From: RGPPC

Re: Best Practices: Promoting Responsible and Efficient Government

Date: December 2013

As states face unprecedented budgetary challenges, it is imperative that government become more
effective and efficient. The only way government reform can be achieved is if waste and unnecessary
spending are eliminated and the federal government is trimmed of its ineffective services. Rather than
focusing on policies dictated by the federal government, the key in achieving solutions needs to be
centered on local and state advancements in innovation.

States featured in this briefing include:
2013
o ALABAMA Governor Robert Bentley, Peoples Trust Act, Government Efficiency
Legislation
o IDAHO Governor Butch Otter, Efficiency Successes
o IOWA Governor Terry Branstad, Electronic Payment Option
o INDIANA Governor Mike Pence, Office of State-Based Initiatives, Moratorium on
Regulations
o IOWA Governor Terry Branstad, Salary Increase for Non-Contract Employees, Online
Drivers License Renewal System
o KANSAS Governor Sam Brownback, Judicial Reform Legislation
o MAINE Governor Paul LePage, Welfare Reform
o NEW MEXICO Governor Susana Martinez, Unemployment Insurance Fund Reform
o NORTH CAROLINA Governor Pat McCrory, Reform of Personnel Act, Job-Promoting
Legislation
o OKLAHOMA Governor Mary Fallin, Lawsuit Reform, Government Modernization
o PENNSYLVANIA Governor Tom Corbett, Reduction of State Fleet, Pennsylvania
Justice Network
o SOUTH CAROLINA Governor Nikki Haley, Executive Order to State Agencies to
Report Assets, Governors Regulatory Review Task Force
o SOUTH DAKOTA Governor Dennis Daugaard, Sound Pension Fund, Organ Donation
Laws
o UTAH Governor Gary Herbert, Governors Office of Management and Budget
2012
o ALABAMA Governor Robert Bentley, Road to A Billion Dollars in Savings, Merging of
AIDT and Alabama Department of Commerce
o ARIZONA Governor Jan Brewer, Sweeping Personnel Reform, Government
Transformation Office
o FLORIDA Governor Rick Scott, Suspension of Rulemaking, Office of Fiscal
Accountability and Regulatory Reform
o IOWA Governor Terry Branstad, Public Participation in Administrative Rules Process,
Web Design Standard, Workers Health Care Insurance Premiums, Public Information
Board
o KANSAS Governor Sam Brownback, Kansas Public Employee Retirement System
Reform
o LOUISIANA Governor Bobby Jindal, Pension Reform
o MAINE Governor Paul LePage, Legislation to Bring Transparency to Electricity Bills
o OKLAHOMA Governor Mary Fallin, Pension Reform, Energy Efficiency Measures,
Banning of Tobacco Use on State Property, Information Services Division, Office of
Management and Enterprise Services
o PENNSYLVANIA Governor Tom Corbett, Governors Innovation Office,
Unemployment Compensation Reform
o NEVADA Governor Brian Sandoval, Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs
o SOUTH CAROLINA Governor Nikki Haley, Pension Reform, Unemployment Benefit
Reform, South Carolinas Commission on Ethic Reform
o SOUTH DAKOTA Governor Dennis Daugaard, Better Government Initiative
o TENNESSEE Governor Bill Haslam, Tennessee Excellence, Accountability, and
Management Act
o UTAH Governor Gary Herbert, Utah Business Regulation Review
o VIRGINIA Governor Bob McDonnell, Governors Task Force for Local Government
Mandate Review, Pension Reform, Regulatory Reform Initiative
o WYOMING Governor Matt Mead, Google Apps
2011
o ALABAMA Governor Robert Bentley, Alabama Commission on Improving State
Government, Responsible Budgeting and Spending Act
o ARIZONA Governor Jan Brewer, Policy Agenda: Building a More Prosperous Arizona
o INDIANA Governor Mitch Daniels, Creation of the Office of Management and Budget
o LOUISIANA Governor Bobby Jindal, Bold Streamlining Efforts
o MAINE Governor Paul LePage, Reform to Cut Red Tape
o MICHIGAN Governor Rick Snyder, Update of Emergency Financial Manager Act,
Michigan Dashboard, Good Government Initiative
o NEBRASKA Governor Dave Heineman, Public Employee Union Reform
o NEW JERSEY Governor Chris Christie, Pension and Health Benefits Reform
o NEW MEXICO Governor Susana Martinez, Spending Reductions
o SOUTH CAROLINA Governor Nikki Haley, Spending Accountability Act of 2011, Tort
Reform, Office of Inspector General
o SOUTH DAKOTA Governor Dennis Daugaard, Website Transparency
o VIRGINIA Governor Bob McDonnell, Governors Commission on Government Reform
and Restructuring


2013

Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley
Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs the Peoples Trust Act (2/20/13)
Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Peoples Trust Act (House Bill 94), a bill that requires the full repayment
of money transferred from the Alabama Trust Fund to the states General Fund budget. On September
18, 2012, Alabama voters approved the transfer of $437 million from the Alabama Trust Fund a state
savings account to the General Fund over the next three years. The transfer was necessary to maintain
essential state services during a difficult economic time without raising taxes. Governor Bentley and
legislative leaders kept a promise to voters that the money transferred from the Alabama Trust Fund
would be repaid.

Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs Measures to Increase Efficiency in State Government (3/21/13)
Governor Robert Bentley signed a series of measures aimed at increasing efficiency across government
agencies in the areas of law enforcement, information technology, and fleet management.
Senate Bill 108 coordinates state-level law enforcement by streamlining the administrative-level
functions of state law enforcement agencies. Currently, more than 20 state agencies and
departments provide law enforcement services. By improving coordination, this bill will help
minimize redundancies and allow more resources to be focused on the actual law enforcement
services that are delivered to the public.
Senate Bill 117 establishes a new, cabinet-level positionthe Secretary of Information
Technology (I.T.)to manage the states $300M/year I.T. resources and identify cost-savings
among state departments. The Secretary will also develop and implement a responsible plan to
coordinate the purchasing, management and use of I.T. across state agencies
Senate Bill 57 authorizes the Alabama Department of Transportation to review state agency fleets
and develop a statewide program to achieve cost savings and greater efficiencies in operating
Alabamas approximately 8,800 state vehicles. The bill, which complements a prior executive
order signed by the governor (Executive Order 38), is a continuation of the states efforts to make
government more efficient and save money for taxpayers.

Idaho, Governor Butch Otter
Press Release: Governor Cites Successes from 2013 Legislative Session (04/04/13)
During the 2013 Legislative Session, Idaho invested in technology, with funding for a new Idaho State
Tax Commission computer system that will create greater efficiency and more robust security, and
replacement of network and security systems at the Department of Administration to enhance security for
State agency data and communications.

Indiana, Governor Mike Pence
Press Release: Pence Signs Executive Order Establishing the Office of State-Based Initiatives (10/9/13)
Governor Mike Pence signed Executive Order 13-20, transforming the Office of Federal Grants and
Procurement into the Office of State-Based Initiatives. This office will work to quantify how much
federal regulations are costing the state in an attempt to educate Congress and reduce federal regulatory
burdens on state and local governments.

