Provid[ing] financial aid grants mental health care), or child care. James G. Martin Center for Academic Governors and campus administra- technology costs associated with to students (including students In making financial aid grants to Renewal. Money for nothing: The worst of student loan debt hits college dropouts

defaulting on my student loans a larger institutional problem in as I struggle to get on my feet education that comes from telling in Pennsylvania, living at home young people the only path to with my family. success is through college. Sometimes I think back to my The political discussion around freshman year of high school student debt forgiveness spends MEGAN ARNOLD when the vocational/technical too much time questioning the COLUMNIST school gave a presentation to morality and intelligence of stu- encourage students to sign up dent debtors, rather than ques- for vo-tech. I felt inspired by it tioning the federal student loan I CAN’T REMEMBER a single alter- and talked to my parents about system. Higher education depends native to college proposed to me, their culinary program that night. on young people borrowing tens for me, my entire school-age life. The response I received wasn’t of thousands of dollars for college. That I would go to college after exactly “you’re too good to learn Yet tens of thousands of them high school was presented by a skilled trade; you’re going to go have little hope of completing a adults and taken by me as a given. to college,” but that’s what I took degree or repaying their debt. How I would pay for it was away from it. Things need to change in the always a thing to be figured out I have no interest in avoiding provision of higher education, later. My mom had a modest accountability for the decisions to be sure, but that may need to state-based Tuition Assistance hear from this group. The problem for one school that didn’t fit the I made that got me to where I begin with changes in our cultural Program account for me. It was goes deeper than student loan criteria of the next. Already an- am: in debt, living at home, and attitudes toward having a college assumed I would be awarded forgiveness. noyed with being required to take without an undergraduate degree degree and, perhaps especially, some merit-based scholarships, I commuted to a school near (and pay for) classes outside of to show for it. toward not having one. and whatever remained could home in Pennsylvania that year, my chosen areas of study, I opted But I must give myself some I don’t want student loan for- be paid for with student loans. I so it took all that money just for to take classes only in my majors space to reflect (or deflect) that giveness, at least not without the started college in 2008. My fresh- in-state tuition and fees. The — anthropology and economics the amount of foresight and federal government exiting the man year required all the TAP next year, that money my mom — in my first semester at the new self-knowledge required here is student loan industry altogether, funds, a chunk of my mom’s 401k, had taken from her retirement school. This was the only semes- a bit of an unreasonable ask of forever and ever, amen. But more a Pell Grant, federal loans, and a savings would put us over the ter I made the Dean’s List. 18-year-olds. They have been than anything in terms of policy, private loan. income threshold for a Pell Grant, Eventually, I changed my eco- told they’re bright for their entire I’d like to see more alternatives Oh, and I guess I did get $750 and I transferred to an even more nomics major to a minor so I could lives and they must go to college to college available to people from the school for academic expensive private university in finish a degree and get out of so they can succeed — which, it leaving high school, and I’d like achievement. Washington, D.C. there as quickly as possible with turns out, was also a lie. I don’t to see companies and organiza- My story is an all-too-common A year at the private school, something to show for it. That blame them, but it didn’t help that tions spend more time getting to one. The public policy of Amer- and then I transferred again, was 2012. It’s 2020 now, and I’ve my parents didn’t go to college know job candidates beyond the ican higher education has left staying in the D.C. area but mov- been sitting with 119/120 credits and couldn’t offer much advice for presence or absence of a degree over 100,000 25-39 year-olds with ing to a slightly more affordable toward my degree and three choosing colleges and financing on a resume. some college, no degree, and, public university. I wasted credits classes remaining since 2016. options. most likely, significant debt. Yet, every time I transferred — usually I’ve been working in the retail/ Individuals carry responsibility Megan Arnold is a writer based in in policy discussions, we rarely general education requirements service industry for four years and for unwise decisions, but there’s Pennsylvania. 18 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 COMMENTARY General Assembly faces new challenges as 2021 session gets underway

received over $3.5 billion of the $2 currence with the elected Council trillion federal funds to address of State and approval from the the pandemic effects. These funds, legislature. It’s a question of good under restrictions designated from government, no matter who the Congress, were appropriated by governor happens to be. the General Assembly to address During the pandemic, through BECKI GRAY small business loans, support numerous executive orders, some SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT for online education, broadband regulations have been waived JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION access, vaccination rollout, and that should be made permanent. school support. In Cooper’s Executive Order 130, Congress approved an additional removing certificate-of-need ith a ceremonial appropriation for unemployment requirements to free up hospital swearing in and social benefits and for food, rental, and beds, dialysis stations, and ambu- distanced pomp and child care assistance to the states. latory surgical centers and MRIs as circumstance on Jan. 13, the 2021- North Carolina will receive over needed was right then and a good W22 biennial session of the N.C. $1 billion. The General Assembly idea post-pandemic. Health care General Assembly officially began. must ensure any emergency funds transparency and deregulation are After a brief organizational break, address pandemic needs and don’t important to going forward, just they are back and ready to get to NEW GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Mark Robinson, being sworn in here as the state’s merely expand or create govern- as there is no reason to restrict work as of Jan. 27. first African American lieutenant governor, will serve as the president of the ment programs. ever-greater