Read This Week's Edition of Locke Notes

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Dear Friend,

A recent analysis of government data indicates that, due to the surge in inflation to the highest levels in four decades, an average American family must incur an extra expense of $11,434 yearly to sustain the same quality of life they had in January 2021.

Here in North Carolina, nearly half of North Carolinians are spending less on presents and traveling less this holiday season, according to our
latest ([link removed]) Civitas Poll.

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Inflation and out-of-control spending have made this the "costliest" Christmas ever, forcing families to tighten their Christmas budgets, starting with Christmas trees.

The Real Christmas Tree Board ([link removed]) surveyed wholesale Christmas tree growers ahead of the Christmas tree season, and most growers say their costs have increased by up to ten percent this year. A quarter of respondents said they would "likely raise their wholesale price between 5% and 15%, increasing the average cost of a Christmas tree to between $80 and $100.

We all know that getting the physical tree is just the beginning; we must put lights on and decorate the tree, and many American families even put up masterful outdoor Christmas displays for their whole neighborhood to enjoy.

According to data from the
U.S. Department of Energy ([link removed]) , lighting accounts for about 15% of an average household's electricity use. They also estimate it costs $10 total to light a six-foot tree for 12 hours a day for 40 days with incandescent lights.

I'd like to seize this chance for a not-so-subtle plug:

Stay up-to-date on recent research, discussions, and insights from
Locke's Center for Food, Power, and Life ([link removed]) , where we're dedicatedly working to fuel freedom by promoting policies that guarantee energy that's both pocket-friendly and reliable for every family in North Carolina.

In a yearly tradition, PNC's
Christmas Price Index ([link removed]) (CPI) calculates the prices of each gift from the classic Christmas tune "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Now, if the song is sung correctly, the price tag for all the gifts from all 12 days -- purchased repeatedly in the manner the song is sung, results in a staggering $210,972.66.

That is a lot of turtle doves and drummer boys...

Friends, though these numbers can be somewhat discouraging and make me want to put "spending cuts" at the top of my Christmas list this year, Christmas is about so much more than gifts. It’s about giving back to the less fortunate, spending precious time with loved ones, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Celebrating the brightest of humanity makes the Christmas season one of my favorite seasons of the year.

Cheers,

Bethany


** Get your tickets for Carolina Liberty Conference 2024!
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Tickets for CLC 2024 are being snatched up quickly! Join in the celebration of freedom and liberty!

Grab your tickets today before they sell out! ([link removed])


** More from Locke
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Since 2016, the federal government has massively subsidized renewable sources of electricity — with wind receiving nearly 20 times more subsidies per unit of power generated than nuclear and solar receiving nearly 100 times more than nuclear.

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** Recent Developments in a Challenge to North Carolina’s Pernicious and Unconstitutional Certificate of Need Law
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In a lawsuit currently before the North Carolina Supreme Court, New Bern eye surgeon Jay Singleton claims the law also violates the North Carolina State Constitution.

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** Wake County Public School System Doubles Down on Equity
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“Implicit Bias” Training Underscores District’s Fixation on “Social Justice” and Highlights the Need for Alternative Training Opportunities.

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** Defining Digit
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** Latest Videos
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This week on 'The Debrief,' we explore the hits and misses of the 2023 NC General Assembly sessions, delve into parenting styles across demographic groups, and cover the beginning of candidate filing for North Carolina elections.

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