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The John Locke Foundation DEUGD DE GREG 200 W. Morgan St., # 200 Raleigh, N.C. 27601 (919) 828-3876 • Fax: 821-5117 www.JohnLocke.org Campbell Law unveils exhibit honoring Kory Swanson President & Publisher first N.C. African-American judges John Hood Chairman Bill Graham, John M. Hood ampbell Law in February, North Carolina Bench” features pho- stories of outstanding men and library entrance. The new exhibit is Ted Hicks, Christine Mele Black History Month, unveiled tographs, press clips, letters and per- women who, against difficult odds, part of Campbell Law’s ongoing year- Brad Muller, Paul Slobodian a new exhibit dedicated to the sonal effects. rose to the top of our profession.” long 10/40 celebration, marking both David Stover, J.M Bryan Taylor history and contributions of trail- Says Rich Leonard, dean of The exhibit follows another pop- the 40th anniversary of the school’s Edwin Thomas Cblazing African American judges in Campbell Law, “Law students need ular retrospective, “First Ladies of the first graduating class and the 10th Board of Directors North Carolina. beacons, and it is important for the North Carolina Judiciary,” which has anniversary of its move from Buies “First African Americans on the walls of our school to chronicle the been relocated near the law school Creek to downtown Raleigh. ISSN 2578-8167 Carolina Journal is a monthly journal of news, analysis, and commentary on state and local government and public policy issues in North Carolina.

©2019 by The John Locke Foundation Inc. All opinions expressed in bylined articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors of CJ or the staff and board of the John Locke Foundation. Material published herein may be re- printed as long as appropriate credit is given. Submissions and letters are welcome and should be directed to the editor.

To subscribe, call 919-828-3876. Readers also can request Carolina Journal Weekly Report, delivered each weekend by e-mail, or visit CarolinaJournal.com for news, links, and exclusive content updated each weekday. Those interested in educa- tion, economics, higher education, health care or local government also can ask to receive weekly e-letters covering these issues. GREG DE DEUGD DE GREG DEUGD DE GREG CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 3 QUICK TAKES Elections board recommends High school may be too late tougher penalties for election crimes to require financial literacy

he top official at the State .C. high schoolers may be it’s important for children to learn Board of Elections wants required to pass a finan- these types of lessons. tougher punishment for elec- cial literacy course in or- “The main reason it’s so im- tion crimes, suggesting special der to graduate, but a certified portant is because these skills Tprosecutors should be appointed if Nfinancial planner says children with personal finance are the district attorneys or federal author- should start learning about fi- skills kids are going to use the ities refuse to investigate wrongdo- nances even earlier and parents most in their lives,” Murset said. ing. can take the initiative to teach “We are focusing on the wrong The board’s executive director, these lessons. stuff [in school], so that’s why Kim Strach, delivered to the House A bipartisan proposal to re- this is important. It’s the life skills Elections and Ethics Law Com- quire high schoolers to complete we’ll use the most.” mittee March 13 what she called a a financial literacy course to grad- Murset said the N.C. bill is menu of vital reforms to tackle elec- uate is making its way through well- intentioned, but he thinks tion corruption. Legislation passed the General Assembly. Senate Bill students need to be learning last year directed that the board 134 would direct the State Board about financial literacy earlier recommend methods to improve ab- of Education to require all pub- than high school. A foundation sentee voting security after wide- lic high schools to teach a semes- for understanding personal fi- spread fraud was detected in the ter course on “Economics and Per- nances should start as early as el- 2016 and 2018 election cycles. sonal Finance.” ementary school and go into mid- Strach said more money was PHOTO POOL OBSERVER & NEWS The course would include dle school. needed to expand the elections Kim Westbrook Strach, executive director of the State Board of Elections, learning about the true cost of “They need to understand the board’s investigative staff to com- speaks Feb. 19 in Raleigh during a public evidentiary hearing on 9th Congres- credit, choosing and managing a basics so they can build on them sional District voting irregularities. bat election fraud better and catch credit card, borrowing money for in a very experiential way,” Mur- it earlier. a major purchase, home mortgag- set said. Committee Co-Chairman Destin es, credit scoring and reports, and Parents don’t have to wait for Hall, R-Caldwell, told Strach he reg- planning and paying for postsec- the General Assembly to pass a ularly hears from constituents who Attorney’s Office for the Eastern is finally taking North Carolina cor- ondary education. bill to teach their children about don’t think the elections board vig- District of North Carolina, she said ruption seriously. It opened an in- S.B. 134 would grant the North good financial practices. Murset orously investigates election fraud. there was scant evidence that office vestigation and issued grand jury Carolina Council on Economic Ed- said they can use technology like The elections board doesn’t was investigating potential crimes. subpoenas involving the 2018 9th ucation, a nonprofit organization, the app BusyKid to do it. have criminal investigation pow- Strach suggested the Gener- U.S. Congressional District election. a little over $1 million to provide BusyKid aims to teach chil- ers and can’t force prosecutors to al Assembly consider a law that al- Leslie McCrae Dowless, the professional development courses dren a balanced approach to fi- launch probes. lows a special prosecutor to be ap- alleged ringleader of an absen- for educators to learn the materi- nances. The app allows parents Hans von Spakovsky, senior le- pointed and look into violations if tee-by-mail ballot harvesting oper- al. Teachers would receive a $500 to set up a digital chore chart gal fellow at the Washington, D.C- existing authorities fail to do their ation in Bladen and Robeson coun- stipend for completing the course. and pay their children when they based Heritage Foundation, has job. ties in 2016 and 2018, and four Sens. Jerry Tillman, R-Ran- complete certain chores through been a critic of local elections of- “We need strong consequenc- co-conspirators have been charged dolph; Deanna Ballard, R-Watau- direct deposit. ficials and law enforcement agen- es for election interference,” Strach after a Wake County grand jury ga; and Jay Chaudhuri, D-Wake, When children receive the cies’ reluctance to investigate elec- said, saying they would deter handed up indictments in a state in- are primary sponsors of S.B.134. money, it can get sorted into three tion crimes. crimes. Currently only two absen- vestigation. A fifth co-conspirator Gregg Murset, co-founder and pots: saving, sharing, and spend- “We have certainly been frus- tee voting crimes are felonies. Most was not indicted. The investigation CEO of BusyKid, a financial app ing. trated ourselves at times,” Strach are misdemeanors. continues. geared toward teaching children said. Although the elections board Strach said the U.S. Department to be financially responsible, said Lindsay Marchello made referrals in 2016 to the U.S. of Justice Public Integrity Section Dan Way State schools superintendent offers budget, including pay raises for teachers

STATE SUPERINTENDENT Mark dollars in recurring money to put in- eliminate high-stress standardized ficers. Other related requests include Johnson has put a price on his plan to the budget.” testing and implement a phased-in $11 million in nonrecurring funds to make North Carolina the best Johnson recommends $1.2 mil- plan for personalized-learning op- in fiscal 2019-21 for school safety place for public school educators to lion in recurring funds to provide portunities across the state. equipment and training grants, and begin, learn, and teach by 2030. high-quality preschool opportuni- The budget places an empha- $600,000 in recurring funds for re- Johnson announced #NC2030, ties for 4-year-olds and wants the sis on STEM learning, including gional safety trainers. his education initiative to improve Department of Public Instruction $1.5 million in recurring funds to Johnson’s budget would shift learning and teaching environ- to supervise the NC Pre-K academ- expand computer science cours- more lottery funding to help low- ments in the state, at a Feb. 19 din- ic standards and program approv- es statewide and hire qualified in- er-income counties with public ner for legislators, educators, school al. For those on the waiting list for structors to teach the courses. John- school capital needs. The budget and district leaders, and business Pre-K, the budget recommends $1 son recommends $900,000 for a cod- suggests $57 million for the first fis- and community leaders. On March 8 million in recurring funds for an at- ing and robotics grant for middle cal year and $95 million for the next Johnson released his budget recom- home tool to help close the readi- and high school students, as well fiscal year. mendations for the 2019-21 fiscal bi- ness gap. Nearly $2 million in recur- as $1.5 million in recurring funds to Teachers would get a pay bump ennium. ring funds is recommended for kin- help students develop and enhance from the state superintendent’s bud-

#NC2030 is split into three parts: CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ dergarten-readiness pilot programs. career-readiness skills through the get. Under Johnson’s plan, all teach- making North Carolina the best N.C. Superintendent of Public The state superintendent al- SkillsUSA Career Essentials pro- ers would see a salary increase of at place to begin, the best place to learn Instruction Mark Johnson, pictured so asked for $9 million in recurring gram. least 5 percent, but the state super- and pursue career pathways, and the here in his office. funds to provide support and men- School safety measures are a intendent recommends as much as a best place to teach. toring for reading teachers, as well big part of the budget recommenda- 7 percent pay raise to make the state Rep. Craig Horn, R-Union, a as to expand Wolfpack Works, a pro- tions. The budget outlines $72 mil- more competitive in terms of teach- co-chairman of the House Educa- gram to improve literacy instruction lion in recurring funds, plus $10 mil- er pay. Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget pro- tion Appropriations Committee, said There’s just one catch. through professional development lion in nonrecurring funds, for the posal calls for a 9.1 percent teacher Johnson’s #NC2030 is an ambitious “The challenge is where do we for K-3 reading teachers. fiscal biennium to continue and- ex pay raise over two years. goal and something everyone should start?” Horn asked. “The reality is To boost learning, Johnson wants pand grants for school mental health get behind. we don’t have a billion-and-a-half $10 million in recurring funds to professionals and school resource of- Lindsay Marchello 4 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 HEALTH CARE Lawmakers introduce omnibus health insurance bill BY DAN WAY with intellectual and developmen- improbable the federal government For updates on health care tal disabilities. There are 12,000 IDD While Medicaid has would continue funding 90 percent legislation, follow us at: op-ranking senators have in- patients on innovation waivers, of the Medicaid expansion cost and CAROLINAJOURNAL.COM troduced an omnibus health with an equal number on a waiting grown by 1 million noted most of the expansion money care bill that would add se- list that averages seven years to get enrollees over the is borrowed, increasing the federal verely disabled people to the Medic- services. debt. Krawiec said the federal gov- provider competition, enhance pa- Taid rolls and abolish restrictive cer- “By funding more slots on the past 15 years, the ernment already announced it will tient choice, lower costs, and im- tificate-of-need laws. IDD wait list, we’ll be changing the number of doctors reduce its funding share of the N.C. prove access. Sens. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, lives of thousands of families across Health Choice program for children The legislation creates a com- and Dan Bishop, R-Mecklenburg, dis- North Carolina,” Krawiec said. Fam- accepting Medicaid on Medicaid by 11 percent in the pact among seven states to autho- cussed Senate Bill 361, The Health ilies will get in-home and personal patients has coming year and 11.5 percent the rize telepsychology and temporary, Care Expansion Act of 2019, at a care services they need to free them following year. in-person psychological services March 26 news conference. It also up from round-the-clock care. declined 28 percent. “That’s going to be about a $100 across state lines without requiring would link North Carolina to a mul- Donna Beckmann, advocacy di- million budget hole that we will a licensed participant to get addi- tistate psychology compact and ex- rector of the Triangle Down Syn- have to fill,” Krawiec said. tional licenses in other states. pand categories of mental health drome Network, attended the press 1 million enrollees over the past 15 The bill would abolish North “It’s a groundbreaking innova- providers who are authorized to per- conference with her son Thomas. years, the number of doctors ac- Carolina’s certificate-of-need laws, tion, and it would address the in- form psychological services. He wants to live independently and cepting Medicaid patients has de- which restrict providers from open- creasing demand for psychological Krawiec said Democrats have be a productive member of society. clined 28 percent. ing certain medical facilities, buy- services,” Bishop said. It would tar- tried for years to expand Medicaid to “He might not be able to tell “Until all of the truly needy on ing high-cost equipment, and per- get underserved and geographical- hundreds of thousands of able-bod- you his phone number, but he can that IDD list are taken care of, we forming some services unless they ly isolated areas, such as rural com- ied adults. They are pushing House use power tools” and makes wood- should not even be considering ex- pass through an expensive maze of munities. Bill 5 and Senate Bill 3 this session. en signs, Beckmann said. “He has a panding Medicaid” to healthy peo- government mandates. The bill also would allow li- Republicans have prioritized tru- bright future, but we can’t get there ple, Krawiec said. “In practice, CON laws put gov- censed family and marriage thera- ly needy people with intellectual without the innovations waiver.” States that expanded Medicaid ernment control ahead of patients pists to conduct initial evaluations and developmental disabilities, she The waiver would let both of them reduced programs for the most vul- and doctors, handcuffed health- needed for an involuntary men- said. That includes people with spi- work after he finishes high school. nerable people with multiple and care providers from offering care tal health commitment. They’re nal cord and traumatic brain inju- Otherwise, she would have to quit complex needs, she said. Bishop in their communities, increased trained to meet federal standards ries, and an array of mental, behav- her job to stay at home with him. said expansion states experienced health care costs by stifling compe- to diagnose and treat core mental ioral, and physical problems and dis- By contrast, Democrats want costs two to four times original pro- tition, undermined the doctor-pa- health conditions. But North Caroli- orders. to expand Medicaid mostly to jections, causing budget cutbacks tient relationship, and added anx- na doesn’t let them do commitment S.B. 361 would appropriate $41 able-bodied, childless adults, Kraw- elsewhere. iety about the quality of care to evaluations despite a severe short- million, adding 2,000 innovation iec said. They might get an insur- “It is frankly a reckless ap- those who were most vulnerable,” age in psychiatrists and psychol- waiver slots over the next two years ance policy but not access to health proach,” Bishop said. Bishop said. ogists who are allowed to perform to Medicaid’s program for people care. While Medicaid has grown by Both senators said it’s highly He said S.B. 361 would increase the task.

Public Affairs, Policy Issues & Perceptive Commentary

See refreshing, balanced conversations about timely topics facing North Carolina and the nation on FRONT ROW with Marc Rotterman. By bringing together his insider experience, keen mind and key contacts (including elected officials, policy makers and journalists), Marc and his guests explore important issues about policy and public affairs during each lively episode.

