Hundreds of Bills Filed So Far, But Legislators Aren't Done Yet

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The huge state budget deficit has been getting a lot of attention from the governor and state legislators, but it's not the only thing lawmakers have been working on. In fact, more than 600 bills had been filed as of March 1st, with a couple of weeks remaining before the deadline. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray discusses some of the more interesting filings - for better and for worse - related to issues such as transportation, education, and property rights. Then, we turn to the economy. The downturn has helped focus renewed attention on poverty in North Carolina. Some state lawmakers recently started a new study of the topic. They're looking for ways state government can help North Carolina's poorest families. You'll hear comments from Rep. Garland Pierce (D-Hoke), Sen. Ed Jones (D-Halifax), and House Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Orange.) As lawmakers study the issue, it's important for them to avoid taking steps and adopting programs that would hurt struggling families and the economy as a whole. John Locke Foundation Fiscal Policy Analyst Joe Coletti offers some words of caution about government efforts to fight poverty. That's followed by a look at understanding global economics. You might think you need a Ph.D. to understand the impact of a strong or weak dollar, free trade versus protectionism, or the impact of globalization. That's not true, says Gregory Rehmke, program director of Economic Thinking and co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Global Economics. Rehmke discusses ways the layman can approach important economic issues. And finally, in another installment of Locker Room Talk, CJ Radio co-hosts Mitch Kokai and Donna Martinez banter about recent news stories, including the possibility of regulations or a ban on drive-thru windows by Orange County commissioners, and a leading economist's view on how best to help those living in poverty around the world. Kokai and Martinez also discuss the Locke Foundation's new Freedom Clubs. Seven regional clubs are holding kickoff meetings this month as a venue for conservatives to discuss issues and exchange ideas for defending freedom and personal liberty.