Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2001-03-01, Easley Names N.C. Efficiency and Loophole-Closing Commission Gov.'S Holshouser and Scott Join Boyles to Examine State Revenues and Savings

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: Immediate Contact: Cari Hepp/Fred Hartman Date: March 1,2001 Phone: 919/733-5612 EASLEY NAMES N.C. EFFICIENCY AND “LOOPHOLE”-CLOSING COMMISSION GOV. ’S HOLSHOUSER AND SCOTT JOIN BOYLES TO EXAMINE STATE REVENUES AND SA VINGS (Raleigh, NC) Governor Mike Easley today announced that former Governor Jim Holshouser and former Governor Bob Scott will join former Treasurer Boyles in chairing the N.C. Efficiency and “Loophole”-Closing Commission. Easley charged the Commission with comprehensively evaluating the overall efficiency of state government as well as the state’s revenue structure. A report is due to the Governor and the General Assembly by April 1 5, 2001 . Based on a preliminary analysis, Easley and the Commission chairs have targeted savings for the state of at least $150 million from closing revenue loopholes and an additional $25 million through efficiency measures in the first year. This savings will be in addition to the reductions already being made by state agencies. “We are looking at every opportunity for savings,” said Easley. “I am confident that by looking at short-term and long-term options, we can balance the budget and provide services more efficiently for taxpayers.” Easley directed the Commission to concentrate its work in two areas: 1) assessing ways in which state government can generate savings by operating more efficiently, with an emphasis on savings realized through the increased use of technology; and 2) assessing strategies to limit revenue loopholes that lack sufficient justification in light of the current budget shortfall. Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh. NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (9 19) 733-5 166 -MORE-