RALEIGH — North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) has announced the formation of a new interim committee on government efficiency.
The Select Committee on Government Efficiency will be chaired by Reps. John Torbett (R-Gaston) and Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort). The committee does not yet have a dedicated page on the General Assembly’s committee listing page.
“Unnecessary government bloat and waste hurt North Carolina taxpayers’ wallets and divert funds that could be used for core functions such as public safety and education,” Hall said in a press release. “I am excited to appoint Reps. Torbett and Kidwell to this select committee as the North Carolina House seeks to restore state and local governments across North Carolina to their proper, limited roles.”
The committee is “authorized to look at DEI policies, excess state property, and other potential wastes of taxpayer dollars,” the release said. DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.
According to Hall’s press release, the House’s standing State and Local Government committee will also have authorization to consider legislation on the same topics during the current long session.
“North Carolinians deserve a state government that works for them,” said Torbett. “Unfortunately, our government agencies and public universities have been bogged down by bad policies and programs, like DEI, limiting their ability to enact their core purpose: serving citizens. I am proud to chair this committee alongside Rep. Kidwell to continue improving our state.”
Kidwell highlighted the connection to President Donald Trump’s executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency, which is tasked with “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.”
“As the new Trump administration rightfully takes aim at Washington D.C.’s wasteful spending and inefficient bureaucracy, it is time for us in Raleigh to do the same,” said Kidwell. “This committee will investigate ways our state government can maximize value for North Carolina taxpayers, protect constitutional rights, and end the weaponization of state power.”
Trump has also issued an executive order dismantling DEI programs and spending in all federal agencies and the military.