Executive Order 13-03: Promotion Job Creation, economic development, and freedom by ordering a
moratorium on regulations
In an effort to cut red tape, this Executive Order temporarily stops the creation of new regulations until
the Office of Management and Budget can assess the costs and benefits of current regulations and
recommend ways to reduce regulatory burdens. Exclusions are made for regulations needed to create jobs,
reduce state spending, repeal existing rules, or address cases of emergency, health or safety.

Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad
Press Release: Branstad: Non-contract employees to earn salary increases, contribute 20 percent of health
care costs (4/4/13)
In April, Governor Branstad approved salary increases for state non-contract employees, those not
covered by a collective bargaining agreement, at the same level as provided to members of the State
Police Officers Councilwhich is a series of one percent non-recurring raises on July 1, 2013, Jan. 1,
2014, July 1, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015. In addition, Gov. Branstad has authorized state non-contract
employees to participate in health insurance plans that require a 20% employee contribution, but which
also allows employees to earn a $90 a month premium reduction in return for participating in new
employee wellness programs. Those participating in wellness programs can significantly reduce their
health insurance premium costs.

Press Release: Branstad, Reynolds unveil online drivers license and ID renewal (07/22/2013)
Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Transportation Director
Paul Trombino III, today unveiled the new online drivers license renewal system to improve customer
service to Iowans. The Governor and Lt. Governor renewed their licenses on line during the Iowa State
Fair. Nearly 284,000 Iowa drivers will be eligible to renew their drivers licenses or identification cards
24-hours a day, seven days a week from any computer or mobile device with a web browser starting
today. In the interest of public safety and identity security, there are stipulations on who can renew a
drivers license or ID online. With some exceptions, Iowans will be able to renew licenses online at:
https://mymvd.iowadot.gov.

Press Release: State partnering with Dwolla to provide innovative electronic payment option (1/22/13)
Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds announced a new partnership to new partnership to
provide Iowa taxpayers with an innovative electronic payment option, Dwolla. Dwolla is a cash-based
payment network that provides real-time, low cost, online and mobile payments. Instead of charging a
floating percentage and fixed fee per transaction for goods and services or the administrative headaches of
checks, Dwollas easy-to-use network costs a flat 25-cent fee on any payment over $10. From collecting
property taxes to issuing refunds, from renewing vehicle registrations to paying government contractors,
Branstad and Reynolds say the state will be identifying the potential impact Dwollas open, social, online
and mobile payment technologies could have on every level of state government.

Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback
Press Release: Gov. Brownback signs judicial reform legislation reform into law (04/27/13)
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed House Bill 2019 into law, reforming the way that judges for the
Kansas Court of Appeals are appointed. In the 2013 session, the Governor worked with the Kansas
Legislature to reform the Court of Appeals judicial selection process. Prior to reform, a special interest
group controlled the nominations for the Court of Appeals. The new law allows an elected officer, the
Governor, to appoint judges, pending Kansas Senate confirmation. This method brings the appellate
judge selection process closer to the people.

Maine, Governor Paul LePage
Press Release: Governor LePage Reaffirms Commitment to More Welfare Reform (09/10/13)
In Governor LePages FY 12-13 budget, significant welfare reform was enacted. Reforms include:
Imposing a five-year limit on certain welfare benefits, while allowing some exceptions for
hardship for the elderly, disabled and other needy Mainers;
Allowing drug tests for welfare recipients convicted of a drug related felony;
Removing the right for legal non-citizens to receive welfare benefits on day one, ensuring
Maines limited resources are spent on Mainers.

Since 2011, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has dropped by 41 in Maine, due to
Governor LePages commitment to reducing welfare and prosecuting fraud within the system.

New Mexico, Governor Susana Martinez
Press Release: Governor Susana Martinez Enacts Sweeping Reforms to Unemployment Insurance Fund
(04/03/13)
On April 3, 2013, Governor Susana Martinez signed legislation that reforms the structure and
management of New Mexicos Unemployment Insurance (UI) fund by doing away with the previous rate
schedule and making the system a true insurance system. Previously, rates were arbitrarily set by the
Legislature and the Governor. This legislation removes politics from the system and provides consistency
for businesses.

North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory
Press Release: Governor McCrory Streamlines Personnel Act (8/21/13)
Governor McCrory signed HB 834 into law to modernize the State Personnel Act, a law that hasnt been
significantly updated for decades. The modernization empowers managers to use mediation and other
methods to resolve employee grievances on the front end. Today, the existing grievance process averages
450 days to reach a conclusion. One case took more than 1,000 days to reach a settlement.

Press Release: Governor McCrory Signs Job-Promoting Legislation That Cuts Government Red Tape
Governor Pat McCrory signed the Regulatory Reform Act (HB 74), common sense legislation that
promotes job creation in North Carolina by cutting burdensome regulations and government red tape.
There are more than 22,000 rules on the books, and in the last 10 years, North Carolina added 15,000 new
business regulationsmore than all other Southeastern states combined. Over the next 10 years, North
Carolina will responsibly review all rules and eliminate over burdensome business regulations.

Streamlined Permitting- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Governor McCrory implemented a new permit process at the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. This process uses technology to offer more online permitting, permit tracking, payments and
interactive maps. Furthermore, electronic data submission for public water systems has improved speed,
accuracy and reduced costs for the state.

Modernizing Information Systems
In the budget signed by Governor McCrory, $60 million was allocated over two years to help streamline
and update the States aging information technology infrastructure. North Carolina is changing how it
governs IT, breaking down silos and managing IT enterprise-wide.

Innovation Center iCenter
Governor McCrory opened North Carolinas new Innovation Center. The iCenter is a working lab in
downtown Raleigh where state employees, students, agency Chief Information Officers, private industry,
and citizens will collaborate on information technology solutions.

Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin
Press Release: Governor Fallin Signs Lawsuit Reform into law (9/10/13)
In August 2013, Gov. Fallin called lawmakers into a special session to address House Bill 1603, a
comprehensive lawsuit reform measure signed into law in 2009. The Oklahoma Supreme Court earlier
this year struck down the measure, saying it violated the state constitutions single-subject rule. The intent
of HB 1603 was to reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits and medical malpractice claims filed in
Oklahoma. In September 2013, the governor signed 23 lawsuit reform bills that re-institute components
of HB 1603 that protect businesses and the medical community from frivolous lawsuits and skyrocketing
legal costs.

Press Release: Saving Taxpayer Dollars through Government Reform and Modernization (6/24/13)
This legislative session, the governor eliminated or consolidated more than 75 boards and commissions,
saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money annually, while making government smaller,
smarter and more efficient. Additionally, the governor signed into law key legislation addressing the
states long-term infrastructure needs. Not only will these improvements help save money, they will make
Oklahomas state government more modern and more responsive to the needs of its customers, the
Oklahoma taxpayers.

