By Slade Blackwell
Government efficiency has been and continues to be a priority for many of my legislative colleagues and me.
In 2011, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley set out to save the state $1 billion and called it “The Road to $1 Billion in Savings.” Last week, the governor announced that the state exceeded the $1 billion mark, a year ahead of schedule. These savings come from consolidating and streamlining state agencies, workforce right-sizing, and pension reform, among others. I applaud the work the governor and the Alabama Legislature has done to ensure that we are using our resources to fund state government efficiently and effectively.
The cost saving measures, which were implemented starting in 2011, are estimated to save the state $1.137 billion per year. This will be undoubtedly beneficial to the general fund budget as well as the education trust fund budget. The process to save $1 billion was thoroughly researched with every aspect of state government reviewed. Each state agency was carefully reviewed to identify ways in which we can reduce costs through agency streamlining and realignment.
The Department of Finance, Department of Corrections, Department of Labor, the Legislature, as well as many others, have all had a reduction in costs that will ultimately save the state $49.5 million per year. Additionally, pension reform measures for state employees, which were applied in 2011 and 2012, will save the state an estimated $345.6 million per year. We have also taken a hard look at contract negotiations for state agencies to see where we can save money. Through these re-negotiations, we are looking to save $28.8 million per year.
Like so many Alabamians, we need to live within our means and have smaller, more efficient state government. Finding smart ways to save the state money and allow it to run more efficiently is an ongoing process and I hope we can continue this by passing meaningful legislation in the next legislative session.
As always, please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I hope you all have a very happy and prosperous new year.
Slade Blackwell is serving his first term in the Alabama State Senate representing Jefferson and Shelby counties in District 15. For more information about Slade, please visit www.sladeblackwell.com or follow him on Facebook or on Twitter @sladeblackwell. To reach him by phone, please call 334-242-7851 or 205-324-7676.