State Auditor Boliek Statement on State of the State Address

State Auditor Dave Boliek released the following statement on Gov. Josh Stein’s State of the State Address:

"Hurricane Helene relief was front and center in the governor’s State of the State Address, as it should have been. The missing element tonight was a pledge of transparency to how tax dollars are being spent. Also missing was any mention of the continued need to clean up the failed promises to Eastern North Carolina as a result of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The fact that North Carolinians are still waiting on home repairs nearly a decade later is unacceptable.

"My office is committed to holding the governor’s administration accountable in order to prevent a repeat of past mistakes. Since my first day in office, we have worked to ensure there is transparency in relief efforts. We want to set a new standard for recovery, and I hope the Stein administration will collaborate with us to create a more transparent process.

"House Speaker Destin Hall’s response captured the expectations of everyday North Carolinians, and I look forward to working with him and Senate Leader Phil Berger throughout the legislative session.

"North Carolina is the greatest state in the nation. We’re the best to raise a family in, the best for business, and the people who call this state home are some of the finest you will ever meet. But there is room for improvement in government. Serving as your State Auditor and on the executive branch is a privilege I do not take for granted, and I am fully committed toward building a more effective, efficient, and accountable government."