Legislative/Policy Highlights:
HB 1455: Eliminates 27 boards and commissions that are defunct, duplicative, or no longer
necessary to include in state statutes. By eliminating travel reimbursements and staff resources
dedicated to these boards, HB 1455 will save more than $50,000 annually.
HB 1467: Consolidates 28 boards and commissions into seven new boards that will be overseen
by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). The elimination of reimbursements and
staff resources related to these boards is estimated to save more than $300,000 annually.
HB 1469: Consolidates the Joint Committee on Interstate Cooperation and the Governors
Committee on Interstate Cooperation into the Oklahoma Commission on Interstate Cooperation.
HB 1481: Eliminates the Oklahoma Linked Deposit Review Board.
HB 1482: Eliminates the High-Hazard Dams Study Group.
SB 621: Consolidates the Oklahoma State Bioenergy Center into the Oklahoma Energy Initiative.
SB 767: Consolidates the Commission for Marginal Wells into the Oklahoma Energy Resources
Board.
SB 1011: Eliminates and consolidates 16 different boards and commissions within the oversight
purview of the Secretary of Agriculture.

Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Corbett
PR News Wire: Governor Corbett Recognizes State Agencies with Innovation of the Year Awards
(08/01/13)
Governor Corbett pledged to reduce the size and cost to administer the states vehicle fleet. To date, the
efforts approved by Governor Corbett have resulted in a decrease of over 2,000 state-owned passenger
vehicles, a 20% decrease in just two years; vehicles for which the taxpayers will no longer have to pay for
fuel and maintenance costs. Total savings are estimated at over $40 million. Key changes include
contracting with a rental car chain to replace the commonwealths temporary vehicle fleet, assigning
vehicles to employees based on their business usage, and updating vehicle and travel policies. The efforts
to right size the fleet will continue every six months based on real data collected at the agency level.

PA Justice Network: County Prison Cross-match through the Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET)
(7/2013)
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) implemented a cross-match system aimed at
identifying and stopping the payment of UC benefits by prisoners. The estimated annual savings of
implementing the cross-match system is $104 million. The system, known as JNET, operates in real-time
to stop payments when UC claimants are incarcerated. When a new inmate enters a county prison that
participates in JNET, the individuals information is automatically compared against the UC rolls
maintained by L&I. After L&I receives and verifies the report, the individual is immediately removed
from active UC benefit status, saving the UC Trust Fund and the commonwealths businesses and
employees millions of dollars. To our knowledge, the county prison cross-match has stopped more
potential overpayments in terms of dollars than any other state.

South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley
Executive Order: Gov. Nikki Haley Requiring State Agencies To Report Assets (10/14/13)
In October 2013, Governor Haley issued Executive Order 2013-09, compelling all executive agencies to
create and report an inventory of their respective assets to the Budget and Control Board. The Executive
Order requires all agencies to become compliant with Section 1-11-58 of the South Carolina Code of
Laws and Proviso 118.2, which mandates each state agency to perform a detailed, annual inventory and
prepare a report of all real property to be submitted to the Budget and Control Board. The Division of
General Services will use these reports to create a comprehensive inventory, to help determine excess real
property in an effort to consolidate assets.

Executive Order: Executive Order 2013-02- Establishing the Governor's Regulatory Review Task Force
(11/13)
Governor Haley created a task force by Executive Order in 2013 to review all regulations in South
Carolina to determine which can be thrown out or changed. To review the regulations for their effects on
businesses; members from government, business, and outside groups; staffed by the Governors Office,
Commerce, and LLR. The 11-member group will unveil their final report to the Governor, the General
Assembly, and the public November 15, 2013.

South Dakota, Governor Dennis Daugaard
Office of the Governor: South Dakota's Sound Pension Fund (09/13/13)
Under Governor Daugaard, South Dakotas retirement pension system has gained national recognition.
The pension fund is so well-funded because the South Dakota Retirement System Board of Trustees
constrained cost of living adjustments, made more conservative projections for the future, and used their
available funds to extinguish all unfunded actuarial liabilities. These were liabilities that were to be paid
down over a 30-year period.

Press Release: Gov. Daugaard Signs Several Bills (03/12/13)
Governor Daugaard signed, revised and expanded bills related to organ and tissue donation into law.
Though 55% of South Dakota citizens are enrolled as organ donors (well above the national average),
these laws makes it even easier to enroll as an organ donor. House Bill 1217 required the Department of
Public Safety to create new online registry that allows citizens to enroll online. House Bill 1162 allowed
for special decals recognizing organ donors on license plates allowing people to show their support for
organ donation.

Utah, Governor Gary Herbert
State of the State Address: Increase operational efficiency by 25% over next four years (1/30/2013)
In his 2013 State of the State Address, Governor Gary R. Herbert introduced a new focus on operational
excellence within Utah State Government. To support this effort, Governor Herbert reorganized the state
budget office to form the Governors Office of Management and Budget (GOMB). One of GOMBs main
responsibilities is to aggressively foster operational excellence across state government and to provide
more value for each taxpayer dollar.
SUCCESS Framework. Utah has created a management framework to support state agencies in
their efforts to increase operational efficiency by at least 25 percent. The SUCCESS Framework
incorporates several management tools and principles into an overall roadmap for improvement
that includes: performance management, strategic management, improvement methodologies,
thinking processes, and project management.
Using the principles of the SUCCESS Framework, the Department of Workforce Services was
able to reduce operating expenses by 33 percent while absorbing a 60 percent increase in
workloadall while experiencing an increase in overall work quality.
The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice has been able to completely eliminate the
backlog of applications for crime victim reparation. In addition, they have improved quality
(decisions made within 45 days) from 57.9 % to 87.8%. The resulting improvement in QT/OE is
23.9%.
The Department of Commerce has experienced a 16 percent improvement in their reliability
standard for processing security licenses for individuals and businesses. By speeding up their
processes, the department is creating additional capacity to serve Utah businesses in a more
effective and efficient manner.


2012

Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley
Press Release: Governor Bentley Unveils Road to a Billion Dollars in Savings (07/19/12)
Governor Robert Bentley announced the State of Alabama is on track to reach one billion dollars in
annual savings thanks to extensive efforts to reduce costs and increase government efficiency.
Based on fiscal notes and conservative estimates from the Alabama Department of Finance, Governor
Bentley and legislators have already taken action to realize nearly $675 million in current and projected
savings. The total reflects savings through the following initiatives:

2011 Pension Reform Measures: $181.5 million (annual savings)
2012 Pension Reform Measures: $164.1 million (average annual savings)
Workforce Right-Sizing: $181.3 million (annual savings)
SEIB/PEEHIP Reform: $61.3 million (average annual savings)
DROP Repeal: $58.5 million (annual savings)
Indigent Defense Reform: $19.4 million (annual savings)
Various Bond Refinancing: $8.3 million average per year (Nearly $93 million total over the life
of the bonds)

Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs Executive Order Merging AIDT with Alabama Department of
Commerce (6/7/12)
As part of his strategic realignment to increase jobs and investment in the state, Governor Robert Bentley
signed Executive Order 31 merging the Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) program with
the Alabama Department of Commerce. AIDT is Alabamas job training incentive program and has been
assisting economic developers in their efforts to recruit businesses to Alabama since 1971. The benefit of
the merger is increased efficiency in the states job creation efforts. The merger will also serve to further
unite AIDT efforts with the states economic developers and recruiters within the Department of
Commerce.
Press: Governor Bentley consolidates the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations and Alabama
Department of Labor into a single agency

Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer
Press Release: Governor Jan Brewer Signs Sweeping Personnel Reform into Law (05/10/12)
On May 10, 2012, Governor Jan Brewer signed into law HB 2571, a historic reform governing the State
workforce, modernizing the way in which State government manages, hires and fires employees.

