In more positive news....

Perhaps the federal government needs to take a look at how we do things here in Virginia to learn how to increase transparency for a lower cost... (okay, that's not the only lesson they could learn from Virginia- the #1 best managed state, but that's another post entirely...)

The Heartland Institute reports...

Virginia taxpayers scored a big win in the 2009 General Assembly session ... [with] a bill putting more of the state’s budget and expenditures online in a user-friendly format easily accessible to the general public.

Now that's great news in and of itself. Making it even better? The pricetag.

Early in the legislative session the bill faced serious opposition from all parties when the Department of Planning and Budget hung a $3 million price tag on it. However, Cuccinelli worked closely with Virginia’s auditor of public accounts, Walter Kucharski, to eliminate any financial impact or additional burden on taxpayers.

Government spending transparency? No added costs to taxpayers? Priceless.

"Improving Virginia’s Transportation without Raising Taxes: It Can Be Done"

Transportation. An on-going issue in Virginia.

In the latest Bacon's Rebellion, John Palatiello takes a look and makes suggestions for addressing Virginia's transportation needs without raising taxes.

We think that is something that's worth a look!

During the last decade, state government spending in Virginia has grown by about 70 percent, while incomes have increased by only five percent. The rate of growth in the Commonwealth’s government exceeds the growth in population and the
cost of living over the same period.

Why then, does Virginia still have a transportation problem?

The answer is clear. Transportation is not a high priority for many of Virginia’s political leaders. This will certainly be an issue in this year’s elections.

In its editorial endorsing State Senator Creigh Deeds for the Democrat Party’s nomination for Governor, the Washington Post said “Mr. Deeds has made clear that he would make transportation his first priority.” Curiously, however, a look at the candidate’s campaign website fails to reveal a plan, position or even make mention of transportation. The Post editorial cites Deeds’ past support for a gas tax increase and the unconstitutional Kaine transportation plan, and Deeds himself touts his role in passing the Mark Warner tax increase in 2004 (none of which went to transportation).

This begs the question: can Virginia tackle its transportation needs without raising taxes?

The answer is a resounding yes. Here are three ways.

Continue reading online.

"Shining a Spotlight on Transparency"

Check out the latest on one of our favorite topics: Transparency, from Bacon's Rebellion,

The legitimacy of government is based on the consent of the governed. As owners of our state government, every citizen of Virginia is entitled to full and complete information about how their government acts and what their Representatives do. If we cannot keep ourselves informed on the workings of our government, we cannot retain control over our government.

Read on...

Diligence and Creativity Needed

Virginia's budget gap continues to widen- and while this will present challenges, it should also provide legislators the opportunity to continue to examine commonsense, cost-saving measures to help protect core services while also reducing the overall costs of government.

Maybe it's time to again bring out those Operational Review Reports and continue to look for new ways government can do better for less!

In Case You Missed them: Operational Reviews

We wanted to once again post the Operational Review Reports- since some folks had contacted us with questions. This time we figured we'd just post all the links in one post, so that they are a big more easily accessible.

Stay tuned for more news and updates from the Cost Cutting Caucuse!

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Virginia's Experience with Operational Reviews

Energy Operational Review Report

Accounts Receivable Operational Review Report

Printer, Copier, and Paper Operational Review

Mail Operational Review Report

State Travel Operational Review Report

Fleet Operational Review Report

"Roanoke Schools Embrace Privatization to Cut Costs, Focus on Education"

Tough economic times do encourage governments to think outside the box, and often that means taxpayers save.

States and municipalities are not alone in facing tremendous fiscal pressures these days. School districts nationwide are being forced to cut costs to respond to the challenges of budget shortfalls and declining tax revenues.

In this context the Roanoke school board’s recent decision to contract out school transportation services is a notable development that other Virginia school districts should watch closely, as it offers a timely reminder that privatization can be a powerful tool to help “right-size” school districts and keep them focused on their core mission of educating children.

Last week, the Roanoke city school board voted to contract with a Pennsylvania-based bus company to provide transportation services; the board estimates this will save the school district approximately $250,000 annually. In addition, the company will purchase the district’s fleet of roughly 150 buses and will acquire 15 new buses every year to replace the aging stock over time. The district’s current drivers who meet minimum standards will be offered positions with the company.

Read on from Bacon's Rebellion....