Getting Back to Normal

Things are finally returning to normal after this week's historic blizzard. Wasn't that snow fall just unbelievable? I have a little pug puppy that will be a year old in January so this is his first winter going "outside". It would have been really funny watching his reaction to all the snow if I hadn't had to be out in the cold with him. He couldn't find his sidewalk, favorite bushes or tree trunks - what's a guy supposed to do?

Like many other Iowans, I was stuck home on Wednesday. And while I was there, I was able to get some work done. In particular, I used the time to get more familiar with the recommendations outlined in teh report on government efficiencies that was released earlier this week.

For a little background, a few months ago, we hired a consultant to give us the outside perspective of state government. They looked at what we do in state government, and made recommendations on ways to streamline services and save taxpayers money. Their report was released on Tuesday, and it outlined more than $340 million in savings that could be achieved in the next year, and nearly $1.7 billion in savings over the next five.

Now that we have their report, Governor Culver is looking at some of the recommendations that can be done by executive order, and he will be implementing those ideas in the next week or so. Those savings alone are expected to save taxpayers more than $128 million. In addition, we will both be working with the legislature on some of the ideas that require changes to the law.

While this recession has been tough for all of us, it gives state government an opportunity to be innovative while saving money. Many of these ideas are common-sense, practical approaches to making your state work better for you.

If you haven’t had a chance to look at the report, check it out at our website – governor.iowa.gov. Take some time to get familiar with these ideas, and let us know what you think. We can’t do this without you, and the support of all Iowans.

Today is the annual employee holiday open house and lunch here at the Capitol. It gives the Governor and me the opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful state workers for all they do all year long and to wish them and their families "Happy Holidays". Tonight John and I will attend an Iowa Energy game which is always lots of fun, so all and all a great day ahead.

Tomorrow I HAVE to Christmas shop!! Stay warm out there.

Until next time,

Patty