Among changes incorporated as part of the new law, State managers will be able to act more quickly
when it comes to hiring the most talented applicants, rewarding the best workers or disciplining
underperforming employees without excessive bureaucracy and levels of unnecessary review. The new
personnel system will address a series of challenges confronting State government, namely its need to:
Remain productive by being able to do more with less;
Attract top talent into the workforce; and
Discontinue providing job security and protection for inefficient and unproductive workers.

Press Release: Governor Jan Brewer Establishes Government Transformation Office to Spur Innovation,
Bust Red Tape (08/16/12)
Governor Jan Brewer signed an Executive Order establishing the Government Transformation Office as
part of an ongoing effort to improve and modernize State government operations. Housed within the
Arizona Department of Administration, the Government Transformation Office will improve government
processes by identifying best practices that eliminate inefficiencies and redundancies and increase the
quality of services provided to Arizona taxpayers. Specifically, the Government Transformation Office
will assist agencies in: identifying and implementing process improvements; training supervisors in
management strategies that eliminate waste and enhance innovation within the workforce; developing
consistent toolkits, resources and other materials for agency use; and communicating process
improvements to the public, among other tasks.

Florida, Governor Rick Scott
Press Release: Governor Rick Scott Fulfills First Campaign Promises to Hold Government Accountable
(01/04/11)
On Day One of Governor Rick Scotts Administration, he signed Executive Order No. 11-01: Suspending
Rulemaking and Establishing the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform.

Summary: Executive Order No. 11-01 froze all new rules and established the Office of Fiscal
Accountability and Regulatory Reform, to review all rules prior to promulgation as well as agency
practices and contracts.
Immediately suspended rulemaking for all agencies under the direction of the Governor.
Established the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform to review all rules
(including those suspended by the Order) prior to promulgation and to review agency practices
and contracts.
Imposed a 90-day suspension on the execution of any contracts with a value in excess of $1
million, without prior approval from the Office.
Prohibited agencies from promulgating rules unless they obtained prior approval from the Office.

On August 16, 2011, in a 5-2 ruling the Florida Supreme Court stated that the governor had "overstepped
his constitutional authority and violated the separation of powers" and that such rule-making authority lies
with the legislature. In response to the Florida Supreme Court ruling, Governor Scott issued Executive
Order No. 11-211: Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform.

Summary: Executive Order No. 11-211 narrowed the power of Scott's Office of Fiscal Accountability and
Regulatory Reform (OFARR) "to the extent permitted by law"

Retained OFARR in the Executive office of the Governor for the purpose of reviewing proposed
and existing agency rules and regulations, making recommendations for altering or simplifying
aforementioned rules and regulations, etc.
Required all agencies to submit in writing any proposed rule or amendment to OFARR at
least one week before submitting it for official publication

Since the beginning of Gov. Scotts term, more than 2,800 rules on families and job creators have been
eliminated and the State is beginning to encourage similar initiatives at the local level, where many
businesses complain about regulatory barriers.

Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad
Press Release: Branstad signs Executive Order 79 & 80 (08/20/12)
Gov. Branstad announced the signing of Executive Order 80, enacting greater public participation in the
administrative rules process. By signing Executive Order 80, agencies must create stakeholder
rulemaking groups consisting of individuals who can adequately represent the interests that will be
significantly affecting by a draft rule proposal or subject matter. Rulemaking authorities now work with
those who will be affected by new regulations, and they will be fully aware of the full consequences of
each rule or regulation they look to put into effect.

Press Release: Iowa launches first-ever Web Design Standard for all executive branch agency Web sites
(03/22/12)
In March 2012, Gov. Terry Branstad announced that the Website Standardization Committee established
by Executive Order 73 completed the necessary steps to formulate Iowas first Web Design Standard.
Iowas governmental departments and agencies are now required to ensure that state of Iowa
eGovernment information is from a citizen-centric viewpoint, meets applicable federal standards for
individuals with disabilities, and offers a user-friendly common look, common feel and common
navigation system.

With a Web Design Standard in place, agencies and departments will now complete the following:
1. Reinforce Iowa.gov identity and make it clear to users they are on an Iowa Executive Branch site
through the use of the designated sliver header; and
2. Provide consistency and continuity in Web site appearance; and
3. Improve the quality, usability and accessibility of State Web sites and services for the public; and
4. Ensure that critical state links appear on all agency sites; and
5. Integrate agency sites, Web applications and the portal, to support the one government
approach and move away from bureaucratic separation of information; and
6. Increase efficiency of Web site development and management by agencies; and
7. Compliant in meeting the federal 508 compliance standards to allow us to better serve the widest
possible audience, including people with disabilities.
8. Establish two Web Content Management Systems for use within all Executive Branch agencies.

Press Release: Branstad signs Executive Order 78 establishing state workers may voluntarily pay 20
percent of health care insurance premiums (07/02/12)
In July 2012, Gov. Terry Branstad signed Executive Order 78, encouraging state workers to voluntarily
pay 20 percent of their health care insurance premium. According to the Department of Administrative
Services (DAS), 88 percent of state workers do not contribute anything toward their health insurance
premium, and in total, Iowa taxpayers fund 97 cents of every one dollar spent on health care premiums.

Press Release: Gov. Branstad to sign Senate File 430 into law (05/02/12)
Governor Branstad spearheaded the passage of landmark transparency legislation, Senate File 430, which
created a Public Information Board (with true enforcement powers) that will significantly improve the
transparency of state and local government and ensure the enforcement of Iowas open records and open
meetings laws. The Board is composed of nine members who were appointed by the Governor.
Press: Gov. Terry Branstad signs open-record bill into law


Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback
Legislation: Senate Sub for HB 2333 (06/01/12)
In a 2010 study, Kansas ranked 49th out of the 50 states in the soundness of their public pension system.
The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) currently has an unfunded actuarial liability
of more than $9 billion. The legislature put off fully funding KPERS for far too many years. Governor
Brownback signed legislation to reform KPERS to ensure that state employees have the stable retirement
system that they deserve. The legislation established a new cash balance tier within the system to allow
employees earnings to grow in a secure pension environment. It keeps the state current in paying its bills
and gives people the flexibility to freely move in and out of state employment instead of being trapped by
the states benefit structure.

Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal
Press Release: Governor Jindal Signs Landmark Pension Reform Law (06/05/12)
In June 2012, Governor Bobby Jindal signed landmark pension reform law. HB 61will create a cash-
balance plan for certain new state employees. Governor Jindal emphasized that the cash-balance plan
combines the best features of defined benefit and defined contribution plans and sets the stage for a more
sustainable retirement system.

Under the cash-balance plan, participants receive an investment account that can never lose value. In the
good years, the participants share in investment gains. In the bad years, the participants are protected from
investment losses. Taxpayers bear less risk because the retirement benefit is tied to market performance,
and the pension system retains 1 percent from investment gains to act as a buffer against investment
losses. The cash-balance benefits are also portable meaning that a participant who withdraws from state
service after five years can take the entire account balance.

