When the Legislature passed the current budget, they intentionally left a gap of $25 million. The assumption was that this money could be found through increases in government efficiency. To find those savings, a Streamlining Task Force was set up. This Task Force consists of twelve members, including current and former legislators and members of the public, and it is Chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Sawin Millett. They are tasked with performing an analysis of state government and prioritizing programs and services, consolidating functions, eliminating duplication and identifying positions that can be eliminated or consolidated. While the Task Force is required to come up with savings totaling at least $25 million, they are working to find as much as they can.

The Governor’s Office started the process by making proposals for a general breakdown of the cuts. Their recommendations are as follows:

  • Health and Human Services -$22,470,772
  • Higher education – $6,809,044
  • K-12 Education – $1,102,734
  • Economic Development – $602,090
  • Administrative & Financial Services – $905,417
  • Corrections -$1,600,513

These cuts amount to more than the $25,000,000 called for, but there was the assumption that not all of the proposals would be accepted.

To date, the Task Force has approved cuts of $11.3 million, with $8.9 million from the Department of Health and Human Services. No decision has been made yet for cuts to higher education. The Task Force will have at least four more meetings, with the next one scheduled for October 28th. Once they are done they will put their recommendations in a bill, which will have a public hearing before the Appropriations Committee and then be voted on by the entire Legislature.

I would rather the Legislature put together a fully balanced budget, but the work of the Task Force is a useful exercise. There is almost always room to make efficiencies, and these are often best identified from the outside. I am also glad that the bill will have a public hearing, as changes like this need to have a full public airing.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the Task Force, both concerning the process and any recommendations for improving state government. Please feel free to send me an email and let me know your thoughts.