RALEIGH, N.C. — State travel and the purchase of goods and services has been frozen to managed the state’s cash flow, Gov. Bev Perdue said Thursday.

Effective immediately, Perdue enacted additional limitations on spending throughout state government, including freezing the purchase of goods and services, ceasing all travel not approved for public safety, public health and economic development reasons, and leaving unfilled personnel positions vacant. Exceptions may be made for direct classroom instruction expenses and emergency situations related to law enforcement, health care and public safety.

“North Carolina continues to face budgeting challenges. My decision to limit agency spending is crucial to North Carolina’s ability to meet our financial obligations and to provide the essential services required by our citizens,” said Gov. Perdue.

Additionally, Perdue identified 18 areas from which some $145 million in funds will be transferred to maintain cash flow in the General Fund:

Fund Approx. Transfer

Health and Wellness Trust Fund $22 M

Tobacco Trust Fund $22 M

Unobligated Funds $8 M

Forfeited Funds $2 M

BEACON Learning Solutions $7.4 M

DSS – TANF Contingency $20 M

Hard of Hearing – NC Dual Party Relay $5 M

DHHS – IT Project Reserves $2.9 M

DENR – Assorted Fees $12.1 M

DENR – Wetlands Trust Fund $1.2 M

DENR – Dry Cleaning Solvent $6.3 M

DENR – Scrap Tire Fund $7.4 M

DENR – Parks & Rec Trust Fund $6 M

DENR – Natural Heritage Trust Fund $2.8 M

Community College – Data Connections $3.3 M

DPI – Trust Fund $12 M

SEAA – Unobligated Funds $4.2 M