Maine, Governor Paul LePage
Press Release: Governor LePage Signs Bill to Bring Transparency to Mainers Electricity Bills
(04/04/12)
Governor Paul LePage signed LD 1875 An Act To Provide Transparency in Electricity Pricing for
Maine Ratepayers. The bill requires the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the Office of the Public
Advocate to post on their websites the annual costs of state policies that affect the price of electricity. The
intent is to inform Maine consumers as to the total individual cost of each program that increases
electricity rates that are in addition to the base energy and transmission/distribution charges. Examples of
these programs include stranded costs, Efficiency Maine System Benefit Charge, Low-Income Assistance
Program, etc. This legislation also requires the Maine Public Utilities Commission to inform ratepayers
that they can find the information on the Office of the Public Advocate and Maine Public Utilities
Commission websites through the utilities billing process. In addition to providing more transparency to
Mainers on their electricity bill, the legislation directs the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the
Office of the Public Advocate to develop its budgets based on a zero-based budgeting process
approach.

Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin
Press Release: Governor Fallin Signs Key Pension Reform Legislation into Law (05/10/11)
In 2011, Governor Mary Fallin signed several key pieces of pension reform legislation into law. The bills
aim to provide a boost to the fiscal solvency of the states public employee pension systems, which
started 2011 with $16 billion in unfunded liability.

One bill, HB 2132, reduces unfunded liability in state pensions by $5 billion by requiring the legislature
to provide a funding source for cost of living adjustments (COLAs).

In addition to HB 2132, Fallin also signed the following pension reform measures into law:
HB 1010: increasing the retirement age for new members of the Uniform Retirement System for
Justices and Judges (URSJJ) who started work after January 1st of this year. For new members
with 8 years of service, the measure increases the normal retirement age from 65 to 67 years old.
For new members with 10 years of service, the measure increases the normal retirement age from
60 to 62 years old.
SB 377: Raising the normal retirement age for new teachers from 62 to 65 years of age and
establishing a minimum age of 60 for full retirement benefits for teachers who meet the rule of
90. Currently, there is no minimum age requirement for those employees whose age and service
equals the sum of 90.
SB 794: Ensuring that elected officials are treated the same as other public employees when
calculating retirement benefits. Also, applying the same minimum retirement ages to all new
public employees as SB 377 does to new teachers: a minimum age of 60 when the rule of 90 is
met and a normal retirement age of 65.
SB 347: providing for the forfeiture of a municipal officer or employees retirement benefits upon
conviction of crimes related to their office (bribery, corruption. etc.)

Press Release: Gov. Fallin Signs into Law Energy Efficiency Measures (05/08/12)
On May 8, 2012, Governor Fallin signed into law Senate Bill 1096, a bill that directs all state agencies
and higher education institutions to achieve at least 20 percent improvement in energy efficiency and
conservation by the year 2020. The governor first outlined the initiative in her Oklahoma First Energy
Plan and asked the Legislature this year in her State of the State address to write the plan into law.
SB 1096 creates the Oklahoma State Facilities Energy Conservation Program which sets a target for
cumulative energy savings of not less than twenty percent (20 percent) by the year 2020 when compared
to FY-12 utility expenditures. Additionally, the Director of State Finance is to oversee the implementation
of the program, including the selection of the most qualified vendor or vendors utilizing a request for
proposal to contract for the program. Industry sources estimate cumulative savings have potential to reach
an amount in excess of $300 million, with upside potential of $500 million in cumulative savings over a
period of years.

Press Release: Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signs order to ban tobacco use on state property (02/07/12)
In February of 2012, Governor Fallin issued an executive order to prohibit tobacco use on all state-owned
and leased properties and in state-owned and leased buildings and vehicles. She also closed the smoking
room at the state Capitol and begun the process of developing a privately funded fitness center for state
employees. Governor Fallin said the purpose of the ban is to protect the health of employees and people
visiting state-owned properties. The ban also is intended to drive down one of the major factors of
increasing health care costs for state employees, decrease employee absenteeism and increase
productivity. The ban is expected to save the state $5.2 million annually.

Press Release: Governor Fallin Signs Legislative Priorities into Law (05/24/11)
On May 24, 2011, Governor Fallin signed into law HB 1304 which directs all information technology
assets of all state-appropriated agencies to be transferred to the Information Services Division of the
Office of State Finance and the Chief Information Officer. This bill also transfers all employees of each
agency with job titles and duties related to information technology to be transferred to the Information
Services Division. This bill normalizes systems, eliminates redundancy, and creates efficiency and
substantial cost savings. The plan, which was included as part of Fallins executive budget, implements a
freeze on capital spending in IT that would save taxpayers $50 million in FY 2012. Further consolidating
IT resources across state agencies is expected to save an additional $142 million, for a total of $192
million in savings.

On May 20, 2011 and May 8, 2012 Governor Fallin signed legislation (HB 2140/HB 3053) creating a
one-stop shop for benefits, state employee and administrative services by consolidating four state
agencies into the Office of State Finance and renamed it the Office of Management and Enterprise
Services (OMES). In an effort to streamline services and achieve efficiencies. The following entities are
now divisions of OMES: Office of Personnel Management, Department of Central Services (State
Procurement Agency), Employee Benefits Council and the Oklahoma State and Education Employee
Group Insurance Board. The consolidation has resulted in streamlined services and cost efficiencies. The
legislation mandated a fifteen percent annual savings which was exceeded in the first year.

Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Corbett
Executive Order: Executive Order 2014-04, Governors Innovation Office (03/22/12)
As part of Governor Corbetts Innovation and Privatization Councils recommendations, the Governors
Office of Innovation was established through Executive Order 2012-04. Under this order all agencies in
the Governors jurisdiction must accelerate innovation, drive solutions that deliver significant cost
savings and enhance multiagency and enterprise wide coordination. Since its inception commonwealth
agencies have realized over $401,942,457.05 in cost savings.

Press Release: Governor Corbett Signs Unemployment Compensation Reform Into Law (6/12/12)
Governor Tom Corbett signed Senate Bill 1310, a reform bill that modernizes Pennsylvanias
Unemployment Compensation, or UC, law. The new law enables Pennsylvania to repay a nearly $4
billion UC Trust Fund debt to the federal government. Pennsylvania was one of 36 states that borrowed
from the federal government to keep UC benefits flowing during the recession. Specifically, Corbett said
the new law will:
Refinance the UC Trust Fund debt by issuing bonds at a low, fixed rate.
Reform employer taxes by increasing the taxable wage base from $8,000 to $10,000 and
lowering the State Adjustment Factor.
Modernize benefit eligibility by increasing the base-year wage requirement from an average
of 37 percent outside the high quarter to at least 49.5 percent. This change will not affect any
current claimants, and will affect less than 10 percent of all claimants when the law goes into
effect in January 2013.
Use 5 percent of employee taxes collected to establish a Re-employment Fund for training
initiatives to help jobless Pennsylvanians return to work.

Unemployment compensation reforms in 2011 and 2012 enabled Pennsylvania to repay a $3 billion UC
Trust Fund debt to the federal government and place the fund on a path to sustained solvency, without
raising taxes. It is believed that this is the largest trust fund debt repaid without a tax increase. Selected
highlights include: 1) issuing bonds at a record low 1.29 percent fixed interest rate, saving Pennsylvania
employers over $150 million in interest alone; 2) restoring the full Federal Unemployment Tax Act
(FUTA) tax credit for Pennsylvania employers, saving employers $209 million in 2012 alone; and 3)
modernizing benefit eligibility and other benefit reforms estimated to produce an additional saving of
$385 million per year to the UC Trust Fund.

