By Brianna Kraemer
Carolina Journal
The North Carolina Senate on passed legislation on April 8 to create a state-level department to tackle government waste and inefficiency, but a separate House proposal to expand the state auditor’s authority is raising questions over its scope and potential impact on private entities that receive public funds.
The DAVE Act passed the Senate floor in a 29-17 vote, with the support of all Republicans and one Democrat. The proposal would establish the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) within state Auditor Dave Boliek’s office.
The bill requires each state agency to report to the division on how it spends taxpayer funds and detail all positions that have been vacant for at least six months. The state auditor will then report back to the General Assembly about whether any state agencies or offices should be dissolved and whether any positions should be eliminated.
“Funds sent to state agencies come out of the pockets of North Carolinians,” Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said. “Requiring a review of state agency operations and staffing is the right thing to do to ensure that those tax dollars are not wasted.”
The General Assembly would make final decisions on any needed cuts and changes based on the state auditor’s review.
During a committee meeting last week, Berger said the bill will need to be incorporated into the budget because it calls for the creation of additional positions within the auditor’s office.
“Empowering the state auditor’s office to do a full deep dive into state spending will shed light on what is and isn’t working at our state agencies,” said co-sponsor Sen. Steve Jarvis, R-Davidson. “In an era of increased focus on efficiency, this review will do a lot to help reassure our citizens that their tax dollars are being put where they are needed.”
Democrats offered amendments and comments in opposition to the bill during a floor debate, arguing that the effort would force people out of their jobs.
“Are we creating an environment that encourages retention, or are we pushing people out by making them justify their jobs and their departments, which this bill does?” said Sen. Sophia Chitlik, D-Durham. “And that’s exactly what Elon Musk has done at DOGE. Our state and our state employees deserve better than that.”
The bill now awaits consideration in the House, where another proposal to give the state auditor additional authority was also advanced, amid bipartisan concerns from lawmakers like Rep. Hugh Blackwell, R-Burke, and Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford.
House Bill 548 would give the auditor broader access to state agencies’ databases, digital records, facilities, and property. Access would also be extended to private entities handling public funds or involved in government programs. That means any entity that receives state or federal funds would be subject to the review of the state auditor.
“The Auditor and the Auditor’s authorized representatives may examine all books and accounts of any individual, firm, or corporation only insofar as they relate to transactions with any agency of the State,” the bill reads.
Questions remain over the broad House proposal, which could potentially threaten to undermine private-public partnerships. From farmers to churches and hospitals, countless entities accept federal or state funds for things like farm subsidies, shelters, and Medicaid, which means the auditor would be allowed to audit them.
As House Republicans seek to expand the auditor’s abilities, critics have called for further clarity in the drafted bill. During the House Judiciary 1 Committee on April 8, legislators offered many questions and expressed a willingness to amend the bill.
Of course, no Demoncrats support it…then they can’t steal our money!!
The North Carolina GOP is actively targeting liberal organizations and programs, particularly those associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Recent legislative efforts, such as the DAVE Act and House Bill 548, aim to centralize oversight and potentially dismantle agencies or programs that don’t align with the party’s agenda. This includes initiatives that promote DEI, which have been labeled by GOP leaders as discriminatory or unnecessary. The broad language in these bills could allow for audits and scrutiny of private entities receiving public funds, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and healthcare providers. Such measures mirror tactics used in other states to suppress progressive programs and could lead to a chilling effect on organizations advocating for marginalized communities. 
Given the GOP’s supermajority in the state legislature, these bills are likely to pass, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the potential for increased authoritarian control.
You’re right that no Democrats support this bill, but not for the reason you state.
Here’s what Democrats support—and what GOP states tend to produce:
Democrats support:
• Fair taxes and transparent spending
• Strong public schools
• Affordable health care
• Social Security & Medicare
• Workers’ rights and higher wages
• Infrastructure and clean energy
• Voting rights and civil liberties
GOP-led states consistently rank lower in:
• Public health and life expectancy
• Education outcomes
• Wages and poverty rates
• Access to health insurance
• Economic mobility
And for the record: red states receive more federal aid than they contribute, while blue states often pay more into the system. If we’re talking about responsibility and results, the facts speak for themselves. Democrats are not your enemy.