Opportunity stands at our state’s door and knocks. What happens next will be up to us.
The good news is that we have created “opportunity for success” by beginning the process of examining our state’s budget practices. The great news is that we are not hunkering down and waiting to see what happens, but instead being proactive and taking positive steps to make things happen. The ultimate outcome is unknown, and there are many skeptics, but I am just pleased that we have the guts to take a hard look at the status quo, innovate and examine best practices. There will be some tough decisions ahead—and hopefully a chance for major reforms.
The story is repeated across America, as suggested by the recent headline on Stateline.org: “Recession forcing government overhaul.” In the article, Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski said he believes what’s good for GM is good for state governments.?? “GM is going to have to live without Pontiac—even though there are probably millions of loyal Pontiac owners,” Kulongoski said. “Well, every state agency, board and commission has its loyal supporters, too. I get that. But the money simply isn’t there anymore. Some government functions have to go—at least for the foreseeable future. Oregon state government can no longer be all things to all people.”
The same goes for Louisiana.
In fact, the article quotes Gov. Bobby Jindal at the first meeting of the state Commission on Streamlining Government. “Everything is on the table,” the governor said.
The article pointed out that Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm has requested a plan to reduce 18 state departments to eight. Connecticut governor M. Jodi Rell and Virginia governor Tim Kaine also have been active in streamlining efforts.
So now that we all know the situation, what next? Opportunity.
Opportunity No. 1: Commission on Streamlining Government
At the first meeting in July, Jindal said, “Make no mistake—this commission is not charged with creating another binder with some good opinions and ideas that will just sit on a shelf and collect dust. This commission is to make real, lasting reforms in state government.
“It’s time to make the hard choices. Our goal is to be smart and strategic—but also to make decisions—not just debate them and leave the real reforms for someone else. The time for real reform is now. We know we still face future budget challenges. And we know it would be irresponsible as state leaders to simply continue spending like business-as-usual in Baton Rouge and pass the bill on to our people. We must root out every opportunity for savings and we must work quickly.”
Jindal pointed out directives he has given to those in state government:
• Cabinet members are working to identify outdated activities that should no longer be part of the mission of their agency.
• Cabinet members are working to identify underperforming programs that should be overhauled or eliminated.
• Cabinet members will identify duplication or overlap with other state agencies, with the federal government or with public or private stakeholder groups.
• Agency heads will list programs, functions or activities that can be privatized or outsourced.
Jindal noted other states have made headway with similar reforms. Florida engaged in nearly 140 privatization or managed competition initiatives, saving taxpayers more than $550 million. In Virginia, in a 1999 survey, officials identified 205 commercial activities that were being conducted by state personnel. The resulting changes are now saving Virginia taxpayers an estimated $40 million per year.
Commission chairman Sen. Jack Donahue has the right idea. He said, “We want to make sweeping recommendations,” and save hundreds of millions of dollars. Now we’re talking.
One major issue must be addressed: civil service reform. It affects the cost and performance of all state government, and it has to change because employees have to implement these new ideas.
Opportunity No. 2: Higher Ed Commission
We have talked about the need to change our system of higher education and funding for decades. It’s time to deal with it—we can’t afford not to.
Jindal told the first meeting of the commission, “We cannot afford for the higher education system to do anything but succeed. But we have higher expectations for higher education.
“We cannot afford to continue the status quo. The higher education community must exercise the leadership needed to implement the decisions recommended by this commission.”
The governor wants the commission to review aligning the educational attainment of students with the state’s economic development needs, spending versus performance, and how to build on each institution’s high-performing programs. “As I’ve said before, every college and university cannot be all things to all people,” he noted.
The governor pointed out that strong states have excellent flagship universities, and that is why it’s critical to make LSU a nationally competitive flagship university—able to compete not just with regional peers, but also with national and international competitors.
The fourth area he urged the commission to review is how to improve the efficiency of the higher education system by eliminating duplication and waste. [The Board of Regents recently identified 90 such programs.]
As reported in the Times-Picayune, Rep. Jim Tucker, author of the bill forming the commission, said, “It is critically important that you all not hold back. This commission has got to tell us like it is. We tend to sometimes pussyfoot around the hard decisions in this state, and we need you all to take a 2-by-4, if that’s necessary, and smack us across the head to make sure we understand just exactly what we need to be doing in this state for the benefit of its residents.”
I applaud and thank the individuals who are giving of their time and expertise to serve our state. And once done, they will present their recommendations to be considered, which could change procedures, laws and even the constitution. It will then be up to each of us to get involved and make sure the ball gets in the end zone. If we don’t, the game could be over.
United Way needs you
This year’s United Way campaign is back in gear, because there are still people in our own 10-parish Capital Area who need help—even though we don’t always see them right in front of us. The Capital Area United Way currently assists 49 nonprofit agencies.
There are many industries and businesses who run campaigns and donate year after year, and they are all to be admired and thanked for their generosity. They are the backbone of the campaign.
But there are thousands of other companies in our community who have not gotten involved. If you and your family are fortunate enough to enjoy good health, good jobs, good schools and a safe environment—count your blessings. Not all of our neighbors do. Please consider running a campaign this fall or simply making a donation. Visit the Web site at TheWayToHelp.org or call 382-3515 and make a difference.
