Perdue announces gov’t restructuring plan


North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue announced her vision to restructure state government yesterday in a speech to Moore County officials and chambers of commerce representatives.

Perdue outlined a plan which includes a proposal to consolidate 14 high-level state government functions into eight.

“North Carolina is at a defining moment in our history,” Perdue said. “We must be leaner, more nimble, more responsive to citizens and less bureaucratic as we focus our limited state resources on our core missions.”

Perdue’s announcement includes plans to consolidate fourteen functions into eight agencies, privatize purchasing and Information Technology Services, eliminate duplicative and middle management positions, freeze hiring of noncritical positions in cabinet agencies and review boards and commissions with an eye on eliminating some.

“Today I set the stage for what will be even harder choices next year, but I have never been one to shy away from the tough decisions,” Perdue said. “Today, as we look around the great state, we see what has always made NC the best state in the nation. We are in tough times, but we are fighters. We are innovators, and we are leaders. We are growing jobs, we are reforming our schools, and we are tackling the problems that are slowing our progress.

“We have the will — and the guts — and the resolve to do whatever it takes. We will set government straight and we will get it right. And North Carolina, our people, and especially our children, will be better for it.”

To learn more about the plan, visit www.setgovernmentstraight.nc.gov.