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Published Wednesday, February 01, 2012 in Opinion
We like the idea of reviewing effectiveness of state agencies
Editorial
Since gaining control of state government a decade ago, Georgia's Republicans have talked about the need for a mechanism to shrink government.
State lawmakers may be on the verge of approving that mechanism. On Monday the Georgia Senate, by a 37-12 vote, approved Senate Bill 223, which would give state agencies an expiration date unless they are renewed by legislation. Coweta County's Sen. Mike Crane voted for the measure.
If approved by the House and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, the bill would set up a 14-member committee of legislators who would review all state agencies over the next seven or eight years and make recommendations to the full legislature and governor on whether an agency should continue. The legislature and governor would have to approve the elimination of any agency.
After passage of the bill in the Senate on Monday, Republican lawmakers hailed the significance of this legislation.
"It may be one of the most important historical accomplishments ever in the history of the state," said Sen. Judson Hill, R-Marietta.
Hill would not comment on which agencies in state government might go. He emphasized those recommendations would come from the 14-member committee and approved by the full legislature and governor.
This appears to be smart legislation. It makes sense to review each state agency and measure its effectiveness, particularly in a time of budget and spending restraints. One of the fallacies of government is that bureaucracy has a habit of growing and staying in place without review.
This review process can be effective in weeding outdated agencies, streamlining government and saving taxpayers' dollars.
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It sounds good in theory, but its just another level of government that won't have much power or authority and will likely be made up of people who have no idea what each agency actually does.
Posted by DH at 6:44 PM
It's about time that we start looking at the size of ALL government agencies and begin phasing them out! Well Done!
Posted by Matthew at 4:11 PM
It would be beneficial to have equal numbers of ordinary citizens on the panel if this legislation is passed. Legislators often have bias due to the very office they hold because they regularly interact with government agencies.
Posted by alicia at 12:06 PM
Glad that bureaucracy can be reduced thus improving efficiency. Corporations do this all the time because they have competition. Government has no competition. The states with inefficient agencies become less desirable for new business and residents, while having higher taxes and cost of living. Let us hope that our elected officials will do what they say.
Posted by NM at 11:11 AM
The ongoing review of state agencies and their budgets is good and necessary, however, passage of this bill is nothing more than a "see-what-I've-done" bill that some will point to in their re-election campaigns later this year. If passed by the House and eventually signed by the Governor, I doubt it will have any significant impact on governmental operations. Are there some agencies that could go? No doubt there is, but most agencies of any import are created to deal with specific ongoing needs or handle obligations mandated by the federal government.
Posted by Bubba Wayne at 10:57 AM
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Quality
2/5/2012
Link To This Comment
Quality is more important than quanity. Many agencies have little or no oversight and it is obvious by results. Two, the juvinile justice system and DFACS. Most lack accountability and it shows!
Posted by Frannie at 9:45 PM