Catch FRONT ROW— Five Times a Week! UNC-TV: Fridays, at 8:30 PM • Sundays, at Noon North Carolina Channel: Fridays, at 9 PM • Saturdays, at 4 PM Sundays, at 9:30 AM Online anytime at unc.tv/frontrow CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 5 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT Cooper staff recruited large coalition to sell public on ACP, pipeline fund

BY DON CARRINGTON

ov. Roy Cooper and his staff laid out a comprehensive plan to sell the public on the ap- proval of the Atlantic Coast Pipe- Gline and a $57.8 million discretion- ary fund connected to the project, documents show. The parties involved in this PR campaign included the N.C. Dem- ocratic Party, Cooper’s campaign manager, the state Department of Environmental Quality, solar devel- opers, renewable energy lobbyists, and economic development leaders. The fund was controversial from its late January 2018 announce- ment. Cooper would have controlled the fund without legislative over- sight, unlike other money that flows Ken Eudy sent this timeline to Cooper Communications Director Sadie Weiner. into state accounts. The General As- sembly has convened a special com- mittee to investigate the pipeline

permitting process and the fund. public-records request by WRAL mit that was necessary before COOPER GOV. FROM RECORDS OF DATABASE WRAL FROM The committee has hired outside in- show Eudy, at 9:34 a.m. Jan. 29, construction on the pipeline Jan. 29, 2018, text messages between Ken Eudy and Alex Miller vestigators to review the process. asking solar industry lobbyist Alex could start. Cooper’s public relations plan Miller to issue the press release and • “Commerce” is the N.C. De- came together Jan. 18, 2018, the add a person (whose name was re- partment of Commerce. Eco- day after the governor discussed dacted from the text) to the distri- nomic developers overwhelm- pipeline issues with Duke Ener- bution list. ingly supported construction gy CEO Lynn Good, The Insider re- ACP Tick Tock of the ACP. ported. Cooper senior adviser Ken • The solar developers include Eudy released an internal 16-step, Strata Solar and other compa- eight-day messaging timeline for Eudy sent the timeline (above) nies that had solar projects on announcing the pipeline permit to Cooper Communications Direc- hold, or in the “queue,” wait- approval; the $57.8 million discre- tor Sadie Weiner, Deputy Chief of ing to resolve a dispute with tionary payment from the pipe- Staff Julia White, and Jackson. Eudy Duke Energy over connection line owner to Cooper; and the set- refers to the timeline as “ACP Tick details. tlement of a dispute between solar Tock” and sent it from a Gmail ac- • “Brad” is Brad Adcock, Coo- companies and Duke Energy, a part- count, not his state government ac- per’s legislative affairs direc- ner in the ACP. count. tor. Records suggest Eudy’s task was Acronyms and other terms are • “NCDP” is the N.C. Democratic to make a political case for the pipe- explained below. Party. line and the fund. Eudy’s communi- • PA is the programmatic agree- • The carbon-offsetting mea- cations mentioned bringing in the ment between State Historic sures appear to be measures N.C. Democratic Party and other Preservation Officer Kevin contained in the $57.8 million Democrats as part of the plan. Eu- Cherry and the Federal Energy agreement between the ACP dy assigned some tasks to Morgan Regulatory Commission. The and the governor. Jackson, Cooper’s campaign manag- agreement is a plan for deal- • The IGR reference is apparent- er and political strategist. Jackson ing with historic artifacts that ly “intergovernmental rela- didn’t work in the governor’s office might be uncovered during tions,” headed by special ad- or for state government. Eudy also the ACP construction. Cher- viser Jordan Whichard. set the timetable for DEQ to issue ry had signed the agreement Solar industry press an environmental permit, the re- on Jan. 12. Eudy was unaware cords suggest. of the agreement, and emails release The campaign was tightly co- suggest he directed Cherry to ordinated. The governor’s staff met rescind his signature. On Jan. In a Jan. 29 text exchange, Eudy Jan. 23, 2018, with “Solar develop- 14 Cherry informed FERC of- urged solar industry lobbyist Miller ers to nail down messaging,” based ficials he had signed in error. to publish the press release and add on Eudy’s timeline. Part of the mes- Eudy’s plan called for resend- an unidentified person to the distri- saging was a press release issued ing Cherry’s signature on Jan. bution list. Jamal Little of Cooper’s Jan. 29 from the N.C. Clean Energy 18, the same day he released press office shared the press release Business Alliance. It praised Coo- the messaging plan. with WRAL’s Travis Fain about two per for negotiating a settlement be- • “William” is Cooper legal hours after it was released. tween Duke Energy and renewable counsel William McKinney. CJ contacted Cooper’s office to energy companies over the pur- • The stakeholders are organiza- ask if anyone on the governor’s staff chase price to bring renewable en- tions that opposed or support- was involved in writing or review- FROM WRAL DATABASE OF RECORDS FROM GOV. COOPER GOV. FROM RECORDS OF DATABASE WRAL FROM ergy to the power grid. ed the pipeline. ing the press release. At press time, N.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance press release, Jan. 29, 2018 Text messages released in a • The 401 is a water-quality per- CJ hadn’t received a response. 6 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 COURTS Craft beer distribution compromise cheers brewers, wholesalers

BY JOHN TRUMP “This announcement is al- $11-billion economic impact. The so very good news, I think, for the state has 300 breweries and distrib- collection of lawmakers, state. This agreement essential- utors who employ upwards of 5,000 lawyers, lobbyists, and ly will resolve a contentious issue people. brewers gathered for a news that the General Assembly has had The bill importantly differen- conference Thursday, March 14, to deal with for more than a dozen tiates national brewers like Sierra Ato talk about a pair of bills that, if years.” Nevada and New Belgium — each passed into law, would even further Kent called it a win-win-win- with breweries in North Carolina energize North Carolina’s thriving win proposition. — who produce about a million gal- craft beer market. “It’s a win for the brewers. It’s a lons of barrels of beer each year. Collaboration, common ground, win for the distributors, it’s a win To self-distribute up to the first and a collective win for all were for consumers, and we’d like to 50,000 barrels, the brewery must common refrains from speakers, in- think it’s a win for the General As- not sell more than 100,000 bar- cluding House Rules Committee sembly. …” rels annually, say handouts about Chairman David Lewis, R-Harnett, Erteschik said he doesn’t think the bill provided at the news con- a primary sponsor of House Bill 363, the lawsuit led to the latest efforts ference. “This keeps the self-distri- Craft Beer Distribution and Modern- toward reform, but instead agreed bution privilege to small and mid- ization Act. with Kent’s assessment. sized breweries. Really large brew- That measure and its compan- “There’s no question this is the eries would still not be authorized ion, Senate Bill 246, maintain the best resolution, for everybody,” to self-distribute,” the handout say.

current three-tier system — produc- GRAY BECKI BY PHOTO CJ Erteschik said. “It gives us essentially what ers, wholesalers, and retailers — and CRAFT BEER. House Rules Committee Chairman David Lewis, R-Harnett, “I don’t think that the lawsuit other businesses, small business- adds a new, mid-level classification speaks Thursday, March 14, on behalf of bills raising the distribution cap on spurred this. I think these are issues es outside the alcohol industry, al- of brewers to state law. Brewers, un- craft breweries. that have been around for a long ready have,” said Todd Ford, NoDa der the proposals, could self-distrib- time, as Tim said. This is a product co-founder. ute 50,000 barrels of their products, of people doing what they should It gives brewers such as No- as opposed to the current 25,000. Despite the cheerful tenor of contributions, as well as communi- do, coming together and talking Da, which now steers clear of the Breweries that exceed 50,000 the news conference, the disagree- cations involving their lobbyists.” about their differences, learning 25,000-barrel limit, the ability, Todd would not lose the ability to self-dis- ments to which Lewis referred were That lawsuit, said brewers’ at- from each other and figuring out a Ford said, to make business deci- tribute, although the new law would borne out in a lawsuit filed in 2017 torney Drew Erteschik, is on hold. way where everybody can benefit.” sions for their company based on affect only those breweries that by Craft Freedom LLC, The Olde “This historic proposed legisla- Most notably NoDa Brewing Co. what’s best for that company. It’s a sell fewer than 100,000 barrels of Mecklenburg Brewery LLC, and No- tion would end the lawsuit if adopt- and Olde Mecklenburg. fast-evolving market, he said, and beer per year. Now, if a brewer sells Da Brewing Co. The lawsuit says ed,” he said in the news conference. “This opens up a lot of possibil- what worked even four years ago 25,001 barrels per year, by state law, the distribution cap and franchise “This legislation would be basically ities for us,” said NoDa co-found- may have changed dramatically. every barrel produced — includ- laws injure and threaten to impose the reconciliation of any differenc- er Suzie Ford. “We have never been The new laws could change things. ing the first — must go through a additional damage on the brewers. es these parties have had, and there anti-distributor. “So, we can grow in a way that third-party wholesaler/distributor. Superior Court Judge Allen Bad- would be no need to continue.” “They fulfill something that we we think is best for our product, “I’m proud to stand here before dour in May 2018 ruled the lawsuit Tim Kent, executive director of can’t necessarily do. So for us, yes, its quality and for its appreciation you and share with you an example could proceed to trial. the N.C. Beer and Wine Wholesalers we will now be able to look at the within the market. We don’t have of how good public policy is made Immediately thereafter, Craft Association, emphasized the effort whole state and really see what to follow somebody else’s business is when parties who have disagree- Freedom announced it had issued by all parties to compromise and we’re going to do with our distribu- plans that were dictated by state ments are able to come together find subpoenas to distributors and oth- craft agreeable legislation. tion partners.” law.” common ground and get things do- ers. “These subpoenas seek infor- “This announcement today is The beer industry in North Car- Following the bill’s progress at ne,” Lewis said. mation about distributors’ political great news,” he said. olina, said Kent, each year has an carolinajournal.com

A power-hungry president, a constitutional crisis, and a democracy in peril…

President Jerome Elliott was elected with overwhelming support from the American people. His populist platform and soaring promises captivated voters. But now, after a series of increasingly unorthodox policy decisions and suspicions of sinister motives, a shadow gathers over the White House. When thirty-four state governors call for a constitutional convention to reform the federal government, Elliott fears losing control. In a desperate attempt to maintain power, he orders the revered 82nd Airborne Division to march on the convention and arrest its participants as domestic insurgents. The Georgia National Guard mobilizes to stop them, and the two forces clash in the small town of Madison. These actions echo across the nation, polarizing the populace and threatening to erupt into violence between the people and their government. Meanwhile, television reporters Nicole Marcel and Luke Harper race to discover the truth behind the president’s actions, while United Nations investigator Percy Leach digs deep into Elliott’s past. Chasing facts and whispers alike, they uncover the roots of dark truths that, if realized, risk sundering the very fabric of American democracy. Available from Ingram Book Group. For orders call 800-937-8000. Also available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. www.AperturePress.net CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 7 UNC SYSTEM UNC System turmoil worsened by unclear lines of accountability

BY KARI TRAVIS AND “I don’t want to pick on any- LINDSAY MARCHELLO How other states manage universities one on the Board of Governors, but The way university systems are governed varies throughout the country. Most states have some sort of governing here’s an observation. … Are we or- body, such as boards of governors or boards of regents, overseeing an entire university system. The makeup of these The University of North Caro- ganized for success? Are our sys- bodies differs from state to state. In some states, board members are appointed by the state lawmakers. In other lina System is governed by confu- tems designed to be facile and re- states, appointment is the sole responsibility of the governor. sion, and the problem is as much sponsive, and [can we] make good South Carolina: The University systemic as it is situational. decisions that we can be account- of South Carolina System is Personal relationships and or- able for, and, you know, run the composed of eight higher ganizational uncertainty make it place?” education institutions. A Board tough for UNC to function without The question lingers, even three of Trustees sits on the top of the organizational chart. The board conflict — and to manage its pub- months after her departure. is composed of the governor, the lic image, says Andy Taylor, profes- The UNC system is a state education superintendent, sor of political science at N. C. State wide-reaching umbrella with power 16 members appointed by state University. that ultimately belongs to members lawmakers, and the president Former UNC System President of the N.C. General Assembly. The of the Alumni Association. The governor has an appointee to Margaret Spellings summed up the legislature appoints BOG members. the board and usually designates situation during a press meet-and- The BOG hires or fires the president. someone to fill his or her seat on greet in November, just weeks be- The president presides over the the board. Board members serve fore leaving her job Jan 15. A vet- chancellors of UNC’s 17 campuses, four-year terms.The USCS president eran of politics and a former U.S. the system office, and UNC Health is elected by the Board of Trustees and manages the day-to-day secretary of edu- Care. activities of the university system. cation, Spellings But the system’s faced myriad crises leadership flow- Georgia: The University System during her stint at The system’s chart fails to de- of Georgia is composed of the UNC. tail the BOG’s rela- Colorado: The University of Colorado Texas: The University of Texas Board of Regents, a 19-member leadership flow- System is composed of four public System, a governing body, governing body appointed by the House Bill 2. tionship with cam- universities. The system is governed oversees eight universities and six governor. Board members serve Confederate statue chart fails to pus boards of trust- by a nine-member Board of Regents. health institutions. The chancellor seven-year terms. Five of the Silent Sam. Board detail the BOG’s ees, or even illus- Board members are elected with of the UT system is directly members are picked from the state politics and leader- trate the amount of a regent representing each of responsible for that system’s at large. The remaining 14 are relationship Colorado’s seven congressional operations and serves as chief selected from each of Georgia’s 14 ship. interaction the gov- with campus districts. Two members are elected at executive officer. The chancellor congressional districts. The Board For Spellings, erning body should large by voters. The Board of Regents answers to the Board of Regents, of Regents elects a chancellor to the many narratives boards of have with the is charged with overseeing the a nine-member governing body serve as chief executive officer of could be traced to a trustees, or schools and chan- university system budget, hiring the appointed by the governor and the university system. The USG is core conflict. cellors. university president, and hiring other approved by the Senate. Regents composed of 26 higher education senior university positions. serve staggered six-year terms. institutions. “This is a sto- even illustrate It’s a tangle of ry about gover- the amount undefined roles, as nance. ... Just a lot of interaction demonstrated by re- of ‘Who’s in charge the governing cent events. here?’ kind of UNC’s political- stuff,” she told re- body should ly experienced in- porters during the have with the terim president, Bill November press schools and Roper, and powerful gathering. chairman, Smith, After months of chancellors. have publicly tout- growing tensions ed the success of at UNC-Chapel Hill all 17 UNC schools. over the fate of its They’ve also called felled Confederate statue, a board- for more transparency and account- led rejection of Spellings’ candi- ability across the system. But while date for the open chancellorship at some successes are prominent, the Western Carolina University, and optics don’t always line up. visible strain between Spellings While Roper transitioned from and UNC Board of Governors Chair- the top spot at UNC Health Care in- man Harry Smith, the outgoing to his new role at the system office, president avoided questions about Carol Folt resigned as chancellor of how much UNC’s governance fac- UNC-Chapel Hill, giving the rem- tored into her decision to leave. nants of Silent Sam the boot on her She did, however, give her per- way out. sonal assessment of the larger sit- When it came to dealing with CARRINGTON DON BY PHOTO CJ MARGARET SPELLINGS. The former UNC System president says: “I don’t want to pick on anyone on the Board of Gov- uation. Silent Sam, Folt’s hands were tied ernors, but here’s an observation. … Are we organized for success? Are our systems designed to be facile and respon- Spellings entered the North Car- by a law prohibiting the removal sive, and [can we] make good decisions that we can be accountable for, and, you know, run the place?” olina scene as legal battles were the of historic monuments without ex- norm — battles involving the gov- press permission from the N.C. His- ernor, superintendent of public in- torical Commission. After protest- The historical commission punt- be housed on campus in a history statue’s fate. That conversation is struction, State Board of Elections, ers toppled the Confederate mon- ed on the decision, and the Board center that would cost $5.3 million ongoing. The timetable for resolu- General Assembly. ument, Folt was tasked with find- of Governors assigned Folt and the to build. tion keeps being pushed back. And the UNC System. ing a home for Silent Sam that both UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trust- The BOG rejected that sugges- Barely two months after Folt That amount of dysfunction complied with the law and satisfied ees to come up with a solution. The tion. Instead, a special committee continued PAGE 8 should summon questions, she said. the UNC-Chapel Hill community. campus recommended the statue of board members will decide the 8 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 UNC SYSTEM

William Roper Interim President

University of North Carolina

UNC Chancellors External Affairs Finance & Governance, Legal & Risk UNC Health Care System Strategy & Policy Chief of Staff Academic Affairs Vacant Administration Thomas Shanahan Chris McClure Andrew Kelly Senior Vice President Senior Vice President Clinton Carter Senior Vice President & Interim Chief of Staff Senior Vice President Kim van Noort Senior Vice President & General Counsel Appalachian State Chief Financial Officer NC State University UNC Wilmington University Randy Woodson Zito Sartarelli Sheri Everts Communications and Academic & Student Financial Planning & Legal Affairs Marketing Affairs Federal Affairs Strategic Initiatives Analysis Vacant Camille Barkley Bethany Meighen Elizabeth Morra Cameron Howell East Carolina UNC School of the Associate Vice Vice President Vacant Sr. Associate General UNC Asheville (Interim) Vice President University Arts President for Strategic Vice President Counsel Nancy Cable Vice President Cecil Staton Lindsay Bierman Communications State Government Joshua Ellis Data & Analytics Relations Compliance & Audit 1 Elizabeth City State UNC Chapel Hill P12 Strategy & Western Carolina Associate Vice Dan Cohen-Vogel Andrew Moretz Human Resources Lynne Sanders University Kevin Guskiewicz Policy University President for Media Vice President Vice President Matthew Brody Vice President Karrie Dixon (Interim) Vice President Julie Kowal Alison Morrison- Relations Associate Vice Shetlar (Interim) Safety & Emergency President Fayetteville State Academic Programs, University UNC Charlotte Office of the Operations University Faculty & Research Advancement Information Phil Dubois Secretary Brent Herron James Anderson Winston-Salem Vacant Timothy Minor Technology State University Andrea Poole Vice President Vice President Keith Werner Associate Vice President Ellwood Robinson Senior Associate Vice Vice President & CIO President & University NC A&T State UNC Greensboro Secretary Economic University Digital Learning Frank Gilliam NC School of Development, Harold Martin Jim Ptaszynski Science and Engagement, and NC Arboretum Vice President Mathematics Partnerships George Briggs Todd Roberts Vacant Executive Director UNC Pembroke Vice President NC Central University Robin Cummings UNC-TV Johnson Akinleye UNC Health Care System Executive Director & Wesley Burks General Manager Vacant