school choice options for the next four years. The new House consists of 69 The governor’s wide-sweeping post pandemic. Republicans and 51 Democrats. powers under N.C.’s Emergen- Because of lawmakers' fiscally The 2021 Senate consists of 28 cy Management Act need to be responsible decisions to lower Republicans and 22 Democrats. than all other governors combined. congressional and legislative realigned with the reality of an taxes and restrain spending over Tim Moore was elected unani- (The governor didn’t receive veto districts. emergency lasting nine months or the past decade, North Carolina’s mously by his colleagues to serve power in North Carolina until The almost yearlong pandemic longer. Enacted in 1977, the intent revenue picture looks better than as speaker of the House for a 1996.) House Republicans need has affected everyone and every- of the act was to authorize one many other states. But when fed- fourth term. The N.C. Senate was three Democrats to join with them thing from health care to edu- person (the governor) to respond eral subsidies go away and the real also unanimous in electing the to override any of Cooper’s vetoes cation to the economy. Cooper’s to an emergency for “prevention impact of the pandemic hits, fiscal longest-serving member of the this session; Senate Republicans executive orders have devastated of, preparation for, response to, restraint will be more critical than Senate, Phil Berger, as president need two Democrats to support businesses. Record numbers of and recovery from natural or ever before. pro tempore for a sixth term. Mark any veto overrides. people are unemployed through man-made emergencies or hostile The COVID-19 pandemic that Robinson, a Republican and the Barring any new emergencies, no fault of their own. Children military or paramilitary action.” defined 2020 isn’t over. Look for state’s first African American look for this session to consist of are suffering from the closings The goal was to keep residents the 2021 General Assembly to lieutenant governor, serves as three phases: of in-person learning. Domestic safe and commerce intact and to address North Carolina’s needs ag- president of the Senate for the 1. Immediate COVID-19 re- violence, child abuse, substance ensure a quick recovery. It was gresively as they start their work. next four years. sponse and recovery; abuse, and mental health issues never intended for one person to The state budget and redistricting Democrat Roy Cooper remains 2. The state budget in later are affecting families and individ- have power to close businesses, of legislative and congressional governor with veto power over spring with a budget passed uals every day. shut down schools, and bring an districts will follow later once the all bills except constitutional and sent to the governor COVID-19 response and re- economy to a screeching halt for pandemic is under control and the amendments, redistricting plans, before the end of the fiscal covery will drive the new Gen- months on end. The law should be state’s economy is back on track. and local bills. In his previous four- year; and eral Assembly for the next few amended to require time frames Smart decisions now will pay off year term, he vetoed 53 bills, more 3. The decennial redistricting of months. In 2020, North Carolina for the governor to secure con- later. BIG GOVERNMENT $171 $1 Million Billion MEDICAID COLLECTIVE EXPANSION BIG PRICE TAG BARGAINING THE THREAT IS REAL $7 billion sucked 5,500 fewer jobs Families will keep Harder to attract Sound budgeting out of our economy available each less of what they new businesses threatened over 4 years year earn

Learn more at: johnlocke.org/research CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 19 COMMENTARY History argues against frequent 4-3 state Supreme Court splits

Morgan on two other occasions. Conditions changed after 2018. Democrats flipped an additional seat in that year’s election, then picked up a sixth seat in 2019 when a Republican resignation MITCH KOKAI opened up a spot for a Roy Cooper SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST appointee. JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION As the Supreme Court’s only remaining Republican, Newby proved to be his colleagues’ most ou might expect that the frequent critic. He dissented 54 2020 N.C. Supreme Court times over the next two years. (No elections will guarantee one else cast more than 25 dis- plenty of 4-3 rulings in the year senting votes.) But Newby did not Yahead. The high court’s four Demo- always speak as a lone wolf. Ervin crats could line up against its three voted alongside Newby in dissent Republicans, including the two 11 times. Morgan and Newby dis- newest members. sented in 13 of the same cases. But a look back at recent court Some of those cases proved history suggests that it’s wise to politically consequential. Morgan look beyond party labels. Par- and Newby bucked the majority ty-line splits proved rare the last in a pair of high-profile cases in- time Democrats held a 4-3 advan- volving questionable leniency for tage. PHOTO FILE AP sexual predators. Ervin and Newby SPLIT DECISIONS? When Paul Newby was the only Republican on the court, Justices Samuel Ervin IV (left) and Michael Before delving into the past, let’s differed on the legal reasoning — Morgan (right) joined in many of his dissents. Either one could prove willing to join him in a future split decision. set the stage for the newly recon- but reached the same result — in figured court that began hearing objecting to a court decision that cases in January. freed a convicted murderer from Entering the 2020 election, Dem- Justice Michael Morgan had joined That leaves 13 cases that pro- promised equal membership for death row. ocrats outnumbered Republicans, the court in 2017 after unseating duced 4-3 splits. That’s just 8% of both major parties, rather than giv- Both Ervin and Morgan remain 6-1, on the state Supreme Court. Republican incumbent Robert total cases. Even more significant ing the governor a a 3-2 Democrat- on the Supreme Court today. Three seats were up for grabs in No- Edmunds in the 2016 election. for those looking for signs of par- ic advantage. Critics viewed the Recent history suggests that either vember, including the chief justice’s Morgan’s win flipped control of the tisanship: Only three of those 13 ruling as a clear sign of partisan one could prove willing to join Re- post. For the first time in almost court from Republicans to Demo- splits pitted the court’s four Demo- judicial activism. publicans in a split decision, even two decades, Democratic and crats. crats against its three Republicans. But that case proved to be a rare if that means voting against fellow Republican candidates competed in Some observers expected that One of those partisan splits exception. Democrats. Strong legal reasoning one-on-one matchups with party the