North Carolina State Auditor Aims for Government Efficiency
North Carolina’s state auditor, Dave Boliek, is on a mission to make government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers. In an exclusive discussion, Boliek expressed his enthusiasm for implementing a new initiative similar to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) at the state level through House Bill 125.
This new bill, which recently passed with strong support in both the House and Senate, will empower the state auditor’s office to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Boliek emphasized the importance of finding effective ways to gain a good return on investment for every dollar spent by the government.
“The goal is to enhance our resources to really pinpoint where we can save money while ensuring that essential services for citizens are maintained,” he said. Boliek is optimistic about the results that can be achieved with the right team and strategy in place.
The bill also introduces the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency, cleverly dubbed the DAVE Act. With a bipartisan vote of 91-23 in the House and 47-2 in the Senate, it now awaits the decision of Governor Josh Stein. Should he choose not to sign it, Republicans are confident they can override a veto due to their majority support.
Boliek believes the DAVE Act will indeed become law. His office is set to adopt a data-driven approach to evaluate government spending, considering broader aspects of state operations rather than focusing on one specific area for cuts. This method will use modern tools and data analysis to make sensible recommendations for efficiency.
He stressed that while it’s crucial to identify wasteful spending, it’s equally important to look at underfunded services that require additional resources to better serve citizens. The aim is a balanced approach that considers both cutting waste and allocating funds where they are needed most.
Boliek is committed to examining why certain state positions remain unfilled and finding solutions to fill them effectively. This also aligns with the legislature’s directive to explore areas for potential growth and support.
As he navigates this process, he plans to use solid data to back any recommendations, aiming to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. Boliek highlighted the fundamental question of what taxpayers are getting in return for their money spent on government programs.
Additionally, he pointed out the need for measurable outcomes in government spending, especially regarding relief efforts after natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene.
In his view, finding an effective way to monitor and measure spending will be key to achieving efficient government operations. As the DAVE Act moves closer to reality, Boliek looks forward to making a real difference for the people of North Carolina, ensuring that government remains accountable to its citizens.
