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You Decide: Why are there new sales taxes?

Research

Apr 21, 2016

You Decide: What’s the best timing for valuing property?

Recently Wake County, the state’s second largest county in population, reduced the time between property revaluations from eight to four years. The change has created some confusion as well as claims the move is a veiled way of increasing taxes. 

Apr 18, 2016

State impacts of federal regulations

Many government regulations have been enacted to protect us, but some increase costs — particularly to businesses. NC State University economist Mike Walden explains findings of a new study on how the impact of government regulations differs among the states. 

Apr 11, 2016

Is the worst behind us on a key job measure?

A rather obscure labor market measure -- the labor force participation rate -- has become a focus of attention in recent years, as it has dropped to a 30-year low. Are there signs of improvement? NC State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 
Industrial engineering graduate student Jazmine Davis zaps inefficiencies at food hubs and on the farm.

Apr 8, 2016

Engineering Agriculture

For industrial engineering graduate student Jazmine Davis, interdisciplinary work in agriculture has been life-changing. 

Apr 7, 2016

You Decide: Is there trouble with trade?

In a textbook world, international trade improves the economies of both countries and people. But, as even teachers know, the real world doesn’t always follow the textbook. International trade has created winners and losers, and that has led to increasing concern. 
Plant research in a petri dish.

Apr 5, 2016

NC State, Belgian institute partner for plant biotech research

NC State University and VIB, a life sciences research institute in Belgium, recently entered into a strategic collaboration agreement aimed at spurring growth in the plant biotech research sector in both Belgium and North Carolina. 
Two people on beach with wind farm in the distance.

Apr 4, 2016

Near-shore wind farms could affect coastal tourism

A study by economists at North Carolina State University finds that most people are unwilling to rent vacation homes that have a view of offshore wind turbines – and that those who will rent expect steep rental discounts unless the turbines are more than eight miles offshore. 

Apr 4, 2016

Job losses from trade

International trade's impact on job losses is among the issues brought up by presidential candidates. Critics say the trade deals of the last two decades have cost the nation millions of jobs. Supporters counter that the trade deals have opened foreign markets to U.S. companies. Who's right? NC State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 28, 2016

Competition and hospital prices

One of the issues that's arisen during the presidential campaign relates to hospital prices. Specifically, some have argued that lack of competition among hospitals in a local area may result in higher prices for consumers and insurers. NC State University economist Mike Walden comments on research that addresses this topic. 

Mar 24, 2016

You Decide: Why are there new sales taxes?

North Carolinians having repairs made to their vehicles are now in for a little bit of a shock. With a few exceptions, they will now have to pay state sales tax on the labor cost of those repairs. So, too, will folks paying for repairs to their computers and for installing modular homes. These are some of the new sales taxes that began March 1. NC State University economist Mike Walden considers whether such taxes go against a trend in North Carolina.