UNC Press John Sherer Spangler Family Director 1 Also reports to President and Board Audit Committee SOURCE: UNC System

NC Arboretum and UNC Press are affiliates per legislation. 2/18/2019 continued from PAGE 7 making policy based on what they Exemptions from believe is best for the stakeholder in the UNC system — and the stu- threw in the towel at Chapel Hill, public records dents, and faculty, and staff, and al- East Carolina University Chancellor laws, such as ums, and the taxpayers, and so if Cecil Staton announced his depar- personal matters, [and] … retalia- ture and said conversations about the personnel tion efforts to publicly undermine his egress had been ongoing for clause claimed colleagues is ... driving things, that’s “some time.” not good.” Trusted sources told CJ in No- by Roper, allow Some board relationships vember that Staton had plans to board members to reached a boiling point in mid- step down by Jan. 1 and that discus- conduct much of March, when BOG member Steve sions of a large severance package Long released a public letter criticiz- were in process. At the time, Staton their business in ing Smith after Staton announced flatly denied the reports. the dark. his resignation. On March 18, Staton announced Long, who served as the board’s his resignation, saying he signed a liaison to ECU, was an outspoken nondisparagement agreement and er, who during the same conference supporter of Staton’s, and he al- that conversations about his res- touted his belief in transparency, re- leged Smith had a “personal ven- ignation had been taking place for fused to respond. “I am not legally detta” against the chancellor. Smith “some time.” He received an almost obligated to answer your question,” consistently tried to undermine the $600,000 severance package. Roper said. chancellor’s leadership after Staton PHOTO ECU CECIL STATON. On March 18, Staton announced his resignation as chancellor The exits of Spellings, Folt, and Exemptions from public records refused to back a student housing of East Carolina University. He ran afoul of powerful players such as UNC Staton signal issues within the sys- laws, such as the personnel clause deal the chairman wanted to make Board of Governors Chairman Harry Smith, and, in Staton’s words, “did not tem, even if those difficulties are claimed by Roper, allow board mem- with ECU, Long wrote. initiate” his own resignation. simply a public relations mess, Tay- bers to conduct much of their busi- “The public would be greatly lor said. ness in the dark. That lack of trans- disappointed and surprised if they In the case of Folt, the chancel- parency does nothing to clear public knew the persistent and extreme meeting. the House and Senate. In 1971, the lor appeared to be mostly respect- doubt about the role of the board — actions that Harry Smith has tak- Long never apologized for what legislature orchestrated the current ed on campus, Taylor said. Folt was and about how it functions in rela- en to undermine Chancellor Sta- he said, but the matter was over as board structure, replacng an earlier challenged in handling a convoluted tion to the UNC System, Taylor said. ton as well as the hours of fruitless, quickly as it began. board of trustees. political process to decide the fate of When combined with strong wasted energy spent by ECU trust- Smith told CJ Long came to him The board was once composed Silent Sam, ultimately facing oppo- personalities and political relation- ees and UNC System administrators March 20, and the two governors 32 members. In 2017, the legislature sition from many fronts, including ships, that dim light on board pro- addressing how to deal with Harry had a conversation. Long’s public voted to cut eight seats from the the BOG. ceedings becomes a hazard, Taylor Smith and his daily threats and at- apology followed. table over time, reducing the BOG In the case of Staton, ECU’s said. tacks,” Long wrote. Long declined to comment for to 24 governors as some members’ chancellor ran afoul of powerful “If a lot of these [policy] deci- Only a few days later, and af- this story. terms ended. players such as Smith and, in Sta- sions are being driven by personal ter reports that he would be public- Ultimately, the UNC Board of The current board is composed ton’s words, “did not initiate” his relationships, then that’s not a good ly censured for the letter, Long apol- Governors reflects the will and pow- of 28 members. That will drop to 26 own resignation. CJ asked during thing,” Taylor said. “We would like ogized to Smith and other board er of the General Assembly. in July. a March news conference who in- to think of members of the board members for his handling of the sit- According to state law, mem- continued PAGE 10 stigated Staton’s departure. Rop- as informed, smart people who are uation during the board’s March 22 bers of the board are appointed by CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 9 UNC SYSTEM Accomplishments under the UNC System’s Board of Governors

NC Promise and lina, and this board is excited and to plan demonstration grams at the 15 universities en a close look at the posi- fixed tuition about its possibilities moving sites for the preparation of fu- [that] filed reports required tive effect that summer en- forward. ture teachers and school ad- more than 120 credit hours. rollment can have on grad- This board has active- ministrators. The establish- This represents approximate- uation rates and ... has re- ly supported and spearhead- Agreements ment of these lab schools pro- ly 18,000 degrees awarded in quested state funding to ex- ed the North Carolina Gener- vide us the opportunity to re- 2015 and 2016. After the pol- pand summer session enroll- al Assembly’s NC Promise Tu- with community define and strengthen uni- icy was implemented, this ment. Our campuses do not ition Plan, which significant- colleges versity partnerships with number was lowered to 7.5 currently receive state appro- ly reduced in-state student public schools, improve stu- percent of programs. Our priations for courses offered tuition costs to $500 per se- The board has approved dent outcomes, and provide goal is to have a positive im- on-campus during the sum- mester at three UNC System Harry Smith multiple measures to improve high-quality teacher and pact on students that are be- mer term, and the amount of institutions — Elizabeth City Chairman the critical relationship be- principal training. The lab ginning their college journey scholarship money reserved State University, UNC-Pem- UNC Board of Governors tween the UNC System and schools partner directly with now. This is one less obstacle for summer sessions is limit- broke, and Western Carolina the N.C. Community College local school districts to pro- to the completion of a four- ed. Once funded, the summer University. The plan began Carolina Journal reached System through ... multilater- mote evidence-based teach- year degree. school initiative will enable out to the UNC System in fall 2018 and will increase and Board of Governors al degree articulation agree- ing and school leadership, In July 2018, the Board of more students to finish a de- educational access, reduce Chairman Harry Smith for ments in several areas. The while offering real-world ex- Governors also passed a pol- gree on time, keeping student student debt, and grow the a list of successes over board has continued its sup- perience to the next genera- icy designed to make the debt low and placing them in state’s economy. Our board al- the past three to four port of the Comprehensive tion of teachers and princi- most of the state’s substan- the work force more quickly. so supported and implement- years. Smith provided the Articulation Agreement, and, pals. These lab schools serve tial investment in AP cours- following comments, which ed the legislature’s fixed tui- have been edited only for for the first time in recent every part of the Universi- es and exams by increas- Data and the tion plan, which will ensure clarity and length. memory, the two systems col- ty of North Carolina System’s ing consistency and trans- that resident undergraduate laborated to develop a joint greater mission: teaching, re- parency around the univer- strategic plan students attending a univer- CJ has previously reported budget request that includes search, and public service. sities’ AP credit policies. In sity within the UNC System on several of the topics. funding for the Military Cred- 2016-17 alone the state paid Working closely with the are ensured that their tuition it Award initiative, scholar- Summer programs for 138,282 AP exams for stu- UNC System office, the UNC rates will stay the same for ships for students who en- dents in N.C. public schools BOG has worked to imple- eight consecutive semesters. roll in summer school, and and 120-hour cap for a total of $12,184,251. Be- ment Higher Expectations, cations and financial aid re- a scholarship program that cause credit acceptance pol- an established set of system ECSU turnaround quests, security, outdated would reward students who Our board is working to in- icies vary across UNC insti- goals, which work to identi- training in some academic de- complete an associate degree crease access and affordabili- tutions and across academ- fy sound strategies that can partments, failures in meet- and then transfer to a UNC ty by reforming policies that ic disciplines, not all students help us achieve them, and At Elizabeth City State ing accreditation standards, university. hinder timely completion. who score a 3 on an AP exam provided the means to mea- University, this board has and a decline in physical facil- [The board is also] requesting (considered qualified by the sure progress toward those spearheaded the effort to turn ities, among other problems, Lab schools funding for summer courses College Board) receive cred- goals. Our objective: strength- around a university that was which had put the school at to help more students finish a it. The new policy states that ening our institutions, im- essentially insolvent in 2016 great risk. Now, the board has degree on time. Our board has “UNC System constituent in- proving student outcomes, into one that has a bright fu- worked and continues to work In the last three years, worked on a new policy im- stitutions shall award appro- and expanding access to af- ture ahead. to address these issues, and the UNC Board of Governors plemented in fall 2017 that re- priate credit to undergradu- fordable high-quality degrees. ECSU’s student popula- has appointed a well-liked, has worked closely with the quired programs to limit the ates who have earned a score Within this five-year plan are tion reached a high point of dynamic, and hard-working N.C. General Assembly on the number of required credits to of three or higher on one or five key areas the board is 3,307 enrolled in 2010 but, af- chancellor in Dr. Karrie Dix- UNC Lab School initiative, 120 hours. Universities can more AP exams.” Once fully working with each of our in- ter a series of setbacks, the on. Many people, including which is currently working file for exceptions to this pol- implemented, the policy will stitutions to meet: access, af- number of students had de- myself, have referred to her at five sites — with a sixth to icy, and this has mainly been result in more students get- fordability and efficiency, stu- clined to 1,357 in 2016. The as a “rock star” in higher ed- open in the fall of 2019 — to done for nursing, engineer- ting credit for college-level dent success, economic im- board addressed existing ucation, and for good reason. provide enhanced education- ing, and education programs. coursework they complete in pact and community engage- problems with leadership, ECSU is critically important al programming to students In the past, approximately high school. ment, and excellent and di- processing admissions appli- for Northeastern North Caro- in low-performing schools, 52 percent of academic pro- The board has also tak- verse institutions.

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BY LINDSAY MARCHELLO system president. Spellings is six campuses across the state. process by hiring an outside his job Jan. 1, weeks before Sam’s pedestal and place it unanimously approved, despite Spellings claims transparency firm to investigate Spellings’ Spellings vacates her office, in storage. Smith says Folt concerns from board members and accountability as top candidate. CJ learns from sources didn’t give warning to the Jan. 16, 2015 over how the selection process priorities in the first days familiar with the situation board before making her The University of North played out. Several protesters of her administration and July 16, 2018 in Greenville. Staton and announcement public. Carolina Board of Governors held signs denouncing enacts policies to hold public Spellings’ candidate for the Shanahan deny the report. forces out System President Spellings’ hiring. comment sessions and live WCU job, whose name remains Representatives of the UNC Jan. 15, 2019 Tom Ross. The BOG decides stream every public board private, withdraws candidacy. System refuse to confirm or The board votes in emergency behind closed doors that Ross Oct. 26, 2015 meeting via UNC-TV. Smith says the board will make deny the situation. closed session to accept Folt’s will serve until Jan. 3, 2016, and Fennebresque resigns as UNC changes in the chancellor resignation and to move up will get a one-year contract, BOG chairman after facing July 29, 2016 search process. Nov. 9, 2018 her last day to Jan. 31, instead including a $600,000 base pressure from board members In a controversial move, the Smith writes to the chairman of after the spring 2019 salary with other benefits. to leave his post. UNC board votes to raise Aug. 1, 2018 of the ECU Board of Trustees, semester. Ross said his departure wasn’t chancellor pay for the second “After consultation with my voluntary. BOG Chairman John CJ receives reports about Oct. 30, 2015 time in less than a year. The tension between Smith and leadership team on the UNC March 17, 2019 Fennebresque gives no reason salary hikes move UNC leaders Board of Governors, UNC why Ross is forced to leave. The board violates N.C. open- East Carolina University The Greenville Daily Reflector meetings law when it votes in into a more competitive pay Chancellor Cecil Staton, one of System President Margaret reports Smith is denying Many claim Ross’ ouster was range, Spelling says. Spellings, and legal counsel, politically motivated. closed session to increase pay Spellings’ first executive hires reappointment to ECU Board for chancellors. The blunder in 2016. Trusted sources tell I have decided to completely of Trustees members who Sept. 29, 2015 fuels faculty and student Sept. 7, 2017 CJ Staton’s job is on the line. remove myself from support Staton. opposition to the board and to Fifteen board members write a communications involving ECU The N.C. General Assembly A July 15 email from Smith to Spellings. letter criticizing Spellings and Rep. Gregory Murphy, R-Pitt, matters and avoid having a March 18, 2019 passes Senate Bill 670, Bissette for excluding them presence on campus.” requiring the UNC BOG’s and Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne, Staton announces his Nov. 18, 2015 from communications with shows anger over an editorial presidential selection Nov. 9, 2018 resignation and plans to leave After facing growing concerns Gov. Roy Cooper over Silent by Staton published in the the job May 3. committee to bring forward at Sam. At a regular meeting of the least three candidates to the from the N.C. legislature about News and Observer on July 14. the board’s compliance with UNC board, Smith says UNC- March 18, 2019 full board for consideration. Chapel Hill trustees will submit The law is set to take effect open-meetings laws, interim Sept. 7, 2017 Aug. 3, 2018 recommendations regarding Board member Steve Long says Oct. 31. BOG chairman Lou Bissette Several board members make Smith flatly denies the notion Silent Sam on Dec. 14, pushing Roper acted unilaterally, at the testifies before a meeting policy recommendations that Staton’s job is in jeopardy. action past the 90-day limit direction of Smith, to reach a Oct. 16, 2015 of the Joint Legislative without telling other termination agreement with Commission on Governmental members about their plans. prescribed by law. The UNC BOG holds an Aug. 8, 2018 Staton. UNC System general Operations. The board The proposals include emergency session at the The board showed “clearly bad counsel Tom Shanahan says unintentionally failed to cutting tuition and fees at all Dec. 14, 2018 behest of Fennebresque governance” in its handling of in a statement to Carolina comply with the law, Bissette universities, cleaning out and The board rejects UNC-Chapel to interview a potential the WCU chancellor search, Journal that Staton resigned said, and promises to hold a reorganizing UNC General Hill Chancellor Carol Folt’s successor to Ross. Several 10 former members write in voluntarily, so the board didn’t board training session on open Administration staff, moving plan to house Silent Sam in a board members call for an op-ed for Higher Education have to be consulted. Long meetings law. administrative offices out of $5.3 million historical center to Fennebresque’s resignation Works. insists Staton was forced out. due to what they call a Chapel Hill, and overhauling be built on campus. Instead, secretive selection process. Dec. 11, 2015 the structure of board the board creates a Silent Sam March 19, 2019 meetings. Aug. 28, 2018 task force to help UNC-Chapel Board member Marty Kotis The BOG names Junius Tom Fetzer lines up votes to The board meets in closed Hill come up with a new plan says Ross excluded board Gonzales, the UNC System’s introduce an official resolution senior vice president for May 24, 2018 session to discuss Silent Sam’s for Silent Sam by March 15. members from providing input fate. Protesters toppled Silent of censure against Steve Long, in choosing Ross’ successor academic affairs, interim Harry Smith is unanimously a board member who had president until Spellings elected chairman of the Board Sam during an Aug. 20 protest Jan. 7, 2019 and failed to provide Ross with as law officers watched. been critical of Smith. a performance review before takes up the mantle in March of Governors. He officially Smith backs off his promise to 2016. Board Vice Chairman assumes the role July 1. cut all ties with East Carolina ousting him. Oct. 10, 2018 March 20, 2019 Louis Bissette is chosen as University. ECU Board of Trustees Oct. 20, 2015 the next board chairman. July 12, 2018 The board officially changes the way it selects new Chairman Kieran Shanahan Fennebresque and Margaret Dozens of protesters attend Carolina Journal hears raised Jan 8, 2019 tells the Triangle Business chancellors. Searches will Spellings, the top candidate to the BOG meeting to protest voices coming from a special, A group of more than 120 high- Journal the BOG ignored his remain strictly confidential, become UNC system president, Ross’ departure and Spellings’ two-hour closed session. profile ECU supporters send board’s nominations for new and board members will leave an “emergency” selection as system president. Board members refuse to vote a letter to Spellings, Roper, trustees. Shanahan says the meeting of the board to on an appointee, presented have more time to review the UNC Board of Governors, BOG has shown a disturbing meet with Gov. Pat McCrory. Jan. 27, 2016 by Spellings, to become candidates. No BOG members and ECU’s Board of Trustees trend of micromanagement. McCrory’s involvement in the Protesting students turn chancellor at Western Carolina or university trustees can be supporting Staton. The process draws criticism from violent during a board University. The job came open considered for a chancellorship letter also urges disclosure March 22, 2019 lawmakers and some board meeting. Police arrest four when former Chancellor David unless they resign, the new of Staton’s most recent rules say. Long publicly apologizes members who have concerns students on charges of Belcher died of brain cancer 360-degree performance to the board and Smith for over separation of powers. resisting police. The incident June 17. review. Oct. 26, 2018 publicly making the comments fuels outrage over Spellings’ criticizing Smith and accusing Oct. 23, 2015 election and her impending July 12, 2018 Spellings announces her Jan. 14, 2019 him of orchestrating Staton’s The board hires Spellings, a presidency. The board’s decision not to resignation, three years into Folt announces her resignation ouster. Smith talks with the former secretary of education vote is unusual, and email her five-year contract. to the board in an emergency media but avoids commenting under President George March 2, 2016 records later show that one closed-session meeting. directly about the issue W. Bush, after weeks of a Spellings’ first day on the job board member, former Raleigh Nov. 5, 2018 Folt also announces her of Staton or about Long’s secretive search for the next is met with student protests at Mayor Tom Fetzer, stalled the ECU’s Staton plans to leave plans to take down Silent comments.