change in partisan advantage deserves special attention. On Jan. In seven of the 4-3 splits regis- could prove persuasive in winning labels linked to their names. in 2017 might lead to significant 26, 2018, the high court handed tered in 2017 and 2018, the three Ervin’s or Morgan’s support. Republicans swept all three shifts in court rulings. Democrats down its ruling in Cooper v. Berger. Republican justices joined a Dem- Now, with two more conserva- seats, though Justice Paul Newby would outvote their Republican That case featured a political clash ocrat to create a majority. Justice tive jurists on the bench and two needed a month after Election colleagues regularly, 4-3. But that between the state’s Democratic Samuel Ervin IV gave Republican Democratic colleagues who have Day to confirm his victory over prediction never panned out. governor and its Republican leg- colleagues a fourth vote five times. been open to supporting his legal outgoing Chief Justice Cheri Beas- Over the course of two years of a islative leaders. The specific issue Morgan, the court’s newest mem- arguments in the past, Newby ley. With new Republican Justices 4-3 Democratic majority, the state focused on lawmakers’ planned ber at the time, joined the Republi- should be able to shift gears. He Tamara Barringer and Phil Berger Supreme Court issued opinions restructuring of the state elections can justices twice. will no longer need to play dissent- Jr. joining the court, Democrats’ in 155 cases. In 125 cases (81%), board. It’s also worth noting that er-in-chief. majority drops to 4-3. justices ruled unanimously. Of the Democrats on the bench sided Newby wrote four of the majority It’s even possible that he’ll be The new partisan split mirrors remaining 30 cases, eight produced with the Democratic governor. opinions in 4-3 split rulings in 2017 part of more winning coalitions the arrangement justices faced a solo dissent. In nine cases, two They threw out a new bipartisan and 2018. His reasoning convinced than the court’s 4-3 Democratic as recently as 2018. Democratic justices broke ranks. elections board. The board had Ervin to cross party lines twice and majority suggests. NORTH CAROLINA

BUDGET IN PICTURES ONLINE NOW AT JOHNLOCKE.ORG

A visual exploration of the current N.C. budget: How does state government get its money? How does it use that money? How has that changed over time? And how might that change in the future? 20 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 COMMENTARY N.C. lawmakers should continue to reject Medicaid expansion

trillion in debt, much of which is would be ludicrous. due to Medicaid? Moreover, unfore- Medicaid expansion would seen costs have been a constant inexplicably hurt the most vulner- problem for Medicaid. able North Carolinians. Medicaid For example, Medicaid expansion is a program meant for the most in Louisiana was expected to cost disadvantaged residents. However, DONALD BRYSON about $1.4 billion per year. Instead, because of Medicaid’s low doctor PRESIDENT it has cost taxpayers an estimated reimbursement rates, patients JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION $3.1 billion per year — more than already have a tough time getting a twice the Legislative Fiscal Office’s doctor’s appointment, contributing original estimates, according to the to the program’s shockingly poor he two U.S. Senate elections Pelican Institute. health outcomes. The expansion in Georgia are over, and now A 2020 study from the John would add thousands and thou- the overall national election Locke Foundation found that Med- sands of able-bodied, childless, results are known. Democrats have icaid expansion in North Carolina working-age adults to Medicaid, declared their newfound control would create a significant gap in which would further exacerbate T FUNDING GAP. Up to $171.3 million in the first year of Medicaid expansion of both chambers of Congress. But the state budget. This funding gap the problem of access to quality would have to be made up through new appropriations or taxation. equally significant events took of $119.3 million to $171.3 million care for the neediest North Caro- place at the state level, where bold, in the first year alone would have linians. free-market-friendly leadership has helped protect North Carolina would come with it, by passing to be made up through new state As former Wisconsin Gov. Scott was vindicated and advanced once from a critical aspect of the federal Senate Bill 4 — No NC. Exchange/ appropriations, increased taxes Walker — who rejected Medicaid again in North Carolina. government’s health care takeover. No Medicaid Expansion — in early on managed care plans, or higher eligibility expansion — told the North Carolina has been a leader Unfortunately, special-interest 2013. This bill prevented Gov. Roy taxes on providers. Wall Street Journal, “Caring for the in enacting free-market reforms at groups will clamor to pressure the Cooper from unilaterally expand- Additionally, renewed calls for poor isn’t the same thing as taking the state level that are improving Republican leadership at the Gen- ing Medicaid in his first week in Medicaid expansion also come money from the federal govern- people’s lives. The past decade’s eral Assembly to expand Medicaid office in 2017. when the state’s Medicaid program ment to lock more people into tax reforms have reduced the bur- under Obamacare. The General Assembly should continues to transform into a new Medicaid.” den of government and simplified Fortunately, the Supreme Court continue to ignore calls for Medic- managed care model, which expan- Obamacare expansion via Med- the filing process for millions of of the United States ruled the aid expansion. sion would confuse and disrupt. icaid is a shell game that’s a bad Tar Heel families. The expansion of Biden-Pelosi-Schumer government The Obama administration And what would we be paying deal for taxpayers and a bad deal school choice has created oppor- in Washington cannot force states promised states that Washington for? Nothing that should comfort for North Carolina’s economically tunities for thousands of students to expand Medicaid. The General would pick up 100% of the expan- taxpayers. disadvantaged families. When spe- in our state, which has become Assembly has already exercised sion costs for the first three years, Potentially crowding out funding cial-interest groups come knocking particularly important in the wake our state’s rights, rejecting Medic- and then 90% after that — but for public safety and schools for after the legislative session starts, of COVID-19. And the rejection of aid expansion and the additional how reliable is this guarantee from the return on investment we would the General Assembly should keep Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion Obamacare empty promises that a federal government that is $27 receive from Medicaid expansion the door shut.