Nevada, Governor Brian Sandoval
Press Release: Sandoval Signs Executive Order Creating Interagency Council on Veterans Affairs
(07/03/11)
Governor Brian Sandoval signed Executive Order 2012-15, creating the Governors Interagency Council
on Veterans Affairs. The purpose of the council is to work and prioritize the needs of Nevadas veterans.
The council will work to coordinate statewide services for veterans, working alongside non-profit
organizations and Federal and local governments.

South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley
Legislation: Governor Nikki Haley Signs Law Reforming Pension System for Public Workers (6/25/12)
In June 2012, Governor Haley signed H. 4967, reforming the pension system for public workers. The
pension reform reduced the states long-term unfunded liability by $2 billion, and limited employees
ability to officially retire, return to work and collect two checks. Increases the minimum number of years
of service before an individual may retire. Increases employer and employee contributions and creates
greater parity between employee and employer contributions.

Legislation: S. 1125, Unemployment Benefits
Governor Haley signed legislation that requires disqualification from unemployment benefits for being
fired for misconduct for full 20 weeks.

Executive Order: Executive Order 2012-09, South Carolinas Commission on Ethics Reform (10/18/12)
On October 18, 2012, Governor Haley issued Executive Order 2012-09, creating the South Carolina
Commission on Ethics Reform to review and update state ethics and open rerecord laws. The Governor
immediately appointed a bipartisan panel of individuals of unimpeachable personal and professional
credentials. On January 28, 2013, the Commission unveiled their final recommendations to the Governor,
the General Assembly, and the public which had since become considered as the standard bearer for
ethics reform; the most comprehensive ethics packages in state history.

South Dakota, Governor Dennis Daugaard
Press Release: Governors Initiative Cuts Red Tape (06/22/12)
On July 1, 2012, a series of new laws took effect repealing more than 400 sections of South Dakota state
law that are unnecessary, out-of-date or too complex. These laws are a part of Gov. Dennis Daugaards
Better Government initiative. In addition to those statutory changes, the Governor initiated the
elimination of more than 1,100 state government regulations through the administrative rules process.
Examples of rules and laws to be repealed include outdated banking provisions; burdensome insurance
regulations; redundant measures governing the construction and inspection of burial methods; and
information that was collected to obtain federal funds that no longer are appropriated. The Red Tape
Review is part of the Governors Better Government initiative to make state government more open,
efficient and accessible.

Tennessee, Governor Bill Haslam
Press Release: Haslam Signs TEAM Act Into Law (04/24/12)
On April 24, 2012, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee Excellence, Accountability and
Management (TEAM) Act into law.

The TEAM Act calls for two divisions of state service: preferred service and executive service.
Executive service employees remain at-will as they currently serve. Preferred service replaces the
traditional career service designation and preserves a streamlined appeals process along with other
considerations.

Some of the changes to the state employment system made by the legislation include:
A new hiring system that requires agencies to define minimum qualifications and to identify
specific knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required for each position.
Veterans and their spouses will receive interview preference for both appointments and
promotions, and if there are two candidates with equal qualifications, knowledge, skills, etc.,
preference will be given to the veteran.
An overhaul of the states performance evaluation system to provide for performance standards
and expected outcomes that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time sensitive
(SMART goals).
In the event of a layoff, job performance becomes the primary consideration followed by
seniority, abilities and disciplinary record, which also must be considered.
A new nine-member board of appeals to conduct a streamlined, three-step appeals process.
And a mediation process will also be established by the Department of Human Resources through
rules.

Utah, Governor Gary Herbert
Press Release: Governor Issues Report and Executive Order (12/21/12)
On December 6, 2011, Governor Gary Herbert announced the results of a report that studied the impact of
Utahs regulatory environment the Utah Business Regulation Review. As part of the announcement,
Governor Herbert also signed Executive Order EO/013/2011 entitled Establishing Effective Oversight
Over State Agency Rulemaking. The order establishes additional procedures for agencies to follow
when promulgating rules. The Report stemmed from the Governor's 2011 State of the State address,
where he directed all members of his Cabinet "...to review existing business regulations and determine
which should be kept, which should be modified, and which will be eliminated" in order to encourage a
regulatory environment which both protects Utahns and does not hamstring business. A total of 1,969
existing business regulations were reviewed. Each cabinet agency and other non-cabinet state agencies
participated in the review process. As a result of the Report, 368 changes were As a result of the Report,
368 changes were enacted which cut red tape, eliminated rules, and improved efficiency.

Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell
Press Release: Governor McDonnell Announces Results of Task Force on Local Mandate Review
(01/16/12)
Governor Bob McDonnell announced the creation of the Governor's Task Force for Local Government
Mandate Review. The five-member Task Force is a result of legislation introduced during the 2011
General Assembly Session to review state mandates imposed on localities and to recommend temporary
suspension or permanent repeal of such mandates as appropriate. In January 2012, the Governor's Task
Force for Local Government Mandate Review submitted the first interim report.

Moodys: Virginia Pension Reforms Are Credit Positive (0416/12)
In April 2012, Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell signed legislation that makes several changes to the
Virginia Retirement System (VRS), which the state estimates will reduce its pension contributions by
$3.6 billion over the next 21 years. The changes build on reforms the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted
in 2010 and 2011 and put it on a more sustainable path to fully funding its pension commitments, which
is credit positive. Virginias legislation also reflects an ongoing trend among states to find flexibilities in
their retirement systems to rein in their long-term liabilities.

Press Release: Governor McDonnell Announces Regulatory Reform Initiative (10/22/12)
On October 22
nd
, 2012, Governor Bob McDonnell announced the launch of the Governor's Regulatory
Reform initiative and creation of a new portal for citizens to submit ideas for regulatory reform.
Governor McDonnell has also charged regulatory agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of
regulations currently in place and repeal regulations that are unnecessary or no longer in use, reduce
unnecessary regulatory burdens on individuals, businesses, and other regulated groups, and identify
statutes that require unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations. The initiative is an extension of
Governor McDonnell's efforts as Attorney General to eliminate unnecessary and burdensome regulations
through his Task Force on Regulatory and Government Reform. The task force made more than 300
recommendations to streamline Virginia's Administrative Code, and reduce burdensome government
regulation.

As part of this initiative, Governor McDonnell welcomes recommendations from citizens and
stakeholders regarding regulations that are overly burdensome and where reform is appropriate. They may
submit their recommendations, here: www.RegReform.Virginia.Gov.

Wyoming, Governor Matt Mead
Press Release: Wyoming is the First State in the Country to Go Google (06/22/11)
Governor Matt Mead announced that Wyoming became the first state in the country to switch to Google
Apps for Government and that all 10,000 of Wyomings state employees had migrated to Google Apps
for Government. This put all of the employees on a single email platform for the first time. Previously the
state used more than 13 different platforms. This change saves Wyoming over a million dollars per year
and allows for more efficient collaboration and communication between state employees.
Governor Mead views technology as a focus of his efforts to streamline state government. In March 2012,
he signed a bill into law that consolidated state governments common Information Technology Services
and staff into one agency, Enterprise Technology Services.