continued from PAGE 8 said. “Harry Smith has been a key ing programs at five underperform- In January, a group of 200 ECU In March, former UNC Presi- person in helping to turn that cam- ing public schools across the state. alumni, donors, and communi- dent Erskine Bowles, a Democrat, pus around, and now I think there’s Additionally, the board, un- ty leaders — including Greenville’s and former Charlotte mayor Richard The body is full of differing opin- a lot of hope there, and there’s a lot der the leadership of former presi- mayor — sent a letter to the BOG Vinroot, a Republican, penned an ions, but not necessarily of the par- of confidence that things are- mov dent Spellings, put in place a strate- asking members to keep Staton on op-ed in the News and Observer call- tisan variety, said Senate Leader ing in the right direction. gic plan to set systemwide goals for board. ing for more balance and less parti- Phil Berger March 21. “That’s a specific example, but access, affordability, efficiency, stu- In February, a group of former sanship on the board. “The loyalties that go with a par- there are a lot of other things that dent success, economic impact, and BOG members, big-name support- While trimming the number of ticular campus have nothing to do I would think are under the radar in community engagement. ers, and campus faculty and alum- board members is a start toward with politics,” Berger said. “I think, terms of trying to consolidate some While those accomplishments ni now exceeding 1,600 signed onto more manageable, efficient govern- overall, the board is trying to make back-office stuff to make the univer- are notable, poor optics and trans- an effort called Reform UNC System ment, it doesn’t clear much of the some changes to how the university sity system more efficient,” he said. parency cloud the picture, Taylor Governance. fog that hangs over the situation, system functions and operates, and Some other specific examples of said. The group, which included for- Taylor said. that is going to result in some folks successes under the Board of Gov- “You can talk to board members, mer BOG member and Wilmington “People don’t know who the not being fully happy with that be- ernors include implementation of and they can say, ‘You know what. businessman Fred Eshelman, called board members are,” he said. “They cause they liked it the way it was or the state’s NC Promise plan, a $500 Don’t believe it. We all get along out the body for “meddling and mi- don’t know how to contact them, want things to stay the same.” tuition in-state tuition program at pretty well, and we are all doing our cromanaging.” It also called for a even though the information is Berger, who holds tremendous three campuses, including ECSU. best and what’s best for the system.’ balanced and independent board. available on the UNC system web- sway over appointments to the The board also has improved re- Well, if that’s the case, then they “We need less political influence site. They don’t know what [board board, pointed to successes of the lationships with the N.C. Communi- have a public relations problem.” and more civic responsibility,” the members] really do. They don’t body, particularly the turnaround — ty College System. Members of the public, as well group’s website states. know if it’s worth contacting them financial and otherwise — of Eliza- Under the BOG’s leadership, and as UNC faculty, staff, and students, CJ reached out to Eshelman, but after all.” beth City State University. the direction of the General Assem- perceive the board as overreaching a representative said he wouldn’t “[The board] really is kind of a “It was in bad shape,” Berger bly, the UNC System opened teach- and problematic. comment. mystery.” CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 11 ELECTIONS Candidates for seat in the 9th Congressional District

BACKGROUND A new election was called for the 9th Congressional District after investigations found evidence of absentee ballot fraud MATTHEW RIDENHOUR DAN BISHOP FERN SHUBERT committed during the JEFF SCOTT REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN November 2018 race. Of LIBERTARIAN the 13 candidates who Occupation: Risk manager for a Profession: Attorney Profession: Certified Public filed for the election do- Profession: Business intelligence global financial technology firm Accountant development and technology Political experience: Two-term over, 10 are Republicans, consultant Political experience/career senator representing District 39, Political experience: Shubert was one is a Democrat, one is highlights: Former member, one term House representative a former House representative Career highlights: Adjunct a member of the Green Mecklenburg County Board of for District 104, and two terms on in 1994, 1996, and 2000; and a scholar, Mises Institute at Auburn Commissioners. Sits on board of the Mecklenburg County Board former state senator in 2002. She party, and the other is a University. Former Federal Home directors for three nonprofits. of Commissioners from the 5th ran for governor in 2004 and lost. Libertarian. The primary Loan Bank economist, Phi Beta Marine Corps combat veteran. District. In 2010 she unsuccessfully ran for Kappa honor society member Eagle Scout. will be held May 14 Education: Bachelor’s degree the District 35 Senate seat. Shubert followed by the general Education: San Francisco State Education: Master’s of Business in business administration from unsuccessfully ran for state auditor election Sept. 10. University, with degrees in Administration, Liberty University; University of North Carolina in 2012. economics and statistics master’s of international relations -Chapel Hill and Juris Doctorate Education: Bachelor’s degree in and conflict resolution, American from the UNC School of Law business administration from Duke Military Institute; bachelor’s University degree in art design, American InterContinental University

GARY DUNN REPUBLICAN STONY RUSHING REPUBLICAN LORAN ALLEN SMITH Occupation: Vice president of an DAN MCCREADY GREEN Mark Harris prepares to energy drink company, former Profession: Owner of Take Aim textile broker testify during a public evi- DEMOCRATIC Training Range Profession: Technical multimedia dentiary hearing on the 9th Political experience: Union producer for GitHub Profession: Small business owner, Congressional District voting County commissioner,2002-2006, Political experience: Ran for former Marine Corps captain Political experience: Smith irregularities investigation. governor as a Republican in 1992 2014-2018, 2018-present, endorsed was a candidate for District 6 and as a Democrat in 2012. Ran for Political experience: Previously by Mark Harris representative on the Charlotte- ran for the 9th Congressional Charlotte mayor as a Democrat in Education: Graduate of N.C. State Mecklenburg Schools Board of District in 2018, N.C. Sustainable 1993 and 2013, and as a Republican University Agricultural Institute Education in 2017, but lost to Sean in 2017. Energy Association board member Strain. Education: GED from Central Education: Duke University, Education: Master of Fine Arts Piedmont Community College bachelor’s degree. Harvard Degree from Boston University, Business School, Master’s of Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Radio/Television/Film from the University of Texas at Austin

STEVIE RIVENBARK HULL ALBERT LEE WILEY JR. REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN

Profession: Sales manager for LEIGH THOMAS BROWN Profession: Radiation medicine Amniox Medical REPUBLICAN CHRIS ANGLIN consultant Political experience: Ran for the Political experience/career REPUBLICAN KATHIE DAY highlights: Volunteer director of Occupation: Realtor, small 10th Congressional District House business owner seat in 2016 and 2018, but lost REPUBLICAN public affairs for the Employer Profession: Managing partner at both primaries. Support of the Guard and Political experience/career Anglin Law Firm in Raleigh Profession: No information Reserve. Director of physician highlights: National Association Education: Earned a Ph.D. in Political experience: Anglin ran available relations, recruitment, and market of Realtors fundraising liaison. N.C. radiological science and nuclear and lost for the N.C. Supreme development at Central Carolina Housing Financing Agency board engineering at University of Political experience: No Court seat in 2018 against Barbara Hospital. of directors, 2014 candidate for Wisconsin, M.D. at the University information available Jackson and Anita Earls Education: Bachelor’s in political N.C. House District 82. of Rochester Medical School, and Education: No information science from UNC-Wilmington. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education: Wake Forest University a bachelor’s degree in nuclear available Master’s degree in public policy business administration, University and Elon University Law School engineering from N.C. State from Liberty University. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. University

www.carolinajournal.com 12 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 ELECTIONS Walter Jones’ seat in 3rd Congressional District

BACKGROUND Candidates for a seat in the 3rd Congressional District, left vacant when Walter Jones Jr. died Feb. 10, are set. The Farmville Republican was first elected to Congress in PHIL LAW GREG MURPHY GRAHAM BOYD PAUL BEAUMONT 1994. He died on his 76th REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN birthday. Profession: Marine veteran, IT Profession: Urologic surgeon Profession: Executive vice Profession: Currituck County contractor president of the Tobacco Growers Board of Commissioners. President, Political experience: Two Association of North Carolina Rapid Response Logistics. Political experience: Veterans and a half terms as a House of Foreign Wars, American representative for District 9, senior Political experience: Ran for Political experience/Career Legion, and Concerned Veterans chairman of the Health House N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture highlights: Retired Navy pilot. of America. Helped with the Committee, senior chairman of the and Consumer Services as a Served on numerous regional Republican Party on outreach. House Appropriations Committee conservative Democrat in 2000, boards and commissions. Previously ran against Jones during on Health and Human Services switched his registration to Education: U.S. Naval Academy. the 2016 and 2018 Republican Republican in 2001. Graham ran for Education: Graduated from primary for the 3rd Congressional the 13th Congressional District seat Davidson College with a degree District. in 2002, but lost the primary to in pre-med and religion, and later Carolyn Grant Education: Earned a bachelor’s graduated from UNC-CH School of degree in Information Technology Medicine. Education: N.C. State University, from Strayer University agricultural business management, 1991

KEY DATES

The election is July 9, and JEFF MOORE candidate filing continued REPUBLICAN through March 8. Profession: Geopolitical risk Absentee voting for the consultant MICHELE NIX GARY CERES special primary election Political experience/Career REPUBLICAN began March 15, with REPUBLICAN CELESTE CAIRNS highlights: Worked for the McCrory administration in a special primary April Profession: Library technician at REPUBLICAN Profession: Investment adviser economic and workforce East Carolina University 30. If a primary runoff is development policy. Worked in Political experience: Former chair Profession: Certified public required it would occur Education: Political science, public the financial services industry. of the Lenoir County Republican accountant. July 9, and the special Party, vice chair of the N.C. administration double major, Elon Reported for the North State general election would be Republican Party University Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journal. business administration, University pushed back to Sept. 10. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education: Nix has earned Series 7, of Georgia. Series 63, and Series 65 licenses to political science from UNC-Chapel Absentee voting for the qualify as an investment adviser. Political experience/Career Hill highlights: Served on board of July 9 special election She also has insurance licenses. Photo: From campaign website directors, as a counselor, and client begins May 24. If the Sept. advocate for a pregnancy resource 10 election date is needed, center. Sea Turtle Patrol volunteer. absentee voting will start July 26.

CHIMER DAVIS CLARK JR. REPUBLICAN MICHAEL SPECIALE Profession: Carteret County-based JOAN PERRY owner of an electric motor repair REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN and generator installation business PHIL SHEPARD Profession: Retired from U.S. Political experience/Career Profession: Pediatrician at Kinston REPUBLICAN Marine Corps. Four-term N.C. highlights: Marine Corps veteran. Pediatrics House member Education: Associate in science Profession: Retired civil service, Political experience: Served Political experience/Career from Craven Community College. minister on former Gov. Pat McCrory's highlights: Four-term N.C. House Some education in mechanical health and human services Political experience: Five terms as member, former chairman of engineering from North Carolina transition team, and on former a District 15 House representative, Craven County Republican Party, State University. Gov. Jim Martin's N.C. Day Care chairman of the House and former chairman Coastal Commission. Perry was also former Transportation Committee Carolina Taxpayers Association. secretary of the UNC Board of Education: Associate degree, Education: Graduated from Governors. She bills herself as a applied sciences in business Jacksonville High School, attended conservative political outsider Coastal Carolina Community management/operations Education: Bachelor’s degree in College management, Craven County chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, Community College. graduated from UNC medical school CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 13 ELECTIONS 3rd Congressional District (continued)

KEVIN BAIKO ERIC ROUSE DANA OUTLAW ERNEST REEVES GREG HOLT REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN DEMOCRATIC DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION

