RALEIGH -- Governor Pat McCrory signed several pieces of legislation Thursday and issued a statement on the Cultural History Artifact Management and Patriotism Act. It ensures respectful treatment of the flags of North Carolina and United States, establishes the Division of Veterans Affairs as a clearing house for worn and damaged flags, transfers custody of certain historic documents from the Secretary of State to the Department of Cultural Resources to facilitate public viewing and provides protection of historic monuments and memorials across the state. “North Carolina’s history is interwoven with acts of personal sacrifice, courage, leadership and individuals who have made this state great,” Governor McCrory said in a press release issued late Thursday.  “Our monuments and memorials reminds us of North Carolina’s complete story.”

“The protection of our heritage is a matter of statewide significance to ensure that our rich history will always be preserved and remembered for generations to come. I remain committed to ensuring that our past, present and future state monuments tell the complete story of North Carolina. While I disagree with the process created in the bill and the overreach into local decision making, the overall goals of the bill merit my signature.”

The governor also called on the General Assembly to double its efforts on passing a budget, the governor’s job plan and legislation that would put the Connect NC bond proposal before voters in November.

“North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that has not passed a budget, which is remarkable given that we have a revenue surplus,” Governor McCrory said. “I urge the General Assembly to get back to work on strengthening North Carolina’s economy by passing the NC Competes jobs plan and the Connect NC bond proposal, legislation that our economy and people of our state urgently need.”

While the bill had started before the recent controversy involving the Confederate Flag in South Carolina, some lawmakers had criticized the legislation because it would protect monuments from the Civil War era.