Another tool Governor Mead used to improve government efficiency was the consolidation. He combined
two government agenciesthe Department of Employment and the Department of Workforce Services.
This benefited citizens as it provided a single stop for the public and reduce confusion for those seeking
help in relation to employment.


2011

Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley
Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs Executive Order Creating Alabama Commission on Improving
State Government (01/25/11)
On February 25, 2011, Governor Bentley appointed 22 citizens to serve on the Alabama Commission on
Improving State Government, stemming from the January 25
th
executive order he signed creating the
commission. The duty of the commission is to work with the state legislature and Governors Policy
Office to analyze and explore new ways to reduce government spending with minimal or no reduction to
essential state services.

Press: Gov Robert Bentley Creates Alabama Commission on Improving State Government

Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs Responsible Budgeting and Spending Act into Law (3/11/11)
Gov. Robert Bentley signed the Responsible Budgeting and Spending Act, which revises the budgeting
process for Alabamas Education Trust Fund (ETF) by allowing a rolling reserve process to make the
ETF resistant to proration. The ETF is distinct from the states general fund. The law will provide a
ceiling for appropriations that is based on sustainable 15-year average annual growth rate; service the debt
owed to the Constitutional Rainy Day Fund as a first priority when revenues exceed the spending cap;
create a planned system of savings; and provide for a Capital Fund for education spending.

Press Release: Governor Bentley Signs Executive Order Creating Alabama Rural Development Office
(1/26/11)
Gov. Robert Bentley signed Executive Order 5 and created the Alabama Rural Development Office. The
office consolidates various state programs and provides citizens in rural areas with improvements in
education, healthcare, and economic development.

Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer
Governor Jan Brewer: The Four Cornerstones of Reform (01/18/11)
Governor Jan Brewers Policy Agenda: Building A More Prosperous Arizona include four
cornerstones of reform. These reforms call for spending limits, an improved budget stabilization fund,
and executive authority to reduce expenditures. Additional reforms include reforming the personnel
system, retirement system, and right-to-work protections.

Indiana, Governor Mitch Daniels
Executive Order: Creation of the Office of Management and Budget (01/10/05)
In his second executive order, Governor Daniels created the Indiana Office of Management and Budget ,
an umbrella agency that provided a single point of oversight for state government financial management.
The division has played key roles in projects that have cut across all state agencies such as procurement
reform and fleet management. The government efficiency division, governors office policy directors and
the state budget agency staff conduct quarterly performance meetings with all state agencies to maintain
the performance focused culture. Governor Daniels also directed the state personnel department to
develop and implement a pay-for-performance program. Since the beginning of the Daniels
administration, all employees develop annual performance plans and are evaluated for meeting the goals
established at the beginning of the year. Salary adjustments are based on those results.

Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal
Press Release: Governor Jindals FY 13 Budget (02/09/12)
Since taking office, Governor Jindal has achieved bold reforms, making Louisianas government more
efficient. Below are some examples:
Streamline Transportation
Louisianas Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) integrated the staff and
functions estimated to save $730,000. DOTD eliminated the Office of Public Works and
Intermodal Transportation and consolidated the organization by eliminating the executive
position of Assistant Secretary of Public Works and Intermodal Transportation. DOTD also
closed unused ferries, the Melville ferry and the New Roads Ferry, saving $2.3 million per year.
Streamline Department of Revenue
Louisianas Department of Revenue streamlined operations at its regional offices going down
from 8 to 3 offices in state.
Privatize Claims Management
Louisianas states Division of Administration privatized claims management and loss prevention
in the self-insurance program, resulting in estimated savings of at least $20 million over five
years, instant access to technology improvements, and a reduction of 85 state employees.
Reform Pension System
Governor Jindal worked to simplify retirement debt payments and direct more investment gains
to paying down debt, which is estimated to reduce the states annual payment to the retirement
systems by at least $500 million over the next 30 years.
Privatize Veterans Affairs Services
The Louisiana Veterans Homes system implemented a comprehensive plan for delivery of
services which featured a consolidation of pharmacy services as well as a contractual physician
and therapy services, all of which resulted in a savings of nearly $2 million for the state, while at
the same time accessing more self-generated funds.
Streamline Coastal Protection and Restoration
Louisiana's coastal restoration and protection efforts have been integrated, streamlining the
building process and ending the disparate attempts by multiple agencies to receive funding for
similar tasks. State coastal restoration and protection officials estimate approximately $30 million
in funds dedicated specifically to coastal restoration and hurricane protection will be saved over a
five year period by utilizing personnel already working at other agencies and also working
cooperatively with state colleges and universities to conduct research and gather data pertaining
to restoration and protection efforts.
Streamline Department of Children and Family Services
The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) implemented the largest reorganization
of a state agency in 25 years estimated to save $25.5 million. DCFS reduced offices in the state
from 157 to 90, saving a total of $2.7 million. DCFS also streamlined staffing by implementing a
policy of eight staff persons to each manager, in order to eliminate unnecessary positions.
Reduce Citizens Insurance Support
Louisiana Citizens Insurance Corporation, the state's insurer of last resort, is successfully
transferring policies to the private market. In 2008, Citizens had 174,000 policies on its books.
Today, Citizens has 105,000 policies and expects to shed more, as policyholders transition to the
private insurance, which reduces state support for the program

Maine, Governor Paul LePage
Press Release: Governor LePage Keeps Promises to Reduce Red Tape (06/13/11)
Governor LePage signed LD 1, a bill to streamline government, cut through red tape, and build Maines
economy. The legislation was crafted in response to red tape workshops that Governor LePage held
throughout the state. Reforms in LD 1 assisting job creators include changes to the Bureau of
Environmental Protection, the establishment of an environmental audit program and the creation of a new
business liaison program.

Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder
Press Release: Emergency manager legislation will give state early warning of impending trouble, help
local governments (3/16/11)
With dozens of cities and school districts across the state struggling under the weight of unfunded
liabilities and unsustainable cost structures, Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation that will allow the
state to assist earlier when local units of government are in financial distress instead of waiting until they
are on the brink of bankruptcy. The move will ensure residents are not cut off from basic services and
protect taxpayers from having to bailout municipalities that fail to take action.

The six bills signed by Snyder will update Public Act 72 of 1990, also known as the Emergency Financial
Manager act, by:
Establishing more extensive criteria for review of a local government to indicate fiscal problems
earlier and more clearly. There will be 18 triggers that can prompt a preliminary review, up from
the current 14;
Creating a process for reaching a consent agreement that would provide enhanced powers for
current local unit administrators to deal more quickly with financial distress;
Providing a 30-day window, at the beginning of the consent agreement, for collective bargaining
to take place to deal with fiscal distress; and
Granting broad powers to the emergency manager if a local government is in receivership.
A local government is removed from receivership when the financial conditions which brought
about the financial emergency are corrected in a sustainable fashion.

House Bills 4214, 4216, 4217, 4218 and Senate Bills 157 and 158 are now Public Acts 4 through 9. The
governors office also released an informational video and graphic detailing the new law.

MLive: Gov. Rick Snyder says its time to achieve the unbelievable (01/19/11)
In January of 2011 Governor Rick Snyder gave his State of the State Speech and outlined one of his
vision statements called the Michigan Dashboard (MD). The MD is a website setting out 21 measures
of how Michigan is performing on the economy, health and education, quality of life and public safety.