Profession: Primary care physician Profession: Vice president, Profession: New Bern mayor since Profession: Retired Army Profession: Founder of Cravin-A- in N.C. Modular Solutions Inc. 2013. Real estate consulting and communications officer and small Cup, an office, janitorial, bottled appraisal business owner. business owner water, and coffee supply company Political experience/Career Political experience/Career based in New Bern. highlights: Medical director for highlights: Lenoir County Board Political experience/Career Political experience: In May 2018 N.C. Cannabis Patients Network, of Commissioners member since highlights: Two-term New Bern he ran for the N.C. House District 8 Political experience/Career certified diplomat and board 2010. alderman. seat, Pitt County, but was defeated highlights: Ran for a seat on Member of the American Academy by City Council Member Kandie the Craven County Board of Education: Bachelor’s degree Education: Bachelor’s degree of Cannabinoid Medicine Smith. In 2016 Reeves lost to Jones Commissioners in 2018. in electronics technology and in business administration, East in the race for 3rd Congressional Education: Completed his medical business administration, East Carolina University. Education: N/A District House seat. Earlier that and family practice training at Carolina University. year he ran for the U.S. Senate, Eastern Virginia Medical School but was defeated by Deborah Ross in the Democratic primary. In November 2015 he ran for mayor of Greenville, N.C., but lost to Incumbent Mayor Allen Thomas. In 2014 Reeves ran for the U.S. Senate but lost the primary to incumbent Kay Hagan. Education: Highline Community College — Associate degree in liberal arts — and Saint RICHARD BEW Augustine’s College — bachelor’s SHANNON BRAY degree in communications, plus MIKE PAYMENT LIBERTARIAN DEMOCRATIC several Army certification courses FRANCIS DE LUCA REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN Profession: Retired Profession: Chief information Profession: Owner and operator of security officer at ShareSquared, Political experience/Career Profession: Retired Marine CT Mechanical Inc., a heating and inc. Virtual chief information highlights: Marine Corps colonel air conditioning company. security officer at Secured Systems Political experience/Career for 29 years. Served as a combat highlights: De Luca is the former Political experience/Career pilot in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Career/Political experience: US head of the NC chapter of highlights: Vice chairman, Europe. Former head legislative Navy veteran, Coach for the Cyber Americans for Prosperity, and the Currituck County Board of aide to the chairman of the Patriot program, the president of former head of the Civitas Institute Commissioners, member of Joint Chiefs of Staff in the U.S. the Triangle chapter of the Navy Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Department of Defense. Also League, and did work for the U.S. Education: De Luca joined the Albemarle Regional Health Board, formerly the deputy legislative Department of Defense Marines while attending UNC- and Local Emergency Planning assistant to the Commandant of Wilmington Education: Bachelor’s degree Committee. Volunteer fire fighter. the Marine Corps. in Information Technology Education: N/A Education: Marine Corps IKE JOHNSON at Colorado State University, Amphibious Warfare School, DEMOCRATIC master’s degree in cyber security Marine Corps Command and from University of Delaware, Staff College, Joint Forces Staff Profession: CEO and president computer science Ph.D. student at College. Bew also holds a masters of nonprofit Magnanimous Missouri University of Science and in international public policy from Community Mentoring Technology Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Political experience/Career highlights: Retired Marine Corps major. Former high school teacher. 2018 candidate for N.C. House District 14. DON COX Education: Studied at Golden Gate University. REPUBLICAN ALLEN THOMAS Profession: Country music singer DEMOCRATIC Political experience/Career Profession: Director of Global highlights: 2014 candidate TransPark in Kinston for Beaufort County Board of TIM HARRIS Commissioners. Political experience/Career LIBERTARIAN highlights: Former three-term GREGORY HUMPHREY mayor of Greenville. Volunteer for DEMOCRATIC Profession: Former U.S. Marine, former North Carolina Gov. Jim senior systems engineer at Rho Inc. Hunt. Former member of the ECU Profession: President of the Board of Trustees, the ECU Board Political experience: Harris ran for Dreadnaught Community of Visitors, and the ECU Alumni the State senate seat in District 2, Organization Board. but lost to Republican incumbent Political experience/Career Norman Sanderson. Since 2018 Education: Bachelor’s in business highlights: Vietnam vet, 2012 Vice Harris has served as executive management from East Carolina Chair of Onslow Democratic Party director of the Libertarian Party of University. Masters in business Eastern Carolina. administration from UNC-Chapel Education: Bachelor of Science Hill. Degree in Business with a Education: Bachelor’s degree concentration in Management and in history from the University of Organizational Development North Carolina at Chapel Hill 14 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 COMMENTARY Teacher pay in N.C.: sweet spots and sour notes

national average. Using the C2ER 20 percent increase over just five For the full data set on teacher cost-of-living index for 2018, I years. Only the most cynical and pay and cost of living, visit: determined North Carolina ranks partisan observer would dismiss $57,420 JOHNLOCKE.ORG/UPDATE/COL 20th in COL-adjusted average sal- North Carolina’s progress under ary. That’s better than some of our North Carolina ranks 20th in cost- Republican leadership. Unfortu- of-living-adjusted average salary. primary competitors for teachers nately, N.C. politics has cynicism that some superb educators are That is higher than Virginia, South DR. TERRY STOOPS in the Southeast, including Vir- and partisanship to spare. making less money than mediocre VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH Carolina, and Florida. ginia, South Carolina, and Florida. While the teacher compensa- ones, merely because they have JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION Teachers in Vermont, Oregon, and tion inputs are well documented, fewer years of experience or lack Hawaii may enjoy a relatively high outcomes aren’t evident. In the an advanced certification. That average salary, but those dollars at $44,990 due to many factors, short term, these salary increases system does little to encourage our n March, the National Educa- don’t go very far in these states. including changes in the teacher may have contributed to recent best public school teachers to stay tion Association released teach- When adjusted for cost of living, work force and massive overruns declines in teacher attrition. in the classroom. Second, for de- er salary data from its upcom- all three drop well below North in required Medicaid spending that According to the annual State of cades both Democratic and Repub- ing “Rankings of the States 2018 Carolina in the ranking. diverted funds from teacher salary the Teaching Profession in North lican legislatures have employed Iand Estimates of School Statistics Reliable, apples-to-apples increases and other uses. Begin- Carolina report, teacher attrition across-the-board salary increases, 2019” report. Republican lawmak- comparisons of health care and ning in 2015, the N.C. General As- declined for the third straight year even though increases focused on ers welcomed the news that North retirement benefits are difficult to sembly granted teachers average and dropped by nearly a percent- top-tier teachers are a much better Carolina’s $53,975 average teacher come by because states and school salary increases of 7 percent, 2.1 age point since 2016. long-term strategy for elevating salary ranks 29th in the nation, an districts structure their benefits percent, 4.7 percent, 3.3 percent, The overall state attrition rate teacher quality statewide. While improvement of five spots since packages differently from one an- and 6.5 percent. A sixth consec- in 2015-16 was 9.04 percent. It fell lawmakers have begun to address last year’s report. other. In North Carolina, baseline utive salary increase is almost to 8.70 percent a year later and the latter, our statewide salary Democrats and the president benefits provided by the legisla- certain to reach the Republicans’ decreased again to 8.09 percent in schedule remains an impediment of the NEA union state affiliate, ture include $6,104 per employee stated goal of reaching a $55,000 2017-18. The report isn’t designed to improvement. the N.C. Association of Educators, for health insurance, a Social salary average by 2020. to account for the factors under- In the coming months, Demo- lamented that the state average Security contribution of $3,701, Republican lawmakers wisely lying these trends, so the precise crats, unions, and public school ad- falls short of the national aver- and a retirement contribution of coupled teacher salary increases role of compensation in teachers’ vocacy organizations will demand age and is “misleading” and thus $9,123. In other words, behind with performance-based pay op- decision-making process is uncer- that lawmakers spend hundreds of should not be taken at face value. every teacher salary figure is a portunities. These include bonuses tain. Nevertheless, we know that millions more to climb further up They are right. That’s because the benefits package hovering around for elementary and middle school teachers who stay in the profes- the National Education Associa- rankings and estimates data don’t $19,000. reading and math teachers, high sion tend to be more effective than tion’s teacher salary rankings and include adjustments for cost of liv- But even ignoring adjustments school Advanced Placement those who leave. reach the fabled, but inconsequen- ing or health care and retirement for cost of living or considerations and International Baccalaureate While attrition may lead to im- tial, national average. While salary benefits. of benefits, North Carolina’s teach- teachers, and career and technical provements in teacher quality, two increases may be warranted for Adjusting the average salary er salaries are in a much different education teachers. Taken togeth- longstanding teacher pay practices their own sake, they should not be figures to account for the cost place today than they were just er, these measures and increases to are barriers to improvement. First, used to distract from the core mis- of living makes a big difference five years ago. local salary supplements propelled our continued use of experience- sion of our public schools — mean- because North Carolina has a In 2014, North Carolina’s North Carolina’s average teacher and credential-based teacher sal- ingful and sustained academic much lower cost of living than the average salary had bottomed out salary to nearly $54,000 in 2019, a ary schedules means, for example, achievement for all students.

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www.carolinajournal.com Breaking news, top stories and analysis delivered each morning to your inbox. CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 15 COMMENTARY Legal footnote highlights uncertainty about N.C. election maps

Though the court suggested gerry- page 33 in the N.C. lawmakers’ mandering could be too partisan to brief explains why. It reminds survive a constitutional challenge, readers that the U.S. Constitution’s a majority of justices couldn’t agree Elections Clause gives Congress in that case on a standard that oversight over state rules for con- would help them decide how much gressional elections. That clause MITCH KOKAI partisanship was “too much.” does not address state and local SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST For more than 30 years, justices elections. JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION have struggled with the issue of “[A] justification for federal finding a “judicially manageable intrusion into state and local elec- standard” in partisan gerryman- tions, as opposed to congressional f the U.S. Supreme Court is ready dering cases. Now, N.C. lawmakers’ elections, did not even occur to the to drop the topic of partisan ger- brief argues, it’s time to shut the framers,” the footnote explains. rymandering, a legal brief filed door. “Instead, the framers left that on behalf of N.C. legislative leaders “[T]he courts are simply being authority with the States and did Icould help bolster their decision. invited to invent a test for deter- not sub silentio [without notice] Yet a single footnote in the mining when political branches transfer it to the federal courts.” 75-page document offers a stark organized along partisan lines In other words, federal courts reminder: A favorable decision in and deliberately assigned an have nothing to say about partisan Washington, D.C., wouldn’t settle inherently political task engage in gerrymandering claims in state the gerrymandering issue com- to the brief. “This Court should liberations that generated the U.S. ‘too much’ partisan activity,” the courts. A ruling from Washington, pletely for North Carolina. declare partisan gerrymandering Constitution. brief contends. “The Constitution D.C., throwing out the Rucho case The nation’s highest court ad- claims nonjusticiable once and for Thus gerrymandering was “alive provides no basis for a judicial an- would not block an ongoing state dressed gerrymandering in North all and put an end to the effort to and well (though not yet known swer to that question, and forging court case challenging N.C. House Carolina — again — in March. reassign the inherently political by that name) at the time of the ahead nonetheless threatens to and Senate election maps. Supreme Court justices heard oral task of districting to the federal framing.” Those who designed the undermine the independence and By the time those Republi- arguments March 26 in Rucho v. courts.” Constitution and those who ap- integrity on which [federal] courts can-drawn maps reach the end of Common Cause. It’s a case chal- A claim is “nonjusticiable” if it’s proved the document knew about depend. …” the state’s legal process, Demo- lenging North Carolina’s current not possible for a court to settle the practice. Gerrymandering foes spent crats are likely to hold a 6-1 ma- congressional election map. the issue. The N.C. lawmakers’ The Constitution’s framers could years targeting Justice Anthony jority on North Carolina’s highest Opponents contend the map is brief turns to both constitutional have fought the influence of ger- Kennedy. They believed he would court. unconstitutional based on overly history and court precedent to rymandering by entrusting federal provide a crucial fifth Supreme No one can say for certain how partisan gerrymandering. explain why partisan gerryman- courts with oversight of electoral Court vote in favor of a standard state Supreme Court justices It’s the second time this par- dering fits that bill. mapmaking. They rejected that for determining overly partisan would rule. It’s safe to assume ticular case has reached the high Though the brief does not say so option. gerrymandering. they wouldn’t have much interest court. The legal brief filed Feb. 8 directly, the concept of “partisan “For most of the history of the Now that Brett Kavanaugh has in helping the GOP preserve any urged justices to ensure the case gerrymandering” itself is redun- Republic, the notion that the succeeded Kennedy, some ob- partisan advantages. has no more return trips. The doc- dant. Every instance of gerryman- answer to partisan gerrymander- servers believe the court now has Advocates of redistricting reform ument also called on the Supreme dering involves partisan purposes. ing would lie in the federal courts five votes to reject any such test. are drawing attention to this unset- Court to wash its hands complete- American and N.C. history offer would have been quite remarkable,” They believe five justices might be tled state of legal affairs. They are ly of any future complaints involv- plenty of examples. according to N.C. legislators’ brief. willing to rule that partisan gerry- launching a concerted effort again ing partisan gerrymandering. The brief traces the first case of “The framers, in their wisdom, del- mandering is a political issue that this year to change the way North A split three-judge trial court gerrymandering in North Carolina egated the sensitive task of federal courts should avoid completely. Carolina draws its election maps. panel’s decision in Rucho “confirms to 1732, when “the governor was oversight of state-enacted con- Thus the Supreme Court’s ruling Without legislative action, it’s the more fundamental reality that engaged in dividing precincts” gressional districting legislation to in Rucho could end federal partisan likely that partisans will con- courts simply do not have any in a way to benefit his political Congress, not the federal courts.” gerrymandering cases once and tinue to wage legal battles over business making value-laden judg- interests. That episode took place The U.S. Supreme Court opened for all. gerrymandering. As footnote six ments about how much politics more than four decades before the the door to partisan gerryman- That wouldn’t settle the issue for suggests, the primary battlefield is too much in a process that will American Revolution. The incident dering complaints in 1986, in the North Carolina. could shift from Washington, D.C., never be free of politics,” according occurred 55 years before the de- Indiana case of Davis v. Bandemer. Footnote six at the bottom of to Raleigh. NORTH CAROLINA

BUDGET IN PICTURES ONLINE NOW AT JOHNLOCKE.ORG www.johnlocke.org/research/north-carolina-budget-in-pictures-fy2017-18/

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? 16 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 EDUCATION Radically transforming the nation: our politicized schools of education

beliefs far to the left of ordinary a research interest in at least one liberals. Dewey was the leading topic that indicated some degree of progressive educator and an open politicization. socialist. The Brazilian Freire was Some of the other ideas common- openly a Marxist. ly espoused in education schools Ladson-Billings once wrote that today include: race and gender are JAY SCHALIN “we educators should align our social constructs; meritocracy is COLUMNIST scholarship with the philosophy of unfair; knowledge of dates, events, Marcus Garvey: race first!” In one and great personages are unnec- of her works assigned at UNC, she essary for the study of history; all f somebody wanted to funda- seems to argue for reparations for social knowledge is suspect due to mentally transform a society historical differences in education racism and sexism being embedded to its roots, where would he or between the races. in the language and culture; and to she start? And so it goes for the rest of my be white is to be unfairly privileged IThe most logical starting point list, plus a high percentage of the and must be atoned for. would be education. And if there education writers whose works This is not to say that all educa- were one part of the educational were less frequently assigned than tion schools are nothing more than system that would produce this the top 10. hotbeds of indoctrination and that transformation most broadly, The Martin Center has now re- tion — and followed their increas- Conspicuously absent from all recent graduates are hard- effectively, and efficiently, it would leased the results of that investi- ing influence in academia. almost all such syllabi were works core social justice warriors. The most likely be at our schools of gation in a new report, titled “The So who are these authors, and that took a very different approach education school curriculum grows education that train teachers for Politicization of University Schools what ideas are they promoting? to teaching, such as those by E. D. more intensely radical in graduate the K-12 classroom. Control the of Education.” First of all, they are not fringe Hirsch or Diane Ravitch. programs. Undergraduates may not schools of education, and the The report’s main conclusion? players, but key members of the Besides exploring the education always get the full blast. education system will eventually That schools of education may education establishment. Most of school syllabi and the philosoph- Sadly, one question that I could be yours to forward your political very well be radicalized beyond them have held prestigious posi- ical underpinnings of education not find an answer for is how we agenda. anything imagined by the early tions in the world of education. The schools’ radicalization, I took a look can restore our schools of educa- Remarkably, that is just what progressives. most frequently assigned writer is at the UNC-Chapel Hill education tion. Two of the three — UNC and has happened in this country. The way I came to that conclu- Gloria Ladson-Billings. school faculty from a couple of Wisconsin — seem too entrenched More than 100 years ago, when our sion was through two methods. She is associate vice chancellor different angles. Of 52 education in radical ideology to ever purge education schools were just start- One was an empirical examination of academic affairs at the Univer- school faculty members, 30 are the poisonous politics voluntarily. ing up or growing from two-year of the syllabi of three major educa- sity of Wisconsin-Madison, and registered as Democrats, 10 as And Michigan may not be too far normal schools to university status, tion schools — the Universities of she formerly served as chair of the unaffiliated, two as Republicans, behind. progressive educators set out to Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Department of Curriculum and and 10 were not registered. The two But if there is any hope for transform the nation into one Carolina. I looked at 290 total sylla- Instruction in the UW School of Republicans are both in their 60s, renewal, it starts with awareness. that was based on social science bi from the three education schools Education. so they will likely retire in a few It is time our policymakers stopped theories, collectivism, and central and tabulated the most frequently Paolo Freire and John Dewey are years, whereas younger professors ignoring the disastrous trend to planning. assigned authors. household names — perhaps two are solidly in the Democratic camp. politicize education. How successful were they? In the other method, I identified of the most influential education The UNC education school web- Several years ago, I started an the major strains of radical K-12 theorists who ever lived. site also listed professors’ research Jay Schalin is director of policy investigation into how politicized education — progressive, critical Second, every person on my top- interests. Just more than half — 27 analysis at the James G. Martin education schools have become. pedagogy, and multicultural educa- 10 list is highly political and holds of 52 — of professors expressed Center for Academic Renewal.