this writing, we haven’t received a Courageous response. CNN wants to ban Former ACLU executive director First Fox News. ABC News Ira Glasser, who led the organiza- Political Director tion in 1977 when it defended a Rick Klein suggests group of neo-Nazis’ right to march Amendment in Skokie, Illinois, is concerned a national ideological about the future of the First 'cleansing' of Trump Amendment. continued from PAGE 2 In a recent interview with Nick supporters. MSNBC’s Gillespie of Reason magazine, stag Fire in 1933. Support for Pres- Joy Reid is pushing Glasser recalls telling a group of ident Trump in any way is darn 'de-Ba’athication.' college students that, based on near an act of sedition. Support of his experience at the ACLU, if they the First Amendment is a crime care about social justice issues, against public welfare. then free speech is their ally. That CNN wants to ban Fox News. can’t just spew disinformation and was news to them. What aston- ABC News Political Director Rick misinformation.” ished him is that “these were very Klein suggests a national ideolog- Closer to home, Gov. Roy Cooper educated, bright young people, ical “cleansing” of Trump support- got a little bellicose with his lan- and they didn’t seem to know this ers. MSNBC’s Joy Reid is pushing guage at a recent news conference. history.” “de-Ba’athication.” (I had to look it “More people could be alive today Based on my experience teach- up.) Democrat lawmakers demand but for dangerous falsehoods that ing college students, not knowing resignations from some Republi- have been spread about the crit- history is not a surprise to me. cans. Google, Apple, and Amazon ical importance of masks, social Freedom is messy, but it takes collude to bring down Parler. distancing.” Translation: Anyone courage. Glasser warns, “For Twitter censors the New York Post who disagrees with Cooper — who people who today claim to be over stories critical of then-can- has ruled under a state of emer- passionate about social justice, to didate Joe Biden. It permanently gency for 10 months and kept establish free speech as an enemy bans Trump along with tens of residents locked down and in a is suicidal.” thousands of his supporters with perpetual state of fear — and dares The speech we hate the most encouragement from former first to share those opposing opinions is is the speech that should be most lady Michelle Obama, who wants guilty of killing people. protected. If the First Amendment the president banned from all If you believe that to be true, it’s doesn’t apply to everybody, then platforms. not a huge leap to suggest people it doesn’t apply to anybody. That’s Verbal bomb thrower and Dem- who perpetuate what Cooper calls why the ACLU defended neo-Na- ocrat Congresswoman Alexandria “lies” and “misinformation” should zis’ right to free speech. That’s Ocasio-Cortez said Congress has be put in jail. Carolina Journal courage. That’s freedom. That’s “to figure out how to rein in the contacted the governor’s office the First Amendment. And that’s media environment so that you seeking clarification, but as of why I love it. CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 21 COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD

Lower taxes Competing schools serve families well n response to the COVID-19 work in them, as my parents did pandemic, our schools have for most of their respective ca- attract key gone in a variety of directions. reers. Millions of North Carolin- Some public school districts that ians cherish their local schools. leaders Ishut down last spring have never They want to see them improved, reopened for in-person learning not destroyed. to any significant degree. Others Parental-choice initiatives have welcomed at least their advance that goal, too. When continued from PAGE 2 younger students back to school, schools must compete to attract as have most charter and private and retain students, their omy, or that of particular regional schools. offerings generally get better, and local economies within our I think the latter group got as do their outcomes. Empirical state, depends to a large extent it right. Online learning has research isn’t unanimous in on whether key economic leaders its place. But as delivered over support of this effect — that’s want to live, work, invest, or create the past year to large masses not how academic research businesses here or do so some- of students, without sufficient PARENTAL CHOICE. When schools must compete to attract and retain stu- works — but well-constructed where else. preparation or support by teach- dents, their offerings generally get better, as do their outcomes. studies have linked higher school Democrats and progressives fully ers untrained in its best practic- competition to higher student accept this premise. Some even es, virtual instruction has been performance for decades. accept the premise that tax policy largely a bust. ic. Because North Carolina had and support groups have, too. In a recent paper published in is a useful tool for attracting and Moreover, the best available a rich and expanding array of While North Carolinians were the journal Applied Economics, keeping those economic leaders, evidence suggests that the risk school choices going into the cri- fortunate to have more school three professors delved deeply which is why they award targeted of COVID spread in schools is sis, North Carolina families have choice than the national aver- into the case of Mississippi. They tax incentives to politically favored minimal, particularly when been better served than those of age, far too many parents were found that in communities with firms (such as manufacturers) schools follow basic protection many other states. left holding the bag. Even as we higher concentrations of private or industries (such as renewable protocols. Children just don’t If parents of school-aged move into the spring semester, schools