BRAC Budget Reform Commission Meets, Launches New Webpage

Gov. Perdue on Tuesday convened the first meeting of the Budget Reform and Accountability Commission (BRAC) and launched a new Webpage, brac.nc.gov , so that citizens may make recommendations to the commission.

"As North Carolina continues to be deeply affected by this national recession, state government must ensure that every tax dollar is used as efficiently and wisely as possible," Perdue said.  "I look forward to working with BRAC members to meet these challenges head-on, without shying away from politically tough decisions."

Perdue established BRAC in January via Executive Order #5 to locate and eliminate wasteful expenditures while increasing efficiency in government.

In the short term, the commission is expected to come up with ideas that can be enacted quickly to help the state save money.  Its goal will be to have recommendations in time for next year's legislative short session.

In the long term, BRAC will examine state government and make innovative recommendations to:

• eliminate unnecessary or unsuccessful programs;
• consolidate where possible and ensure we are investing effectively and efficiently;
• and to streamline the way state government works.

Suggestions for initiatives that BRAC will consider may come from a variety of sources, including state agencies, BRAC members, and from the public at large.  The commission also urges citizens to make recommendations using the new Webpage, brac.nc.gov .

Governor Rides the Bus for the First Day of School

Gov. Perdue on Tuesday took the bus to school with kids from Conn Elementary in Raleigh.  She talked with parents and excited kids waiting for the bus on their first day back from summer vacation.  When she arrived at the school, Gov. Perdue visited classrooms, spoke with teachers and addressed the students on the school's morning TV news show.

Click here for a video news clip of the event.

Gov. Perdue Signs Bill to Attract More Film Industry Jobs

Gov. Bev Perdue on Thursday signed Senate Bill 943 allowing production companies a 25 percent tax credit for film projects in North Carolina, up from the previous credit of 15 percent.  The bill also sets minimum spending and hiring requirements for qualifying film companies working in the state.

"This legislation will help grow our $91 million motion picture industry, preserve and create thousands of jobs and increase investments in yet another emerging economic cluster," said Perdue. "Providing a strong foundation for North Carolina's film industry is essential as we work to build a strong and sustainable economy through increased diversification."

SB 943 ensures North Carolina remains a strong competitor for film production dollars, which totaled $91 million in direct spending in 2008.  The industry employs more than 2,500 statewide.  Recent major motion pictures filmed in the state include "Nights in Rodanthe," "Leatherheads" and "The Secret Life of Bees."  The N.C. film industry is also home to the CW Network's "One Tree Hill" TV series as well as hundreds of commercial and industrial productions each year throughout the state.

More than 800 movies have been filmed in North Carolina.  The state is well known for supporting its motion picture industry with a strong infrastructure and a bevy of locations that can stand in for sites throughout the world.  North Carolina boasts an exceptional variety of filming locations from the mountains to the coast, and a world-class film industry infrastructure. Wilmington's EUE Screen Gems, home of the largest studio lot east of California, recently opened the largest film and television production soundstage on the East Coast.

For more details on the N.C. Film Office, go to: http://www.ncfilm.com/ .

Gov. Perdue Announces 45 New Jobs at Sara Lee

Gov. Bev Perdue on Wedneday announced that Sara Lee will be creating 45 new jobs at their factory in Tarboro. The new jobs come from an $11 million capital investment by Sara Lee for the addition of an equipment line to make biscuits.

"Sara Lee's $11 million investment in North Carolina is a testament to our state's top-rated business climate," said Perdue. "And because of our strong and talented workforce Sara Lee will continue to expand its operations here."

Sara Lee currently employees 808 people at its Tarboro factory. The Tarboro facility was just awarded "Plant of the Year" by Sara Lee. The biscuit production will add five million lbs to the 97 million lbs of food product the facility turns out every year.

Governor's schedule for the coming week