North Carolina is home to some of America's best colleges and universities for free speech.

To find out which ones rate the highest, download our latest report at go.jamesgmartin.center/research.

To request a hard copy, please call the Martin Center at 919-828-1400. CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 17 EDUCATION When parental involvement is too much of a good thing

parenting post on Middle Web’s kids “a sense of what it means to blog. contribute.” Stepping away from Problems arise when “parents do online grade portals also helps. too much for kids and they don’t Platt, who employs this strategy let them learn how to fail or how to with her own middle-school-age KRISTEN BLAIR experience hardship,” says Platt. children, says that might mean a COLUMNIST “There used to be natural conse- heart-to-heart with mom when quences. If kids forgot their gloves report cards come out. But kids at recess, then their hands were learn responsibility. cold. If they forgot their lunch, The road to self-esteem, says here’s a new twist to an then they had to share a lunch Platt, is through “supported ongoing debate — this with a friend or go a little hungry. failure” and learning to do things one about parents and the It’s not going to hurt them.” yourself. Parents are there, offering students they create. This fall Safeguarding against short-term kids hugs and saying, “‘Get back Ta “We Are Teachers” blog post, pain seems kinder. Think: warm out there.’ … It’s a better way for lamenting an upsurge in overin- hands, full tummy — today. But kids to build self-esteem than to volved parents, went viral, elicit- it deprives kids of experiences guard them, pamper them, and ing coverage from myriad media that shape tomorrow and beyond. coddle them through.” outlets and the national teachers’ “That’s what learning is,” says Funny thing: I bombed my first union. Written anonymously by Platt. “It’s a whole bunch of fail- test in college. My mother, who a middle school teacher, the post ures and productive struggle.” believed in productive struggle, described “lawnmower parents,” Powerfully effective parents, had prepared me. I sought help so named because of attempts longstanding research shows, are and doubled down on effort. That to “mow obstacles down so kids have children identified falsely as loads of it, to do school and life. those whose style is warm, firm bad grade was a powerful teacher, won’t experience them in the first athletic recruits, or to arrange for But when involvement becomes — and democratic. They mirror fueling academic accolades. I’ve place.” When parents request proj- cheating on admissions exams. interference, casualties accrue. the authoritative parenting style shared that experience with my ect extensions or deliver insulated Reeking of parental entitlement, Among them: long-term learning, outlined by psychologist Diana own children, almost grown, after (BPA-free!) water bottles to school, this scandal elicited justifiable autonomy, and self-esteem. Baumrind decades ago. Research their school setbacks. this teacher wondered: How will outrage. But what about everyday, Lawnmower parenting often links authoritative parenting with Parenting is hard, imperfect kids rebound after bombing their well-intentioned instances of springs from a loving desire to educational achievement, attain- work. It’s normal to rev up that first test in college? parental overinvolvement? Where shield kids from pain. “I don’t ment, and healthy attitudes about lawnmower occasionally. I have. Then there were revelations in to draw the line on those? think any of it comes from a bad work. But it’s wise to throttle back. Ulti- mid-March of extreme (and felo- First, a clarification: Benefits of place,” says Rita Platt, a princi- How to do this practically? mately, kids are the better for it. nious) lawnmower parenting. To healthy parental involvement are pal in Wisconsin’s St. Croix Falls “Letting kids speak for themselves guarantee spots at elite colleges, buttressed by abundant research. School District. I sought out Platt’s is really important,” says Platt. Kristen Blair is a Chapel Hill-based wealthy parents paid bribes to Kids need parental involvement, input after reading her excellent Chores build self-esteem, giving education writer. What’s the actual value of a master’s degree?

low job applicants and entry-level But systematic change, if any, employees that used to be the will likely be slow. Until the benefit of a bachelor’s degree. system changes, prospective stu- To stand out in the job market, dents can best protect their own master’s degrees seem like the interests by carefully weighing natural next step. In a job market the costs and benefits of their SARAH-JANE LORENZO with an increasing number of desired degrees. COLUMNIST college graduates to choose from, Program costs remain substan- employers can choose candidates tial, although online master’s pro- with master’s degrees for the same grams grew to 30 percent of the IN THE PAST 20 years, the number jobs that may have only required market by 2016. A recent study of students earning a master’s bachelor’s degrees before. by the Urban Institute also found degree has more than doubled. Yet, for the edge it gives workers that tuition for master’s degrees is More than 42 percent of bachelor’s during the job hunt, choosing to increasing much faster than tui- degree recipients now go on to earn a master’s has a hefty cost: Of tion for undergraduate programs. earn their master’s. This degree graduates with educational debt, The cost of a master’s degree has proliferation raises a serious ques- those with master’s degrees owed increased by 79 percent in the last tion: Are master’s degrees on track a median of $56,049 in 2016 for 20 years, compared to a 47 percent to become the new bachelor’s? their undergraduate and graduate increase for the cost of a bache- If so, the extra years of school- degrees, more than double the debt lor’s degree. ing may not benefit graduates and history — don’t increase their ter’s degree may be helping grads of those with only undergraduate Unfortunately, until those much. earnings at all. For students in boost their job satisfaction instead degrees. issues are addressed, master’s Graduates with their master’s, those fields, earning a master’s of salary. For example, a master’s So what can be done, beyond degrees may not be a practical for instance, are less than half a degree may most notably lead to a degree could secure a history- or decrying this slippery slope? At- choice for prospective students percent more likely to be employed large amount of debt. The big- literature-related job for a worker tending quality graduate educa- in every field. As long as tuition than those with only undergrad- gest boost from a master’s degree even though bachelor’s graduates tion programs for the right reasons continues to increase and market uate educations, according to accrues for students in science and could have earned a similar salary should certainly not be discour- benefits remain uncertain or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. engineering fields. doing work unrelated to their field aged due to the societal interests modest, master’s degrees in some Although master’s degrees are While employment and earn- of study. The job of a worker with in encouraging education. Part- disciplines may simply lead to associated with an average ings data don’t suggest a master’s a bachelor’s degree would be less time and online master’s programs more financial struggle than they salary increase of nearly $12,000, degree boxes out bachelor’s recipi- satisfying than the one she would could lower the opportunity costs are worth. earnings benefits vary greatly by ents from getting jobs, master’s de- hold after earning a master’s for students and allow them to discipline. Data from Payscale.com grees may have different benefits degree. work simultaneously. Greater pres- Sarah-Jane Lorenzo is a freelance suggest that master’s graduates beyond measurable employment In other words, master’s degrees sure on universities to drive down journalist with expertise in in some fields — such as literature data. A key advantage of a mas- may give the same edge over fel- costs could help, too. education policy. 18 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 SUPREME COURT Expert: Kavanaugh poses no threat to constitutional order

MK: We did hear this quite such an opposition to a bit — some people saying Justice Kavanaugh. Because that if Brett Kavanaugh frankly, he probably is more ends up on the U.S. of a moderate conservative Supreme Court, there is than a lot of other choices going to be a threat to the President Trump could have U.S. Constitution. Even a made. I think he will prob- U.S. senator, [California ably be more like Justice Democrat] Kamala Harris, [Neil] Gorsuch, who, by made this claim. When you the way, voted with Justice heard these descriptions Kennedy more than any of Brett Kavanaugh, what other justice in last year’s did you think? term. I don’t think he’s going to be as conservative GW: Well, I think they’re as, say, a Justice [Clarence] misguided. I think what Thomas or a Justice [Sam- Kamala Harris is worried ul] Alito. But I think he’s about is not a threat to the going to be more toward the Constitution, which, by conservative middle as we the way, she referred to as go forward.

the “little book in Judge HOUSE.GOV MK: Kavanaugh’s pocket there.” WALLACE ON BRETT KAVANAUGH: “I don’t think Judge Kavanaugh is going to go for making And in fact, before the Gregory Wallace What she’s concerned about up constitutional rights or fundamental rights that have really no basis in the text or in the long whole furor about Brett Professor of Law is the threat to the sort of tradition of our constitutional decision-making.” Kavanaugh, there were Campbell University freewheeling judicial kind of quite a few people even decision-making that allows on the legal left who said, During the debate over U.S. judges to really decide cases “Of the people that Trump Supreme Court Justice Brett based on their political Kavanaugh would not even the courts should say could have chosen, this Kavanaugh’s confirmation, views and not really based necessarily have to be He wrote more anything about this. I’ve would be someone that we some critics complained that on the text, or history, or tra- personally conservative heard some on the left say should support.” dition of the Constitution. to rule in a way that than 300 opinions that a Kavanaugh on the Kavanaugh posed a potential GW: these left-of-center court probably means now And there were people threat to the U.S. Constitution. MK: on his 12 years Gregory Wallace, professor of And those are really partisans would dislike. that the Supreme Court is on the right who didn’t law at Campbell University, based on two different If he’s just following the at the District going to step away and say, want Kavanaugh to be disputed that criticism during approaches to the Constitution, that would of Columbia “That’s a political issue. chosen for that very same a presentation for the John Constitution, right? One is: hurt their cause. We shouldn’t be dealing reason. You don’t know … Let’s look at the text. Let’s Circuit Court, with it.” Does anything predicting how justices Locke Foundation’s Shaftesbury GW: Society. Wallace shared his look at what it originally Yes. And I think that and in many of from his past suggest that are going to go. … Three of reasoning during an interview meant. The other is, well, if you look at the history might be true? the most hardened liber- it means what we say it of the court, it is the more those opinions als — [John Paul] Stevens, with Mitch Kokai for Carolina GW: Journal Radio. means today. conservative justices who he takes a pretty The partisan gerry- [William] Brennan, and tend to be the textualists mandering issue was a [David] Souter — were all GW: Exactly. And that re- and the originalists on the strong stand for mess in the court before Republican appointees. ally is what these hearings court. The more liberal jus- what we call the Judge — or now Justice — So you don’t know really were about. They were not tices tend to be those that ‘separation of Kavanaugh arrived there. how a justice is going to go really about Judge Kavana- adhere to this sort of living In fact, Justice Kennedy when they get that lifetime ugh’s past. They were about Constitution approach, powers.’ wrote the majority opinion appointment. judicial power. And Judge where you kind of make in a case 10 or 12 years ago, MK: Kavanaugh would be a up constitutional law, like where when first presented The other angle that GW: more reliable conservative state common-law judges Yes. In fact, … he wrote with the issue of partisan probably is of interest to on the court than Justice do with the common law. more than 300 opinions on gerrymandering, the court people is Justice Kennedy [Anthony] Kennedy. I don’t They just kind of make it his 12 years at the District said, “Wow, we just can’t was a swing vote. So now think Judge Kavanaugh is up based on whatever they of Columbia Circuit Court, come up with any sort that you have Kavanaugh, going to go for making up think is right at the time. and in many of those of workable standard for do you have a pretty constitutional rights or opinions he takes a pret- determining when it’s too strong 5-4 conservative MK: fundamental rights that One of the things ty strong stand for what partisan.” And so I think bloc? Or does [Chief] have really no basis in the that is of interest is we call the “separation of the court had an oppor- Justice [John] Roberts now text or in the long tradition that Brett Kavanaugh, powers.” In fact, he is very tunity this past year, last become a swing vote? Do of our constitutional deci- having been someone concerned about regula- year, to decide these cases, we know? sion-making. who’s seen as more of a tory overreach — that is, but it punted on standing GW: I think what they were textualist or following overreach by the executive grounds. I don’t know that I think that Justice concerned about was, the original meaning of department. In at least 75 Justice Kavanaugh would Kavanaugh, if you look at probably No. 1, abortion. the Constitution, some cases, he voted with the vote necessarily any differ- his past decisions, and if No. 2, I think probably gay have said this doesn’t majority in cutting back on ent than a Justice Kennedy that’s a reliable guide, and rights. Both of these are necessarily mean he is the reach of executive agen- would on that case. he doesn’t swing to the left sort of different sides of the a slam-dunk vote for cies. So I don’t have any like a few of these conser- MK: same coin of this package anything favoring Donald reason to think that he’s Looking at just the vative-appointed judges of rights that we think of as Trump. If the president going to rubber-stamp the long-term future with have done, I think he will rights dealing with sexual tries something that’s actions of President Trump. Brett Kavanaugh on the be a more reliable conserva- autonomy … by the way, outside the bounds of bench, how do you see him tive than Justice Kennedy. MK: none of which are found in the Constitution, Brett One of the issues shaping future court cases I don’t think he’s going to the Constitution. I think Kavanaugh is probably that has been of great coming out of the Supreme end up being the swing that’s what they’re really going to be one of those importance in the courts Court? vote, which may push Chief concerned about. justices who will say, “No, involving North Carolina Justice Roberts more to the Listen to this and other GW: the Constitution doesn’t has been this whole idea I think that one of the middle and be the swing interviews online: MK: You mentioned say you can do it, so you of gerrymandering and mistakes that the Demo- vote, like he was in the www.carolinajournal.com/radio “conservative,” but Brett can’t.” redistricting, and whether crats made was to mount Obamacare case. CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 19 HEALTH CARE Discussing the changing landscape of health insurance DW: What do people in sured market can be very field on this? How firm are INTERVIEW North Carolina need to attractive but typically its roots? know about regulatory comes with considerations KC: changes in association around are you large enough, The roots of it are in health plans? and then also what are the ERISA, which was first state-specific rules around passed in 1974 and updated KC: In June of this past year self-insured plans. in the 1980s. It is a regulato- the Department of Labor ry interpretation. The issue DW: finalized a new regulation Are there provisions that happens with health on association health that large health groups insurance in general, and plans, which allowed small would face that the you’ve seen this with the businesses to band together smaller ones wouldn’t Affordable Care Act, is that Kev Coleman so they could get things in terms of the essential as people enroll in plans and Founder and President associated with large-com- health benefits? like their coverage, they be- pany health insurance. This come resistant to change. So Association Health Plans KC: is done as an interpretation Absolutely. If you’re a by the time there would be of [the federal Employee small-group health insur- an administrative change- Health insurance experts Retirement Income Securi- ance plan you would have over you would have to deal are predicting a major shift ty Act], so this does apply to abide by the Affordable with the millions of people in the way some employers across the nation. Basically PHOTO STOCK Care Act’s definition of 10 who have become not only provide health insurance to because of that we’re set COLEMAN: “You’ve seen already United Health Care, which essential health benefits. A enrollees, but advocates for their workers and the options up in a situation where not is one of the largest health insurers in the nation, go in very large-group plan has more this type of health coverage. available to individuals. just small businesses but heavily towards association health plans.” flexibility on benefit design. One of the things that may Association health plans also the self-employed — However, with that said happen, I think, in the near worth billions could enroll people in the gig economy it’s not the Wild West. You future is given the discus- millions of people in the next (the sharing, gift, and barter can’t just have any benefits sion of this Texas ruling, few years. Think of them as economy), the mid-size are freelancers,” or “We’re get with health insurance that you want. There’s still it might actually get both group health plans formed by businesses — they’re going all ride-share drivers like when you’re larger and have a variety of regulations that Democrats and Republicans multiple employers, including to be able to try and band to- Lyft or Uber.” You could also greater scale, you also have inform what benefits need to talking about new health re- the self-employed. Federal gether, and get much greater do regional associations. better claims predictability. be provided by a large-group form fixes. One of the things regulatory changes governing scale to be able to leverage You could have a chamber If I have a big risk pool, it’s plan for any kind of large that would be extremely association health plans were down their health insurance of commerce for one, or you much easier for me to be able company or large associ- beneficial is if we could actu- recently revised. Kev Coleman costs when they’re in discus- may have a state-level asso- to say, “OK, what are claims ation health plan. Those ally get some type of health is a health care policy expert sions with insurers, or if they ciation. Those are some of going to look like next year,” include things like coverage reform that both sides can and founder and president just choose to self-insure the big changes within the and therefore I can appro- of pre-existing conditions, support so it doesn’t become of the online publication when they’re in discussions market. But the thing that’s priately calculate my health coverage of preventive care so polarized, and you have AssociationHealthPlans.com. A with health care providers. I very often missed on this is insurance premiums. The services with no out-of- one side always trying to former North Carolina resident, know those types of discus- it’s really just allowing small second issue with a larg- pocket costs, prohibitions on undermine the other. he holds graduate degrees from sions are especially relevant entities to access a market er-scale institution is that annual and lifetime spend- Yale and Duke universities. He DW: right now in North Carolina. that already operates for for self-insured plans that ing limits for any health plan How is the insurance is author of Association Health tens of millions of people for also makes it easier for them benefits, prior coverage of industry on this? Lots of Plans & the Future of American DW: Is it just dependent employees of large compa- in terms of remaining stable pregnancy, childbirth, and times they’re resistant to Health Insurance. Carolina on circumstances, and nies. and solvent. Let’s say you related maternity and new- anything that might chip Journal Associate Editor Dan on who’s forming these, lose a few employers. Well, if born child care, compliance away at their numbers. Way talked with Coleman DW: whether they want to Whether a group you’re a very large associa- with COBRA. So, there’s a about the changing landscape KC: pursue large-group would decide to have an tion, that really isn’t going to variety of rules that still Things will differ at the of health insurance. insurance? insurance provider or be matter as much. But if you’re apply to what’s called large level of the individual insur- self-insured, does that a very small association that company benefits. They’re ance company, and where KC: What the regulation depend on circumstances? has a much bigger effect on just less restrictive within they make their revenue. did was make it easier for People’s tolerance for you. Those are some of the the association health plan. However, in general, as we entities ... to form associa- risk? How do they make biggest considerations. take a look at the industry as DW: tions, and then secondly for that decision? At the state level there are How many people a whole, there is excitement them to be able to leverage over a thousand different would this affect? about this market. You’ve KC: the rules on what’s known I’ve recently published state-specific laws in health seen already United Health KC: as large-group health a book on association health insurance, and any particu- The Department of Care, which is one of the insurance. Large-group plans as well as the future of lar state may have different Labor has estimated that up largest health insurers in the health insurance is typically American health insurance, rules or considerations on to 11 million Americans may nation, go in very heavily 18 percent, perhaps even and one of the prolonged a fully insured plan versus join the association health towards association health more, less expensive than a discussions I have in there a self-insured. Typically, insurance market in the plans. And this is because small-group market. What are the considerations in self-insured plans also avoid coming years. I’ve also seen even with modest estimates you’re basically doing is making a choice between taxation on health insur- studies from Avalere Health, we’re seeing a market that allowing businesses that fully and self-insured. ance premiums, which is an which made some projec- could be as big as $14 billion are quite modest to be able Let me give you the con- advantage. They have also a tions that by 2022 they to $18 billion by 2022 when to start accessing the kind tours of the trade-offs. … At further way to lower health expect somewhere between you aggregate all the annual of health insurance savings its most basic level there is insurance prices because 2.3 million and 4.3 million premiums represented by that large companies like an the issue of are you trans- they can avoid the profit individuals just within enrollees. What that tends IBM or an Apple would be ferring the risk for future that’s effectively paid to a Affordable Care Act small to do is attract not just able to leverage because of expenses of medical claims third-party health insurance group and Affordable Care insurance companies but their much greater size. That to a third-party insurance company. These association Act individual insurance also other players within was really the big aspect and company, or are you holding health plans are made by migrate into these associa- the insurance ecosystem — motivation of the legisla- on to that yourself? Usually businesses to give coverage tion health plans. So we’re brokers, benefit consultants, tion, and towards that end organizations that are going to their own employees, so talking about a very sizable third-party administrators, they also clarified, and made to hold onto it themselves they’re not looking to make market arising very quickly. actuarial experts, etc. So, it easier for groups to be able will be larger. There are it a for-profit enterprise in I think in general you’ll DW: This interview was edited for to form, not just on profes- several reasons for this. terms of the actual health Say the people vote in see support because of the clarity and space. sional associations — like One of them is besides the care coverage. That’s one a Democratic president in emerging opportunity that “We’re all journalists who innate advantages you of the reasons the self-in- 2020. Could they reverse this market represents. 20 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 EDITORIAL ‘The university LOGIC | FACTS | HUMOR | COMMON SENSE of the people’