with religious affilia- energy). seem to contract or transmit the children deemed it unacceptable many are still holding it. And it’s tions, in particular, public schools What they reject is the premise virus to the same degree that to take even the miniscule risk still empty. tend to respond in ways that that reducing taxes for all execu- adults do. As a recent study of that their children might catch or The General Assembly and boost learning. The authors con- tives, entrepreneurs, investors, and N.C. schools by Duke and UNC carry home the virus, they were other state policymakers should cluded that “policymakers should high-value professionals will have Chapel Hill researchers conclud- free to continue virtual learning. see this challenging experience consider competition-based broad economic benefits. They ar- ed, “within-school infections On the other hand, a fair number as a learning opportunity. The school reform policies to increase gue that lower taxes won’t attract were extremely rare.” of parents with different risk more options, the better. public-school outcomes.” more of these individuals and that However, rather than relitigate calculations had other options to Does advocating more parental I think the COVID experience virtually none of the tax savings this issue, I’d like to focus on a pursue. Many charter and private choice mean I disdain district-run will end up changing our edu- will “trickle down” as more jobs or different aspect of our education schools have been flooded with public schools? Hardly. I appreci- cation system for good, in both higher incomes. system’s reaction to the pandem- requests. Homeschooling vendors ate the many fine educators who senses of the term. As an empirical matter, they are mistaken. Most peer-reviewed studies of state and local econ- NORTH CAROLINA GOVERNMENT omies show that lower taxes, particularly on corporate and per- sonal income, are associated with Process and prudence always matter stronger economic growth. Some of the best studies zero in IN THE SPIRIT on particular classes of economic of the exception at the establishment where they compare them to deaths during leaders. A 2017 study by Enrico proving the rule, most lovers of are sold. “If the governor gets to the period in question. Moretti of the University of Califor- liberty accept that government The costs of ignore the ABC law, which law is When Mulligan did that for nia at Berkeley and Daniel Wilson has a critical role to play in com- up next?” Doran asked. 2020 data through early October, of the Federal Reserve Bank of San bating communicable disease. COVID restric- Just as process still matters he found more excess deaths Francisco looked at location deci- In a free society, voluntary tions aren’t limit- during a pandemic, so does than there were officially report- sions by “star scientists” — those exchange based on private prop- prudence. Even if a government ed deaths from COVID. who rank in the top 5% nationally erty and the rule of law is the ed to lost wages, mandate is legally imposed About 17,000 of them, Mul- in the number of patented inven- default. But easily transmittable jobs, or social and has the potential to reduce ligan estimated, were actually tions. germs complicate the process of COVID’s spread somewhat, it deaths from COVID complica- They found that such scientists informed consent. connections. They may nevertheless be unwise. tions that hadn’t been reported. were disproportionately to be found As they spread, they subject include medical It is entirely legitimate during Another 30,000 deaths, though, in states with lower taxes on per- third parties to potential sickness a health crisis to weigh the costs represented events such as sui- sonal and corporate income. Other and death. costs. and benefits of every regulation. cides and heart attacks that were amenities also matter, of course, As COVID-19 struck the world The costs of COVID restric- probably made more numerous but “there are enough firms and in early 2020, then, most conser- tions aren’t limited to lost wages, by COVID-era regulations and workers on the margin that relative vatives and libertarians agreed ing up ideological or partisan jobs, or social connections. They economic hardships. taxes matter,” Moretti and Wilson that government possessed both interests in procedural clothes. include medical costs. Two Another NBER paper — by concluded. the legitimate power and the My friend Jeannette Doran of the new papers just posted by the researchers from Duke, Harvard, I’d venture to say that few Dem- responsibility to respond. N.C. Institute for Constitutional National Bureau of Economic and Johns Hopkins universities ocrats or progressives would ques- What we insisted on, however, Law made this point when she Research explore those costs in — forecasts the excess mortality tion the social value of attracting were two constraints: process criticized Roy Cooper’s recent some detail. the COVID-era spike in unem- top-performing scientists. These and prudence. executive order allowing the sale In the first, the University of ployment will cause in the future. individuals help create innovation We argued, for example, that of mixed drinks-to-go. Chicago’s Casey Mulligan looked They call their forecast “stagger- economies with lots of localized the General Assembly had nev- Doran thinks North Caro- at the issue of “excess deaths.” ing”: 890,000 additional deaths spillover effects — new companies, er intended to give unlimited linians should be able to buy a Because medical diagnoses are over the next 15 years. more jobs, higher incomes that are power to any governor to do mixed drink at a bar or store and not always fully or accurately Yes, our leaders should be tak- spent on other goods and services. whatever he thought best, for an consume it when they get home, reported, one way to estimate ing the pandemic seriously. That The effect is hardly a trickle. It’s a unlimited amount of time. as Cooper’s order allows. So do I. the effect of something like a includes serious consideration of river. While our critics claimed oth- But under current state law, pandemic is to look at mortality long-term effects on life, liberty, erwise, we weren’t simply dress- mixed drinks must be consumed rates from past years and then and the rule of law. 22 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 COMMENTARY Backlash ensures distillers’ good deed goes unpunished

