Streamlining panel tries to rein in state expenses

As the Commission on Streamlining Government prepares to issue its initial report this week, it remains to be seen whether the recommendations -- 238 in all -- will end up as a blueprint for a leaner government, or if the report will join the legions of well-meaning reform efforts that lie forgotten on dusty bookshelves.

The Legislative Fiscal Office is still sorting through the recommendations to determine their effect on the budget. But a tally using the streamlining commission's own cost-saving estimates shows that it would have a combined $778 million impact on the state budget. That number appears optimistic, however, as much of the savings suggested by the panel are things that state agencies already are doing, such as closing the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital.

While none of the recommendations carry the force of law -- they are suggestions to the governor and Legislature -- Sen. Jack Donahue, R-Covington, the commission's chairman, said he expects the recommendations to be a useful tool as state officials try to balance the 2010-11 budget without raising taxes.

Commissioner of Administration Angele Davis, Jindal's chief budget adviser and a member of the 10-person panel, said many of the suggestions will be reflected in the governor's 2010-11 executive budget.

Streamlining Panel looks at budget cuts

A group set up to devise ways to cut costs in state government recommended Tuesday closing ferries, trimming Medicaid expenses and privatizing the laundry work at juvenile prisons.

The Commission on Streamlining Government is tasked with helping state officials grapple with a $3 billion state budget shortfall over the next two years.

Commission members must finalize a list of recommendations for Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature by the end of the year. Lawmakers would decide which of the proposals to enact.

The full commission deferred some controversial ideas. The panel decided to delay a decision on:

• Temporarily increasing the employee share of Group Benefits premiums.
• Reducing the number of state government jobs by 5,000 a year.

Jindal touts privatizing as solution to La. Woes

Governor Bobby Jindal opened the first meeting of Louisiana's Commission on Streamlining Government by telling its members he wants them to search throughout government for ways to improve efficiency.

Jindal mentioned privatization several times as a way to cut costs. The overarching goal is to help the state grapple with huge budget shortfalls.

In a rare visit to a legislative committee room, Jindal addressed the commission that he wanted created. The governor made it clear how he thinks state government can be streamlined: Privatize some state services.