ince January 2016, the University of North Carolina LOCKE system has had two “perma- The University of nent” presidents and two interim North Carolina isn’t Sleaders (including current Interim a failing commercial HEADA JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION PODCAST President Dr. Bill Roper). In recent months, UNC-Chapel enterprise requiring Hill Chancellor Carol Folt left in a hostile takeover. a huff, taking the Confederate memorial “Silent Sam” down It’s a massive public A no-holds-barred discussion on on her way out. East Carolina institution, beloved University Chancellor Cecil Staton resigned his post after months of by millions of people individual liberty and free markets. discussion, talks he said he didn’t in North Carolina and initiate. Western Carolina Univer- sity seemed to have a chancellor in around the world. place, but the hiring was derailed Listen at www.johnlocke.org/podcast because a UNC Board of Governors member said the top candidate funding if the chancellor wasn’t falsified his resume. (This is hotly removed. disputed.) To quote “Blazing Saddles”: Meantime, the system’s board What in the wide world of sports is has faced a barrage of negative going on here? publicity. It includes: The UNC board and its backers • a letter signed by more than dismiss any talk of turmoil. Smith 200 supporters of Staton by admits vigorous discussions take a prestigious group of ECU place privately. But in public, the alumni, donors, and commu- board speaks with one voice. Every- nity leaders urging the Board one’s on the same page. of Governors to keep Staton in We’ve heard the process de- Greenville. scribed as “turning over the trash • the formation of Reform UNC cans.” Intentional disruption. A System Governance, a group new leadership team asserting its of more than 1,600 UNC control. System alumni — including The board and campus leaders former trustees, Board of point to a list of accomplishments. Governors members, and an Graduation rates improving faster ex-chancellor of UNC-Chapel than the national average. Enroll- Hill — chastising the current ment growth. Tuition freezes for Board of Governors for “med- incoming freshmen, caps on fee in- dling and micromanaging” in creases, and the $500-per-semester campus business. NC Promise program for in-state • an op-ed in the News & students at three UNC schools. Observer, the state’s largest Rescuing Elizabeth City State Uni- newspaper, with former UNC versity from financial ruin. President Erskine Bowles, a The good news isn’t getting Democrat, and former Char- reported, they say. Any discord is lotte mayor and gubernatorial limited to a small, noisy minori- nominee Richard Vinroot, ty. Besides, fiscal conservatives a Republican, claiming the should cheer changes that improve Board of Governors is exces- efficiency and keep the costs to massive public institution, beloved sively partisan and exercises taxpayers reasonable. by millions of people in North Caro- “heavy-handed oversight.” But even the good news is often lina and around the world. Some of the shots have come overtaken by backbiting and per- Its board should operate under from the inside. BOG member sonality clashes. rules of disclosure and transparen- Steve Long and outgoing ECU Leaders in the General Assembly cy, which apply to all government trustees Chairman Kieran Shanah- seem pleased with what’s going on entities. It should try to gain the an have singled out BOG Chairman at UNC, appointing board members trust and support of a much broader Harry Smith. who back the current regime to audience than the one on Jones Long issued a scathing public new terms. Senate leader Phil Berg- Street. Faculty members. Alumni. statement saying Smith fre- er, R-Rockingham, recently said Donors. Community leaders. quently harassed former system change always makes some people Without that trust, those President Margaret Spellings and unhappy. supporters could set aside their ran Staton out of Greenville. (Long Still, plenty of prominent North frustration and anger and instead later apologized for publicly criti- Carolinians — not just “wacky stop caring. Apathy eventually cizing Smith but didn’t take back liberal professors” or a handful of would destroy some of our state’s the harsh language.) malcontents — aren’t happy. most venerated institutions. Shanahan also told WITN News The University of North Carolina In other words, those in charge that Smith forced out Staton, tell- isn’t a failing commercial enterprise of the UNC System should lead, ing trustees ECU would lose state requiring a hostile takeover. It’s a not rule. CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 21 COMMENTARY BY JOHN HOOD

Conservatives Cooper budget uses excessive debt should favor merican states and utilities. Both use borrowed localities are, on the Savings Reserve Share of General Fund money to skirt North Carolina’s whole, administered more balanced-budget rule — federal redistricting responsibly than the federal gov- 12% debt in the first case and state Aernment is. Their superiority has debt in the second. reform nothing to do with the qualities 10% The Medicaid gambit is more of individuals involved. Indeed, egregious, since Medicaid is many federal politicians were 8% inherently an operating expense. n the twilight of his political once state or local politicians. But even when it comes to 6% career, Ronald Reagan made the The difference is institution- capital spending, North Carolina media rounds to discuss his ad- al. It’s about rules. Most states 4% has traditionally employed debt ministration, legacy, and unfinished and localities are required to conservatively, not expansively. Ibusiness. During several of these balance their operating budgets. 2% While borrowing does make fi- interviews, Reagan went out of his The federal government isn’t. nancial sense in some cases, pay- way to criticize the longtime prac- Balanced-budget rules discipline 0% as-you-go has its own benefits tice of gerrymandering electoral behavior and choices of political and ought to remain a significant districts for partisan advantage. actors. part of the mix. 2011-12 2010-11 2017-18 2012-13 2016-17 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2018-19 1997-98 1996-97 1995-96 1998-99 2001-02 1999-00 2009-10 2000-01 2007-08 2002-03 2006-07 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 “I think this is a great conflict of For example, I think the recent 2008-09 More importantly, North Caro- interest,” Reagan told ABC news federal tax bill was a good one. Ending Balance Statutory Goal lina has already been evading its host (and N.C. native) David Brin- But its fiscal impact should have balanced-budget rule for decades SOURCE: Office of State Budget and Management kley in 1988, “to ask men holding been offset by large reductions in by promising pension and retiree office, elected from districts, to federal spending. Instead, we will health benefits to public employ- change the lines of that district to continue to see large deficits. ees without setting aside enough fit the new population.” Speaking to In North Carolina, by contrast, the state’s long-term spending nearly enough revenue coming in money to cover the cost. We “Firing Line” host William F. Buck- state government has run small priorities. to finance the operating expen- should have tightened the rule ley a couple of years later, Reagan to moderate surpluses every year Balanced-budget rules bind to- ditures they believe are needed. to stop that, by requiring accrual argued strongly that the redistrict- since the end of the Great Reces- day’s politicians in the interest of But most also (correctly) believe rather than cash accounting. ing process should be reformed. De- sion. Its operating budget cannot, tomorrow’s residents. These con- that North Carolinians don’t But we didn’t — and now we scribing the convoluted congressio- legally, run a deficit. Moreover, straints can be uncomfortable. consider themselves undertaxed. have tens of billions of dollars in nal districts in the Los Angeles area state lawmakers and governors Leaders are compelled to make Despite the forlorn hopes of unfunded liabilities. That’s a real as resembling a “nest of snakes,” have wisely chosen not to spend tough decisions. That produces progressive activists, Cooper was debt that effectively reduces the Reagan complained that legislative all the surpluses, but instead to better decisions — and, actually, never going to propose large- state’s capacity to issue bonds. majorities in California and most build up the largest cash reserves better leaders. scale tax increases on personal or Washington’s unfunded other states had “funneled” as in modern N.C. history. The exceptions prove the rule. corporate income. liabilities are enormously larger, many voters of the opposing party These reserves came in handy Consider two hot-button issues Instead, the governor’s budget of course. States are better run, into “a few districts as possible” to when the hurricanes hit. They’ll in N.C. politics: Medicaid expan- proposes to expand Medicaid and no question. But they aren’t subvert the will of the voters. come in handy when the next sion and public debt. Gov. Roy to issue $3.9 billion in bonds to perfectly run. Time to clean up As a conservative who came of economic recession hits. They Cooper and legislative Democrats fund capital projects for schools, the mess — and to avoid making age politically during the Reagan will protect taxpayers as well as recognize the state doesn’t have colleges, universities, and local bigger ones. era, I can’t help chuckling to myself whenever a Republican critic re- RIGHTS AND REGULATIONS sponds to my longtime advocacy of redistricting reform by questioning my conservative credentials. The problem has bipartisan ori- Property rights should settle disputes gins and manifestations. The most contorted legislative maps I’ve ever IF YOU OWN IT, seen — districts that would have you control it. rights to the use or sharing of they see fit. In a free society, the locked Republicans out of power in That’s what it means to enjoy a other resources held in common proper response to questions Raleigh regardless of the preference property right, in a nutshell. It If I own a piece among the neighbors. about high-density housing and of the voters — were drawn by is a right safeguarded by North But I don’t own the property of granny flats and the like is going Democratic lawmakers after the Carolina’s constitution as well as of property, I my neighbors. I don’t own a deed to be that those who own the 2000 elections and census. Only the 14th Amendment to the fed- have a right to a specific traffic count on the property to be developed or used successful litigation by the GOP eral Constitution, among other street, or a minimum distance — not those who happen to live kept this attempted Democratic provisions. to enjoy and from a place of business, or an nearby — get to answer those gerrymander from sticking. And it is a right denied every expected “property value,” or to questions. Most active N.C. Republicans day by localities across North dispose of that choose what kinds of people I What reasonable exceptions supported this litigation, by the Carolina. may encounter. there may be, such as direct way. The only major exception I can As you may know, there are property as I In places where governments impairment of neighboring prop- recall was the late Richard Mor- political fights across our state see fit. impose more and heavier regula- erty or immediate health and gan, who helped keep his political right now about housing. Some tions on the production and sale safety concerns, reinforce this partner (and future felon) Jim Black communities, worried about of housing, it costs more. Yes, principle rather than undercut- in charge of the House even after worsening affordability and places with plentiful high-pay- ting it. If you blast your music so Republicans won a majority of responding to the preferences of into competing factual claims, ing jobs and other amenities loud that it make it impossible seats in the 2002 elections. Morgan young consumers, are consid- the wording of zoning ordinanc- are popular places to live, which for me to function normally, or insisted that legislatures should ering plans to open up their es, and speculations about the bids up housing prices. But those host a party that leads to your retain maximum autonomy to draw housing markets by allowing feasibility of transit or walkabil- prices, in turn, make it attractive drunken friends parking or puk- districts however they wished, even higher-density development, ity as an alternative to automo- for developers to supply more ing on my lawn, I am entitled to if Republicans were on the receiving “granny flats,” and other ways tive transportation. Not enough housing. That tends to keep the take action. end of the resulting gerrymander. to add capacity at a reasonable attention is paid, I think, to the median cost roughly in line with But if you rent your basement Set aside for the moment the cost. At every step, these reform- fundamental question: What do the median income of prospec- apartment to a group of earnest prudential case for Republicans to ers find their way blocked by you think you own? tive buyers — unless govern- if hapless students from the support redistricting reform. North residents who seek to preserve If I own a piece of property, I ment gets in the way. local college, I am entitled to do or even tighten existing rules have a right to enjoy and dispose North Carolinians have the nothing more than chuckle to see HOOD PAGE 24 against such practices. of that property as I see fit. I right to buy, use, enjoy, and myself. And as a good neighbor, These debates usually devolve may also have some specified dispose of their property as I’d feel obligated to wave. 22 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 COMMENTARY Arguments against fixing broken N.C. ABC system old, tired