helping keep us safe!” Yes, Happy New Year, and stay out of our business. It’s hard not to think politicians and American bureaucracies continue to have a problem with JOHN TRUMP alcohol, some 100 years after Pro- MANAGING EDITOR hibition. Gov. Roy Cooper recently signed an executive order allowing restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels ssigning infallibility to gov- to sell sealed to-go containers of ernment action is a fool’s mixed alcoholic drinks, months errand. after lawmakers killed a similar It’s a common refrain in libertar- provision in a COVID-19 relief bill. Aian and conservative circles, and Too little, too late. its truth is grounded in history, as Further, the option for to-go well as the government’s continu- drinks is already there, says ing and ubiquitous intrusion and Maitland. What’s to stop someone overreach. from buying a pint of whiskey from I won’t take credit for the afore- a state ABC store — which also mentioned paraphrased statement sells bottled mixed drinks — and because Scott Maitland said it chugging it in their car? Or a six- recently as we talked about a letter pack from a grocery store, or wine, LOST REVENUE. Many distillers are losing revenue streams because of closed tasting rooms due to COVID-19. to America’s distillers demanding if that’s their preference? $14,000. Maitland owns Top of the As if somehow government Hill Restaurant and Brewery in policy will change how people act, Chapel Hill, which is temporarily as it follows federal tax, and food facilities.’ the pandemic. Maitland said. closed because of the pandemic. and drug rules. “The CARES Act also enacted “I wasn’t in the hand-sanitizing “I don’t understand it.” Chapel Hill these days, he says, Hand sanitizer, as you’ll remem- user fees on these facilities to fund business,” he told Carolina Journal. Welcome to the club, but there’s is a ghost town. ber, was in short supply. The distill- the FDA’s regulatory activities. For “I was in the, ‘Let’s save our collec- a long line at the door. About 100 Maitland is also a distiller. ers stepped in to fill a need, mostly small distillers, that means ending tive as**s business.” Triangle restaurants, bars, and sim- And Maitland, like many distill- donating their products or selling the year with a surprise bill for Maitland said about half of the ilar service businesses have closed ers losing revenue streams because them around cost. $14,060 due on Feb 11." hand sanitizer produced at TOPO since spring, according to one list. of closed tasting rooms, pivoted Simple enough? Nope “I was in literal disbelief when Distillery was given away. Add one more. Sadly, Zack because of COVID-19. They were “Just as it seemed they’d made I read it yesterday,” Aaron Bergh, “We’re just trying to stop a pan- Medford, a prominent and vocal still cooking, mashing, and, well, it through the worst of a terrible president and distiller at Calwise demic,” Maitland said. Raleigh bar owner, has said he distilling. To a point. Tasting rooms year,” Reason magazine wrote Spirits in Paso Robles, Califor- Reporting from Reason, as well has closed Coglin’s on Fayette- closed, as did distillers’ shiny new Dec. 30, “the Food and Drug nia, told the libertarian-leaning as loud backlash throughout the ville Street, which, he wrote on cocktail bars, a result of Senate Administration (FDA) had one magazine. “I had to confirm with industry, led the Department of Facebook, fell “victim to insuffi- Bill 290, which the governor had more surprise in store: The agency my attorney this morning that it’s Health and Human Services to cient government aid, negligent signed into law the previous July. delivered notice to distilleries that true.” reverse its misguided policy. leadership from elected officials, Curbside sales only go so far, and had produced hand sanitizer in the Distillers, including many in “Small businesses who stepped and inequitable state policies.” direct online sales aren’t allowed early days of the pandemic that North Carolina, popped off on up to fight COVID-19 should be ap- “Out of money, and out of hope, under N.C. ABC statutes. The focus they now owe an unexpected fee social media accounts. plauded by their government, not the bar was forced to lay off over 25 switched to hand sanitizer, which, to the government of more than “Absolutely ludicrous,” said one taxed for doing so,” Brian Harrison, employees and turn the lights off in addition to ethanol — high- $14,000.” N.C. distiller. HHS chief of staff, said in a news one final time.” proof alcohol — includes things Under a provision of the CARES “Well This Sucks!!!” wrote release. Bars in North Carolina, for all such as glycerin and hydrogen Act that reformed regulation of another. “I’m pleased to announce intents and purposes, closed in peroxide. Distillers can use the nonprescription drugs, reported Maitland saw making the we have directed FDA to cease mid-March. Many for good. denatured alcohol — which Reason, “distilleries producing sanitizer as a sort of modern-day enforcement of these arbitrary, Politically motivated and empty can’t be consumed — for tax-free sanitizer have been classified as Victory Garden, a project that will surprise user fees. Happy New Year, gestures won’t save them. hand-sanitizing products, as long ‘over-the-counter drug monograph help us all reach the other side of distilleries, and cheers to you for Cheers to 2021.

