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Monday, February 15, 2010                                                  

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Rep. Tyler Olson, 515-281-0817                                                                                      

Government Reorganization Clears House;

Savings So Far Total $272 Million

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids voted today for another piece of the state government reorganization initiative that boosts savings for taxpayers so far to $272 million.  As the national recession caused a steep decline in state revenues, the reorganization effort was launched last year to help balance the state budget while preserving Iowans’ priorities in education, jobs, and health care.

“The $272 million in reorganization savings will help balance the state budget without raising taxes.  By making state government more efficient and improving delivery of services, our state will be stronger and more responsive,” said Olson.

Senate File 2088 will create more accountability for taxpayer dollars and eliminate wasteful spending by consolidating agencies and delivering services to Iowans more efficiently.  Last fall, Governor Culver used his executive authority to implement $88 million in cost saving measures and last week he signed an early retirement package for state employees into law that saved an additional $60 million.  The massive reorganization plan approved today is estimated to save taxpayers an additional $124 million next year, bringing the total savings from reorganization efforts to $272 million.

The bill is one of the largest initiatives in state history at 350 pages and contains over 50 different ideas, both large and small.  It eliminates 14 different boards and commissions, reduces energy costs, combines state purchasing, cuts down on middle management to keep front line workers in their jobs, and consolidates information technology.

The bill now returns to the Senate.

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