It’s archaic, draconian, and should stores. Measures aimed at helping have been fixed long ago. N.C. distilleries, which are treated It’s useless for media outlets far differently by the state than are to continue reporting on “news” breweries and wineries. conferences such as the one led Some of the discussions around by Creech, who, simply put, would fixing the system — replacing JOHN TRUMP be thrilled to re-enact Prohibition. local money, for instance — are MANAGING EDITOR Nothing more, in regard to his valid. And, yes, it’s critical that we thoughts — and the thoughts of keep liquor away from minors and those with similar mind-sets — that we, as a community, reach out group of people who don’t needs saying. and help problem drinkers. like the idea of people But there’s a twist here. But some arguments are just drinking liquor got togeth- Not long after the news confer- plain hyperbolic. er recently to denounce efforts to ence, the Wake County ABC board Rep. Pat McElraft, R-Carteret, Aprivatize the state monopoly on posted on Facebook a “thank you” as reported by the Insider, said alcohol sales, storage, and distri- — photos, included — to Creech during the news conference that, if bution. and the gang. I asked on the post the system goes private, as many The group included representa- whether it was appropriate for an as 9,000 stores in North Carolina tives from the General Assembly, ABC board — a government entity could be selling liquor. law enforcement, and — never to — to appear as if it’s supporting That reasoning, based on retail- be left out of any discussion that efforts to thwart legislation to ers now selling beer and wine, is centers on railing against alcohol change the monopolistic system. ers in the more than 430 govern- supporting or opposing pending dubious at best. — the Rev. Mark Creech of the A short time later I tried to ment-run stores around the state legislation, in an official capacity As my colleague Jon Sanders has Christian Action League. return to the post. It was gone. want to keep the status quo. Well, — as an arm of government — pointed out, the idea that govern- They played all the usual notes Wake County ABC General Man- of course they do. shouldn’t be among them. ment control of liquor distribution of concern — easier access to ager Ike Wheeler said in an email But it’s important they remem- Expect a slew of bills this ses- and bottle sales somehow makes alcohol for minors and problem that he was aware of the post. “It ber that, as government employ- sion that aim to reform liquor laws us safer is an old and tired belief. drinkers, loss of local revenue, was taken down because individ- ees, their job is to implement and in North Carolina. Moves, for ex- Yes, beer and wine are widely increased crime, etc. uals started disputing with each adhere to rules and laws enacted ample, allowing distilleries to sell available throughout the state — The N.C. Alcoholic Beverage other, and that is not the purpose by the General Assembly and, in mixed drinks, giving local govern- in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, Control Commission, which over- of the site,” he wrote. some cases, county and city en- ments the option of operating ABC gas stations. … sees some 170 boards throughout Employees of the N.C. ABC, tities. Their duties are many, and stores on Sunday, and allowing continued PAGE 24 the state, is irrevocably broken. members of the boards, and work- these are often complicated. Yet spirituous liquor tastings at ABC How should we fund new school buildings?

rent would give them more privacy The bottom line is: Borrowing counties and construction of facil- and control over their lives. But allows homebuyers — as well as ities needs to happen now to give with the average price of a home Two approaches governments — to get more now, students the largest benefit, then in North Carolina now almost but at a higher long-run cost. borrowing can make this happen. $200,000, the couple doesn’t have to finance Therefore, one key question our In this case, interest payments are MICHAEL WALDEN the cash available to buy a house legislators will have to address a cost of speed. COLUMNIST outright. is: How fast do we need to build So each financing approach has If the couple could borrow the school infrastructure. The “pay as school buildings? Can we spread its pluses and minuses. Recogniz- $200,000 with a home mortgage you spend” plan would allocate out the construction over several ing them can help lead our public BOTH GUBERNATORIAL and charging 4 percent interest and money directly from the state bud- decades, by, for example, address- officials to the best choice. legislative leadership in North Car- allowing repayment over 30 years, get for building schools and other ing the counties with the most olina has agreed the state needs they could have the home now educational structures. No borrow- needs first? If the answer is “yes,” Michael Walden is a William Neal to financially assist localities in as long as they can afford a $955 ing would be involved. then “pay as you spend” might be Reynolds Distinguished Professor at constructing new school buildings. monthly mortgage payment. On the surface, “pay as you the best choice. North Carolina State University. He But there’s disagreement over how Borrowing now and paying later spend” sounds more frugal and Yet if the need is pressing in all does not speak for the university. this financial help should occur. therefore allows the couple to enjoy inexpensive. After all, there are There are two competing plans. the home while paying for it. no interest charges, and the state One would have the state borrow The same logic can be applied presumably would only spend what a large amount of money, use the to public projects like roads and it could afford at the time. funds to construct the structures, schools. These projects last many Still, there’s a downside to “pay and retire the debt over a long peri- decades and will be used by multi- as you spend,” and, to illustrate od of time — likely decades. ple generations of state residents. it, let’s return to the home pur- This is the standard approach Borrowing the money to construct chase example. Say our couple to financing large public projects, the projects now allows current and can exactly afford the amount of including roads. Businesses use the future generations to both use the the monthly mortgage payment same technique, and households projects as well as pay for them. — $955 — for shelter each month. follow this process when they buy The biggest downside to “borrow This equates to $11,460 for the “big-ticket” items, such as homes. now, pay later” is the interest year. Using “pay as you spend,” the In fact, let me demonstrate the charges paid on the borrowed couple would initially only be able logic used by the “borrow now, pay funds. In the $200,000 mortgage to afford a home worth $11,460. later” approach to financing with example, over the course of 30 Next year they could spend another the example of buying a home. years, not only will the $200,000 $11,460 expanding the size of their Consider a couple who wants to loan be repaid, but almost $144,000 home, and they could do this in purchase a home for themselves in interest will also be paid. each subsequent year. But at this and their two young children. They Avoiding borrowing and interest rate it would take the couple 17 ½ have decided raising a family in payments are the advantages of years to give them the equivalent a dwelling they own rather than the second proposal for funding of a $200,000 home. CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 23 COMMENTARY Examining complexities, pitfalls of a direct democracy

posal the British people approved positively can also present a simple was a simple one asking if the task to policymakers. The referen- country should leave or remain in dum to add a voter identification the EU and made no mention of an requirement to our state constitu- exit process. No one really debated tion implied specific instructions the terms of Britain’s departure because the U.S. Supreme Court ANDY TAYLOR during the campaign. The result had greatly restricted the scope of COLUMNIST was very close, with 52 percent in constitutionally permissible action. favor of quitting. The Republican General Assembly This is the central problem with had also telegraphed intentions y the time you read this, direct democracy. The public — by about what it would do if granted Britain should have left which we really mean majorities the authority. That in both cases the European Union. Or, — sometimes has strong views on courts intervened to reverse the perhaps, it’s still a member. Maybe important matters, but these tend public is a topic I’ll grumble about there will be another referendum. to be simplistic and incoherent. another day. B ART STOCK This uncertainty reveals how There is little understanding of More often, though, a referen- divided Britons are about their how they might hang together in dum only obfuscates. Brexit is as future and place in Europe. It also gland politics. Residents still meet distrust elected officials. We also a program of policies. There is no complex as most of the conceivable tells us a lot about direct democra- regularly to discuss their towns’ have greater confidence in state grasp of what these policies will policy matters Americans could cy, a form of governance Ameri- business and approve matters like and local government than Wash- produce once applied to real-world consider under direct democra- cans have always found appealing. budgets. During the Progressive ington and believe policymakers conditions. cy at the federal level. Imagine Direct democracy occurs when Era that straddled the turn of the should faithfully reflect the will of In complete contrast to the word- asking them directly about Social residents of a jurisdiction — a city, 20th century, many other states majorities. Brexit, however, should ing of the referendum, the Brexit Security reform, trade policy with state, country — vote on policy established procedures to permit give us pause. process has generated a dizzying China, an income tax overhaul, or rather than have elected represen- the public to vote on changes to Brexit is a kind of parable about array of complicated decisions the climate change. As the Brexit chaos tatives make these decisions for law and their constitution. Some direct democracy, because in June government and parliament must demonstrates, executives and leg- them. Thomas Jefferson believed even allowed residents to place 2016 the British people voted to make. The process of trying to islative majorities should formulate such a “pure” democracy was best these proposals on the ballot rather leave the EU in a referendum. leave the EU has had many unfore- and implement complex policies on for the United States because it than have legislators do it for them. Britain doesn’t have much direct seen “knock-on” effects, regarding issues like these. The public’s role nurtured public virtue and would North Carolina has a relatively democracy. There are only two everything from the Irish border to should be to give them the power most efficiently project yeoman limited form of direct democracy modern precedents for the 2016 the future of Britain’s trade policy. to do so after an election campaign values into American life. James in that the public can only vote on vote, a referendum on continued There is no mandate for any partic- in which candidates thoroughly Madison warned majorities would changes to the constitution pro- EU membership in 1975 and one ular option. and straightforwardly debate core exploit it to suppress dissenters posed by the legislature. We have on changing the electoral system Direct democracy can work if principles and the broad outlines of and, as the driving force behind the done it quite a lot recently, how- in 2011. After its 2015 re-elec- the public is asked to approve a the course of action they intend to Constitution and its ratification, his ever. You might recall the General tion, the governing Conservative negative action or stop something pursue. argument won the day. Assembly presented us with six Party under Prime Minister David from happening. In May 2012, So we do not have direct democ- amendments in the election this Cameron believed only the public North Carolinians voted to prohibit Andy Taylor is a professor of political racy at the federal level, but states, past November. could be charged with making such same-sex marriage. The govern- science at the School of International counties, and cities do. It has Americans want direct democra- a momentous decision. ment’s responsibilities were then and Public Affairs at N.C. State always been a fixture of New En- cy. Polls routinely show we deeply Cue the current mess. The pro- clear. Sometimes, a direction to act University. How to expand insurance coverage without expanding Medicaid

about the root of the problem, the insurance gap will have access 4. Amend supervisory require- philanthropies to contribute to which is how to lower high costs. to affordable insurance coverage. ments to allow experienced the fund. Obamacare was supposed to Here’s what we know about practitioners to provide care 10. Lead the nation and region by make health care more affordable. Medicaid expansion’s failed prom- where appropriate. establishing a Southeast com- It hasn’t. To my dismay, many ise: Expansion states are seeing 5. Introduce dental therapy as pact to offer health insurance North Carolinians seem to accept enrollment numbers way over what a way to extend dental care plans across state lines. BECKI GRAY high costs as the new normal. We was predicted, cost overruns that cost-effectively. 11. Encourage competition and dis- SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT shouldn’t. Costly medical care threaten the stability of state bud- 6. Encourage direct primary care courage monopolies and market JOHN LOCKE FOUNDATION drives up the cost of insurance. gets, and less access to care. practices to continue to grow consolidation in the hospital, That doesn’t help anyone. It helps We don’t have to join the govern- and flourish. insurance, and pharmaceutical neither those who have insurance ment spiral. When we reduce the 7. Allow and expand small busi- industries. THE STATE TREASURER and the nor those who don’t. cost of health care, and as health ness health plans to offer more Our reform plan must not leave N.C. Healthcare Association can’t Instead of looking for ways to care costs go down, the cost of flexibility and customization of existing Medicaid recipients reach consensus over how to pay lower costs for everyone through health insurance will go down, too, health insurance plans. stranded. We must ensure Medicaid for health insurance for state em- free-market reforms, Gov. Roy enabling more North Carolinians 8. Adopt a rule, as is being con- works better and ensure it provides ployees. The governor and some Cooper and some legislative leaders to afford the health insurance they sidered by the Trump adminis- a safety net to those it was always legislative leaders are advocating are not only doubling down on the want and access the health care tration, to require doctors and intended to help. About 12,000 Medicaid expansion to cover an high-cost status quo, but they also they need. All without depending hospitals to disclose the rates current Medicaid recipients are additional 600,000 people, which want to expand it. on a government one-size-fits-all they negotiate with insurance on waiting lists — some five to 10 would cost the state roughly $600 Medicaid expansion would add program. Here’s how we change companies. years long — to receive support million the first two years. more than 600,000 able-bodied the trajectory with a package of 9. Establish a foundation to offer services, the ninth-highest in the The debate, proposals, and ar- childless adults caught in an insur- reforms focused on individualized, grants or low-interest loans for country. These services are for guments have focused on the cost ance gap. That might sound good, innovative ideas driven by free expansion of medical ser- people struggling with mental ill- of health care, who will pay, and but focusing on adding more people markets and personal choice: vices, assistance with medical nesses, opioid addiction, or severely ways to shift costs. I think they’re to a fragile government program 1. Repeal Certificate-of-Need laws. training costs, and housing and disabled children. focusing on the wrong things. undergoing massive change is the 2. Encourage the use of telemed- personal needs for mid-level Rather than adding 600,000 Everyone involved in the dis- wrong approach. Medicaid is more icine. providers in rural areas. Use a mostly childless, able-bodied, cussion seems to accept the high an issue of government trying to 3. Expand the scope of practice percentage of hospital nonprofit working-age adults onto a fragile cost of health care, which drives up solve a problem government cre- for providers, allowing them property, income, and sales tax system, let’s allocate the money the cost of insurance. The debate ated. We should work to lower the to offer services they’ve been relief to fund the foundation. to reduce the waiting lists and get is who will pay and how, but not costs. When we do that, those in trained to to provide. Allow other businesses or these people the help they need. 24 CAROLINA JOURNAL // APRIL 2019 POLLS Survey: North Carolinians’ opinions Trump Hood on the 2020 presidential election continued from PAGE 24 continued from PAGE 21 Alcohol is alcohol, whether it’s Carolina conservatives should a dram of whiskey, a glass of wine, change the system simply because PRESIDENT TRUMP - 36.4% PRESIDENT TRUMP - 36.3% or pint of beer. it’s the right thing to do, because North Carolina maintains a letting politicians choose their mysterious bias against spirituous voters rather than letting voters liquor, which, so far, no opponent choose their politicians is incom- of reforming the N.C. ABC has patible with basic principles of begun to explain, in terms either conservative governance. scientific or empirical. Needless to say, I don’t think This debate — repeating myself Republican leaders in North Caro- yet again — isn’t about alcohol, lina today should take governance SOMEONE ELSE/OTHER/ SOMEONE ELSE/OTHER/ yet defenders of the status quo advice from Richard Morgan. They DON’T KNOW - 15.6% DON’T KNOW - 20.6% will use the same frayed and should take it from Ronald Reagan. threadbare arguments. Wouldn’t it I am part of a coalition, North be wonderful, they probably think, Carolinians for Redistricting DEMOCRAT - 48.0% if all liquor simply evaporated into Reform (NCRedistrict.org), that DEMOCRAT - 43.1% the ether. is backing a fresh approach to the But wait, they think again. The issue this year. House Bill 140, state has a stranglehold on one otherwise known as the FAIR Act, of the world’s most innovative, would use both a constitutional vibrant, and thriving markets. A amendment and a statute to place market that last year amounted to neutral, nonpartisan constraints on $1 billion in revenue — an all-time redistricting. high — for North Carolina. There will never be a perfect way Stratistics MRC says the global to draw political maps. Perfection is alcoholic beverages market impossible in any human endeav- accounted for $1,324.1 billion or — which happens to be another If the 2020 presidential election were held Who do you think is more likely to win the in 2017 and is expected to reach core conservative principle. But today, would you be more likely to vote for 2020 presidential election: Donald Trump $1,864.2 billion by 2026, growing conservatives should not accept at a compound annual growth rate the current process as “the best we Donald Trump or the Democratic candidate? or the Democratic candidate? of 3.9 percent during the forecast can do.” It’s not. Indeed, conser- period. vatives should take the lead in The poll surveyed 914 North Carolina registered voters either on the phone, by email, or through an online opt-in survey sample marketplace. Voters were polled from Feb. 20 to Change things in North Caroli- reforming redistricting. That’s what March 7. The survey has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.5 percent. na? Why, never. Ronald Reagan would do.

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