Still & Barrel: Craft Spirits in the Old North State

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for Democrats and their policies. dates and policies. Social media Colleges’ 501(c)(3) status prevents giants Twitter and Facebook now explicit campaigning, but courses, frequently restrict speech and curricula, student projects, and in- speakers core Democratic constit- ternships, particularly in the liberal uencies construe as offensive. The ANDY TAYLOR arts, encourage political activism media landscape is as inhospitable COLUMNIST and voting with the implication it to Republicans as it has been for should be for left-of-center causes. years. The emergence of numerous The resources businesses direct new and ostensibly nonpartisan to the public arena have tradi- he recent elections did more nonprofits designed to get young tionally benefited the Republican than just hand Democrats people to vote are a particular boon cause. But not only are their the trifecta of federal govern- to the Democrats. direct contributions to campaigns ment — control of the presidency, The construction of a media more evenly divided between the TSenate, and House. They revealed ecosystem has been a central parties, they increasingly see a important political advantages element of GOP electoral suc- broader mission beyond generating the party now enjoys in money, cesses over the past few decades. value for customers, shareholders, human capital, and access to mass College campuses buzz as a hive of Democratic Party activism. Talk radio formed the foundation and employees. Big businesses are communication — the resources in the 1990s. Fox News and the making investments in matters necessary to persuade Americans intelligent use of the internet that are helpful to the Democrats to support their policies and vote overwhelmingly Republican in the in scientific research, are also and social media built on this so by reinforcing a narrative that, for for their candidates. years immediately following the deeply dependent on government that there was a delineated and example, American public life is The year 2020 marked a wa- Supreme Court’s decision in Citi- favor. Many of these professionals acceptable alternative to the too unconcerned with the rights of tershed for campaign finance. zens United to unleash them. This and researchers have emerged as liberal establishment media. The its minority citizens and the dete- Donald Trump raised only about has changed dramatically, and in important Democratic leaders. project is gravely threatened. The rioration of the environment. In an two-thirds the amount of his 2020 entities that gave to support Doctors, data analysts, engineers, Trump presidency, initially helpful, era when a small social media mob Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. Republicans or oppose Democrats lawyers, and academics provide proved problematic. Disrupters can organize a paralyzing national Even accounting for the Republi- spent only about 20% more than much of the party’s current orga- like One America News Network boycott, companies constantly re- can National Committee’s stellar adversaries. Left-of-center groups nizational prowess and funding. have emerged, producing content ceive reminders of their obligation performance, the GOP permitted are catching up quickly. Increased spending for cyberse- that strained credulity and turned to matters of “social justice.” an occupant of the White House, With regards to activists and curity, environmental programs, off a sizable chunk of the audi- In 2005, I wrote a book called with all the natural advantages volunteers, government workers and public health initiatives at ence. Fox News and others felt a Elephant’s Edge: The Republicans that come with incumbency, to be are as Democratic as they have universities, research institutes, need to compete, worsening the as a Ruling Party. The areas of outraised. ever been. There is no “deep state” and government agencies will only situation — the cable network American life I describe above then The Senate party committees conspiracy, but the 15% of the enhance their political muscle. has now lost its solid No. 1 rating, contributed to a small but percep- each generated just shy of $300 civilian labor force that works College campuses buzz as a trails CNN, and is now only a nose tible GOP advantage in electoral million, but the Democratic House in all levels of government are a hive of Democratic Party activism ahead of MSNBC. In response, and politics. A decade and a half on, it’s campaign committee brought in central element of the Democratic and electioneering. Critics often often with the disingenuous but the Democrats who seem to have about $60 million more than its coalition, particularly in many exaggerate the extent to which nonetheless persuasive claim that acquired the whip hand. Republican counterpart. Super cities where service and gov- professors indoctrinate students. they only told the truth during the PACs, those outside groups pro- ernment employees’ unions are But, given what we know about Trump years, “mainstream” outlets Andy Taylor is a professor of hibited from donating directly to strengthening. Nongovernmental how voters are influenced, the like CNN and the New York Times political science at the School of candidates but that can spend un- recipients of the $600 billion in university experience clearly have gained ground and moved International and Public Affairs at limited amounts on politics, were federal procurement, notably those generates a great deal of support even closer to Democratic candi- N.C. State University. The future for retailing: drones, AI, virtualization

grocery store. Carsh’s was a typical If this pace continues, cyber-buy- of cyber-buying. time and thought to fill out weekly “mom and pop” store so prevalent ing will account for 60% of sales The second enhancement will grocery lists, nor would we need in those days. Not only did Carsh’s by 2031. be use of AI, short for artificial to drive to the store to purchase sell food products like meat, eggs, As cyber-buying grows, it will intelligence, by cyber-buying them. In the future, the delivery bread, and cereal, but if you need- also change. Shoppers will still be companies. One of the aspects of may even be met by the Waldens’ MICHAEL WALDEN ed some fabric, nails, or stationery, able to visit a website, compare the technology revolution is the robot, which accepts the groceries COLUMNIST Carsh’s had those, too. On the way products and services, then click ability of companies to collect all and puts them away! back home, the groceries took my and buy as they do today. But kinds of data from people buying The third new development for place in the wagon. there will be three big enhance- their products and services. The cyber shopping will be virtualiza- ONE OF MY MOST enduring Buying groceries has undergone ments to cyber-buying that will companies know what we buy, tion. Virtualization allows a person memories as a small child was many changes during the past sev- be applauded by some, however