RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Gov. Pat McCrory’s list of government priorities and initiatives for 2014 that he discussed at a news conference Tuesday at the Executive Mansion:
- develop energy production through inland underground resources, offshore natural gas and oil exploration and renewable sources. They include the completion of rules and regulations for fracking by this fall and asking the Obama administration to allow seismic testing off the coast of North Carolina and other states. McCrory also said he wants additional energy legislation approved by the General Assembly, which reconvenes in May.
- complete a 25-year transportation strategy plan, which McCrory said is designed to move both motorists and goods and services more efficiently and includes ports, roads and airports. McCrory said as a gubernatorial candidate he would seek such a plan. Transportation Secretary Tony Tata is leading the effort.
- create an “Art That Moves You” transportation beautification program through the Department of Cultural Resources. The initiative will promote art, landscaping and lighting around infrastructure assets.
- increase job and education possibilities for the increasing number of military veterans leaving the military through North Carolina installations, so as to improve the likelihood that the veterans will work and settle in the state.
- develop a compensation plan for public school teachers that boosts starting pay, rewards the most productive teachers and those teaching high-in-demand subjects.
- announce a “Collegiate Wellness Initiative,” led by Department of Public Safety Secretary Frank Perry and Alcoholic Beverage Commission Chairman Jim Gardner, to reduce substance abuse and underage drinking on state-operated university campuses.
- get a Medicaid reform plan approved by the General Assembly. The Department of Health and Human Services will offer its proposal in mid-March.
- unveil a statewide modernization effort within Division of Motor Vehicles offices that began on a pilot basis in 2013 with new driver’s license offices and extended hours. The effort also will include new technology to improve efficiency.
- increase repairs and renovations of state government to improve workplace safety and building appearances in certain situations.
- perform the North Carolina Government Efficiency and Reform initiative that got underway in 2013. The effort is examining state agency organization and whether some entities are “too big to succeed.” State Budget Director Art Pope is leading the review.
- reduce workers’ compensation costs and worker injuries in state government, and develop uniform performance management system within agencies.
- promote along with first lady Ann McCrory passage of a law that sets minimum care standards for some people who breed dogs to sell as pets. The measure passed the House but didn’t get heard in the Senate.
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