State May Get No Pension Help From Washington
By Anthony Greco
RALEIGH — While no specific bailout plans are under consideration, U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has introduced H.Res. 23, stating Congress’ opposition to any federal intervention meant to “bail out state and local government employee pension plans that provide post-employment benefits to state and local government retirees.”

John Hood’s Daily Journal

A Letter to the Democrats
You are about to walk a mile, or perhaps several hundred miles, in the Republicans’ shoes. And they are about to try yours on for size.

Headlines

1.17.11 – Influence firms warm to the GOP

1.17.11 – Hayes to helm state GOP

1.17.11 – General Assembly to wrestle annexation laws this year

1.17.11 – As legislature opens, Wilmington area’s lobbyists line up

1.17.11 – Tillis backs limits on abortions

1.17.11 – Smokers see ban as rights issue

1.17.11 – McHenry pledges to scrutinize bailouts

1.17.11 – Rising waters threaten the coast of North Carolina

1.17.11 – With funds in jeopardy, N.C. pushes rail projects

1.17.11 – UNC system seeks funding increase

1.17.11 – Charter schools gain strength

1.17.11 – Nuclear goals stoked by Duke-Progress merger

1.17.11 – Durham lobbies for local hiring

1.17.11 – Cumberland crime statistics point to a homicide turnaround

1.17.11 – In Asheville, a 4-year degree not necessary for a good job

Upcoming Events

Monday, January 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM, Noon
A meeting of the Shaftesbury Society
with our special guest HansMarc Hurd
The Financial Crisis and Islamization:
The Shattering of the European Consensus

Monday, January 24, 2011 at 12:00 PM, Noon
A meeting of the Shaftesbury Society
with our special guest Jeanette Doran
Incentives Game- Time to Put Up or Shut Up.
Why NC needs a ‘but for’ test for Corporate Welfare

Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 10:00am-4:00pm
A Citizens’ Constitutional Workshop in La Grange, NC
with presenters Dr. Troy Kickler & Dr. Michael Sanera
What the Founders and the State Ratification Conventions Can Teach Us Today

Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
21st Anniversary Dinner
with our special guest Liz Cheney
The Future of America

Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:00am- 4:30pm
A Citizens’ Constitutional Workshop in Asheville, NC
with presenters Dr. Troy Kickler & Dr. Michael Sanera
What the Founders and the State Ratification Conventions
Can Teach Us Today

Today’s Opinions

Virtual schools
JLF’s Terry Stoops writes that in an era when schools, districts and states must do more with less, extensive virtual schooling can no longer exist as an accessory. It has become a necessity.

UNC hiring
The Charlotte Observer says that the UNC system should pursue changes to allow universities to bring retired professors back on campus without having to sit out for a semester.

Make it happen, GOP
The Winston-Salem Journal writes that the state’s new Republican legislative leaders plan changes to the appropriations process that might cause less pain, in relative terms.