when we buy, and how often we to stay where they are, but have the weekly shopping trip with en decades, and stores like Carsh’s, skeptically received by others. buy. all the sensory — sight, hearing, my mother. This was in the early which was family-owned and run, The first is drone delivery. Cy- The development of AI, which taste, touch, smell — experiences 1950s, and my parents lived in a are harder to find. They’ve been ber-buying often comes with de- is just a fancy term for programs of being somewhere else. Think small home in a rural area of Ohio replaced by supermarket chains or livery. Most such delivery today is predicting behavior, will increas- about how this could be used west of Cincinnati, just down the rolled into “big box” stores that sell done using vehicles on the roads. ingly allow cyber companies to with vehicle shopping. I stay in road from my grandparents’ farm. everything. Drones are small, lightweight anticipate our shopping needs. my home but “test drive” vehicles The nearest town with any reason- Yet there’s no doubt the most machines capable of flying short For example, a cyber supermar- virtually. The one I pick is then able amount of shopping was five revolutionary recent change in distances. They avoid congested ket will know the kinds of cereal delivered to my home. miles away. Today that’s not very retailing has been cyber-buying. roads and are perfect for delivering the Waldens buy, the size of box, I’m not sure I’m ready for the far, but my mom didn’t have a car. Cyber-buying was almost nonex- packages. At the end of 2020 the and how many times a month we new retailing world, but do I have My father used the only vehicle we istent a decade ago, accounting Federal Aviation Administration purchase cereal. Expanded to all a choice? had for his daily trips to work. for only 4.5% of retail sales. The finalized new rules regulating the the Waldens’ grocery purchases, So, on Thursdays — which was latest data for 2020 show it now flights of drones. Experts think a cyber supermarket could fill our Michael Walden is a William Neal shopping day — my mom would accounts for 16.5% of retail sales these rules will allow drone deliv- weekly shopping cart and have the Reynolds Distinguished Professor put me in a little red wagon and in 2020. That’s an amazing almost ery to expand quickly and add a products delivered to our door. The at N.C. State University. He does not pull it the half mile to Carsh’s fourfold increase within a decade. new dimension to the advantages Waldens wouldn’t have to take the speak for the university. 24 CAROLINA JOURNAL // FEBRUARY 2021 COMMENTARY The John Locke Foundation, and why I choose to defend liberty founding principles of the John Another reason I’m excited for Locke Foundation. The rights of this new role is because of the the people come before govern- work that needs to be done to ment. A constitutional republic get our state and country back to needs to remain limited in size where it was before the pandem- and scope, with free markets that ic. COVID-19 has devastated our JORDAN ROBERTS allow individuals to chart their country and the world. Count- GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE own path without fear of state less lives, businesses, jobs, and JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION intervention. It includes promot- dreams were lost due to the rapidly ing a free society, where public and spreading virus and the resulting private institutions work toward government restrictions. It’s more eaders of Carolina Journal are solving complex problems. These imperative than ever that we focus probably familiar with my are the principles the John Locke on principles of economic freedom columns about health care Foundation promotes, and these and individual liberty so those policy published in these pages are the principles I want to expand who have been harmed by this Rdating back over a year. For the in our state. pandemic can get back on their past 2 1/2 years I have worked in I will wake up every day proud feet and the economy can recover. the research division at the John to promote public policies such as The work can’t begin soon enough. Locke Foundation, where I focused limited government and increased Our entire team at the John on health care policy in North economic freedom, which enhance JORDAN ROBERTS: 'Our country has persisted for more than two centuries Locke Foundation is geared up and Carolina and nationally. Late liberty. Why? Because I believe because of Americans who have held in high esteem our system of gover- ready to get to work for the people last year, I took a new role on our these principles lay the foundation nance.' of North Carolina. While the future government affairs team. While for a prosperous society. These of the pandemic and what lies health care policy will always be a principles create the conditions ahead in a post-COVID world are passion, this new role will expand for a cooperative and civically en- discourse. Our public and private people must be cherished and still to be determined, the work my portfolio of issues in which I gaged society. While our country institutions have been stress-test- protected at every level — from to ensure a free and prosperous can advocate for free-market solu- is still trying to live up fully to the ed. We’re having serious debates the federal government to the North Carolina must continue. As tions. I couldn’t be more excited for principles set forth in our Con- about the future direction of our state governments to local govern- we move into the new legislative this new endeavor. stitution, I believe our system of country. But those who believe in ments. Ambition must be made to session in which lawmakers will In my past role — as health representative republican govern- the same principles as myself and counteract ambition. Our country have to make tough budgetary and care policy analyst — I would ment is the best way to protect my colleagues at the John Locke has persisted for more than two policy decisions, you can be sure research, write, and speak about God-given rights and provide for Foundation must never forget the centuries because of Americans that the John Locke Foundation health policy issues. In my new equal treatment under the law in fragility inherent in our system who have held in high esteem will be there every step of the way role, I will work with stakeholders such a heterogenous country. of government. Its preservation our system of governance. That’s to guide the state’s decision mak- in the public and private sectors Our country is in a precarious requires constant attention and why our mission at the John Locke ers toward freedom and away from to identify and implement policy position. Partisan and tribal fac- care. A system of governance of Foundation of furthering this coercion. I’m thrilled to be a part of solutions consistent with the tions have taken over the public the people, by the people, for the adherence is so important. that team.

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