The dashboard will be used as a tool to give constituents the opportunity to hold their elected officials
accountable for their performance and actions. It will also provide the public and elected officials the
opportunity to see how Michigan compares in policy and legislation.

Michigan.gov: Good Government Initiative
In Michigan, individuals and organizations are working together in unprecedented ways to reinvent state
government with a common goal in mind: Providing world-class customer service that supports, drives,
and enables prosperity for Michigans residents and businesses. Achieving Good Government is the
principle that guides and grounds this initiative. The reinvention is supported by employees, agency
champions, leadership, as well as external partners and residents. There are four primary areas of focus:
Performance Management, Service and Process Optimization, Employee Engagement and Change
Management.

Nebraska, Governor Dave Heineman
Office of the Governor: Gov. Heineman: CIR Reform Victory for Taxpayers (05/20/11)
The Governor signs LB 397 into law which brings more consistency to how public employee union
disputes are handled; it increases transparency on how labor union contracts are negotiated; it provides
more flexibility to local and state governments for cost containment; and it ensures accountability of
taxpayer funds when negotiating union contracts or when a final decision is entered in a labor union
dispute. The legislative compromise on the Commission of Industrial Relations bill is an important
victory for Nebraska taxpayers, said Gov. Heineman.

New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie
Press Release: Governor Chris Christie Signs Into Law Bold, Bipartisan Pension and Health Benefits
Reform (06/28/11)
Effective June 28, 2011, Governor Christie signed into law the bi-partisan pension and health benefits
reform bill which increases pension and health contributions paid by a half-million teachers, police and
other public workers and removes health benefits from collective bargaining for four years, saving $132
billion over the next 30 years for the taxpayers of New Jersey.
The reform legislation:
o Improves the projected funding ratio of the pension system from the current 62% to more
than 88% by 2041.
o Changes for all new Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers Pension and
Annuity Fund (TPAF) Employees by updating the formula for retirement eligibility which
includes establishing the normal and early retirement age at 65 years; adjusting the early
retirement penalty to 3 percent for each year; and increasing eligibility for early retirement to
30 years of service.
o Changes for all new Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) Employees by updating the
formula for Special Retirement eligibility from 65% with 25 years of service to 65% with
30 years and 60% with 25 years.
o Changes for all current and future Retirees by suspending automatic annual payment
increases including the elimination of all statutory Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs).
These types of changes are now governed by Plan Design Committees.
o Changes the amortization methodology from a percentage of pay schedule (which defers the
retirement of any unfunded liability) to a level dollar amount each year in order to retire part
of the systems unfunded liability each year and earlier than the previous methodology.
o Changes the amortization methodology from a 30 year open period (which retires less of the
unfunded liability each year and results in a lower funded ratio) to a maximum open period of
20 years (phased-in over 19 years).
o Establishes a seven year statutory commitment to fund the pension plan Actuarially Required
Contributions: For the third year in a row, the State is meeting its statutory pension payment
obligation. The Fiscal Year 2014 payment of $1.676 billion payment is the largest in state
history.
o In addition, the rate of investment return assumption has been lowered from 8.25% in 2010 to
7.95% on July 1, 2011 and to 7.9% on July 1, 2012 even though actual returns on an average
basis exceed the higher assumption.
Performance Budgeting: Implemented performance budgeting as a tool for developing the states
annual spending plans. Departments and agencies are now required to justify spending for
programs and services that previously were on auto pilot.

New Mexico, Governor Susana Martinez
Press Release: Governor Susana Martinez Cuts Cabinet Salaries (01/05/11)
Press Release: Governor Susana Martinez Announces Spending Cuts at the Governors Residence
(01/04/11)
In her first year in office, Governor Martinez cut cabinet secretary salaries by 10% and dramatically
reduced the number of political appointees. The Governor eliminated chefs from the Governors
Residence and cut salaries there by 55%. She cut waste across state government, cutting cellphones and
getting rid of non-essential state cars. She also kept her promise to get rid of the ultimate symbol of waste
and excess by selling the states luxury jetwhich cost the state nearly half a million dollars a year to
operate.

With the roughly $500,000 that the state saved in selling the states luxury jet, Governor Martinez
proposed taking the money and buying every New Mexico first grader a reading book of their very own.
The Governor followed through on this promise, and every child received a book when they left
kindergarten, so that every family would have the opportunity to teach their children.

South Carolina, Governor Nikki Haley
Press Release: Governor Nikki Haley Signs Spending Accountability Act of 2011 (4/12/11)
Governor Haley signed H. 3004, the Spending Accountability Act of 2011, into law. This legislation
requires the state General Assembly to record votes on the budget items and final votes on other
legislative matters, which finally allow taxpayers to make informed decisions on when voting for their
elected officials.

CRBJ: Haley signs tort reform law, creating punitive damages cap (07/27/11)
Governor Haley passed H.3375 in 2011 capping punitive damages at $2 million for damages greater than
$500,000 or three times the compensatory damages awarded; prior to this law, South Carolina was the
only state in the Southeast without a cap on punitive damages; Governor Haley made it a choice between
a vote for businesses or a vote for trial lawyers. This legislation lowers the caps for punitive damages,
which reduces the risk for companies doing business in the state, makes South Carolina competitive with
neighboring states, and is essential to economic development and job creation.

Executive Order: Executive Order 2011-10 (04/11)
Governor Haley issued Executive Order 2011-10 in March 2011 creating Office of Inspector General. On
01/01/12 S.258 was signed into law allowing the Inspector General to take civil action if Attorney
General does not; requires Inspector General to make annual report to the General Assembly; creates
fines/imprisonment for conviction; and creates a misdemeanor for the unlawful disclosure of confidential
information. The Inspector General is appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation to serve 4-
year term.

South Dakota, Governor Dennis Daugaard
Press Release: A New Face for State Government, by Gov. Dennis Daugaard (11/16/11)
Shortly after becoming Governor, Dennis Daugaard received two reports that were critical of South
Dakotas website transparency. Governor Daugaard then created guidelines that everything should be
available to the public except proprietary business information, items that could jeopardize safety or
security, personal information about citizens beyond the basics and other information that is deemed
confidential by law. Open.SD.gov currently features over 470,000 general ledger balances, records of
over 27,000 vendors, the salaries of over 16,000 state employees and copies of over 4,000 state contracts.
Press: South Dakota Launches New Website Focused on Transparency

Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell
Press Release: Governor McDonnell Signs First Executive Orders (01/16/10)
Immediately after Governor Bob McDonnell was sworn into office on January 16, 2010, he signed two
executive orders, one of which established the Governors Commission on Government Reform and
Restructuring. In response to the unprecedented budgetary challenges for the nation and the
Commonwealth of Virginia, and the increasing need for an effective state government, the Commission
conducts a necessary and comprehensive review of state agencies, governing bodies, programs, and
services in order to avoid unnecessary regulation, duplication, delay, and bureaucracy. Such services that
are found by the Commission to not be efficient or are found ineffective are to be eliminated to ensure
state revenues are maximized for a quality, functioning state government.
Press: Governor McDonnell Receives Full Report From Commission on Government Reform and
Restructuring