Carolina Journal Radio No. 708: Regulatory maze blocks alcohol-related entrepreneurs

North Carolina’s maze of alcohol regulations stands in the way of entrepreneurs trying to expand a growing industry in the state. Jon Guze, John Locke Foundation director of legal studies, outlines the complicated regulatory scheme in a recent report. He also calls for a rollback of regulatory overreach that would help the economy and enhance freedom within the state. Politics tends to influence central bankers, and the results often to lead to bad news for the economy. That’s the argument from Wake Forest University economist John Wood. He cites historical examples of political influence that have led central bankers away from decisions that would have been best for monetary policy in Britain and the United States. Hurricane Matthew had a devastating impact on eastern North Carolina. As lawmakers assess the damage, one of the first areas they targeted was transportation infrastructure. Mike Holder, chief engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation, recently offered lawmakers an update on DOT’s response to the storm. North Carolina’s premier higher education watchdog group is changing its name. The John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy will soon take on the name of a former Davidson University chemistry professor who later served as North Carolina’s only two-term Republican governor in the 20th century. The namesake of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal discusses his willingness to accept the honor. Pope/Martin Center board member John Hood also explains why the organization decided it was a good time to make such a major change. Discussions about direct primary care often involve individual patients. But DPC also can lead to tangible benefits for local governments. Union County government saved nearly $1.3 million in the first year of offering a DPC option for county workers. Katherine Restrepo, John Locke Foundation director of health care policy, explains how Union County has saved money without sacrificing quality health care benefits for workers.