An unprecedented day in state government ends with more than 50 ideas for streamlining state government and making it more cost-efficient.
The idea that the entire senate would forego almost an entire day of debate to consider public comments, agency recommendations, and legislative proposals to let state government survive giant budget cuts was unheard of until a few days ago.
But for the better part of seven hours, eight four-senator committees looked into cutting costs. Two themes seemed to flow through all of the recommendations: eliminating unnecessary boards and commissions, and consolidation and cooperation in the field of education.
One group suggested a two-thousnd cut in the prison inmate population by getting the right mix of inmates.. Other groups called for an overhaul of the tax credit program, reshaping social programs, even prohibiting drunk or drugged drivers from suing the transportation department for some crashes.
- Senator Bartle reports on Corrections, Judiciary & Public Safety 24:32 mp3
- Sen. Schaefer reports on Ag, DNR, & MDC 9:08Â mp3
- Sen. Pearce reports on education 5:10 mp3
- Sen. Lembke reports on general government operations 8:04 mp3
- Sen. Crowell reports on state retirement programs. 11:14 mp3
- Senator Rupp on social programs. 10:42.mp3
- Sen. Dempsey on tax structure 11:13 mp3
- Sen. Stouffer on transportation 7:20 mp3
- Sen. leader Shields outlines what’s next 1:31 mp3