Perdue bans gifts for all employees

Gov. Beverly Perdue today signed an executive order extending the state’s gift ban to all state employees in agencies under her control.

"This executive order makes it clear — those of us who serve the people of North Carolina must be held to the highest ethical standards and act accordingly," Perdue said in a prepared statement. "Citizens expect and deserve nothing less."

The order follows stories this week in the N&O/Charlotte Observer about employees of the state Division of Motor Vehicles and other agencies accepting $21,800 in freebies, such as pricey dinners, a hockey ticket and a spa visit, from representatives of Verizon since 2006. The communications company won a $51.5 million, no-bid contract last year to provide computer services and technical support to the state's vehicle inspections program.

The state’s current gift ban applies only to employees who handle state contracts. Perdue also asked the legislature, when they return in May, to expand the state law to all state employees, not just those in agencies that Perdue oversees.