Microschools are one of the most creative recent developments in education.
Good evening,
Microschools are one of the most creative recent developments in education.
What are microschools?
Microschools are small, community-centered learning environments that revolutionize education.
It is estimated that North Carolina has 100 to 200 microschools. Although the number is probably higher, as they often fly under the radar of the state government.
In May, we hosted a conference on microschools and the challenges they face (you can read more about that here).
However, one of the biggest problems microschool founders face is funding, and how to obtain it.
In response to that need, we are happy to announce that Stand Together and the Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation are creating a Microschool Loan Program. The program allows school founders and entrepreneurs to apply for loans of between $5,000 and $50,000.
Loans can be used for facilities, training, curriculum, licensing, staffing, and marketing
To express your interest, learn about eligibility criteria, or receive access to a loan application, see here.
If you’re interested in learning more about education in North Carolina, you can read more here, here and here.
President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum is already backfiring
The tariffs increased from 25% to 50% ad valorem
They’re negatively affecting two groups he claims to champion: farmers and working-class families
While steel and aluminum may seem distant from your grocery bill, they are embedded across the food system
Steel and aluminum are core components of food packing - and these new tariffs will cause a spike on the cost of tin mill steel
The Can Manufacturers Institute warns the increase will result in higher grocery prices
Trump's tariffs will make inflation worse, particularly for low-income families who rely on shelf-stable, affordable food
While consumers feel the sting at the grocery store, farmers will also have to absorb a heavy blow
The price increases in steel and aluminum will make agricultural equipment (tractors, sprayers, grain bins, etc.) more expensive
Farmers are already pausing major purchases and equipment
And manufacturers are preparing for a slow-down in orders
In a Tractor Zoom survey of 25 equipment dealers, 45% said tariffs will negatively affect their business
In May, John Deere said it expects more than $500 million in tariff-related costs this fiscal year, and has already announced 2% to 4% increases for its new planters and sprayers
Trump’s steel tariffs are a textbook example of a policy that sounds good in a stump speech, but wreaks havoc in the real world
Instead of helping farmers and lowering food prices, he’s delivering the opposite
Overlooked in recent budget discussions is the repeal of Certificate of Need (CON) laws, which would go a long way toward making healthcare more affordable
These laws require medical providers to get government permission to expand or acquire new equipment, artificially limiting healthcare supply and driving up costs
North Carolina has one of the nation’s most restrictive CON laws, covering dozens of facilities, equipment, and services
A our 2021 report, we found that CON is associated with 30% fewer hospital beds per capita and 14% longer emergency room wait times
The Senate's budget proposes a complete elimination of North Carolina's CON laws, while the House's budget includes no action
Repealing North Carolina’s CON laws would reduce costs while expanding much-needed access to care for more patients
Let’s hope budget writers also prioritize making healthcare more affordable and accessible for North Carolinians
Good news! North Carolina's version of the REINS Act, House Bill 402, has cleared the legislature and is now sitting on the governor’s desk
The bill aims to require legislative approval for executive branch rules that have a significant economic impact
The version of the bill that is sitting on Stein’s desk required legislative approval for bills with an estimated economic impact threshold of $20 million over 5 years
Currently, overturning an executive branch rule is difficult, requiring a bill to pass both chambers and be signed into effect by the governor (which is often unlikely)
In addition to North Carolina, nearly a quarter of states will have their own REINS Act by 2026
Provided that the NC REINS Act continues to require legislative ratification, this could be a very important reform for the regulatory climate in North Carolina
You can get the full update here. Check out our Jon Sanders’ analysis of this major change here.
