RALEIGH  – A bill that would prevent the removal of monuments, including those erected to commemorate the Civil War and the role of the Confederacy, was signed by Governor Pat McCrory. The Governor used the opportunity to put also put pressure on the General Assembly to complete work on a budget that is already almost a month overdue.

McCrory signed several pieces of legislation Thursday and issued a statement on the Cultural History Artifact Management and Patriotism Act. According to a statement from his office “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. “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 bill was already in process in April. This was before the issue of the Confederate battle flag flying on the statehouse grounds in Columbia, S.C. become a hot topic after a shooting at a black church in Charleston killed nine. The shooter is now facing hate crimes after it was learned he has made racist statements and was seen in photographs with the flag.

The approval comes as there is a major debate about the placement of Confederate monuments, a number of which has been vandalized in recent weeks.

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.”