RALEIGH (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory says difficult decisions had to be made in North Carolina government in 2013 while tackling complex problems he believes will lead to a better and more prosperous state.
McCrory made the comments during an end-of-the-year video message released by his office Wednesday.
The Republican governor characterized his first year in office as one in which the state had to endure short-term pain for long-term gain. He cited a lower unemployment rate and passage of a tax overhaul plan as positive developments.
The governor vowed in 2014 to build on this year’s progress and work to streamline government and improve public education.
McCrory and other Republicans have been criticized for laws that cut unemployment benefits and failed to raise teacher salaries among others.