26 October 2005

Increased efficiency leads to savings for taxpayers, Sebelius says
Governor names member to board tasked with increasing government cooperation

Increased government efficiency is a goal shared by all Kansans. Governor Kathleen Sebelius says one way to improve efficiency and save taxpayers money is by increasing cooperation between different levels of government.

That’s the objective of the Kansas Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations. Sebelius has appointed Dr. Joe Pisciotte to a three-year term on the council, which seeks to improve the efficiency and enhance the responsiveness of government at all levels.

In making the appointment, Sebelius pointed to several examples of cooperation that is already cutting waste in government.

“When we work together we can reduce waste and eliminate overlaps. We’ve already helped local governments save money on everything from health care to computers. And that saves taxpayers money, so it’s really a win-win situation,” Sebelius said.

County jails can now save up to 42 percent on pharmaceutical purchases by taking advantage of the state’s bulk buying power, and Kansas has made a similar deal available to local governments for buying computers. In the last fiscal year alone, 539 local agencies, ranging from county governments to local hospitals, saved between 15 and 35 percent on computer purchases.

These local savings are on top of nearly $1 billion identified by Sebelius at the state level. These savings and efficiencies range from the selling of 700 unneeded cars to turning off the lights in state office buildings.

“Kansans deserve an efficient, effective government. We’re working hard to deliver on that promise. I hope the council will find more ways we can streamline spending and continue to save taxpayers money,” Sebelius said.

Pisciotte, Ph.D., Wichita, has been a professor at Wichita State University since 1977. He specializes in state and local government with an emphasis in policy making, management, and human resources. He served as director of the Center for Urban Studies and the Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs at Wichita State University. He was a member of the Board of Directors and member of the Finance Committee, Community and Economic Development Committee, and National Leadership Summit for the National League of Cities. In addition, Pisciotte has taught at the University of Illinois-Chicago and University of Illinois-Urbana.