Ok, we're in a world of hurt. And just like the rest of us, the state has to cut back as its budget tightens. Unfortunately, at the same time, we need the state to actually provide more as the number of unemployed and under-employed increases.
The first reaction in a lot of cases like this is to cut expenses. It's fast, it's easy, and if you cut enough, you hit the targets. However, it's also the least efficient way of doing this.
For the last 30 years I've worked in the high-tech industry and our whole effort has been to enable people and companies to do more for less. (Well, that and in the spare time, provide new ways of entertaining you.)
A much harder, but more efficient response, is to find ways to provide the same services at a lower cost. So let's hear it from everyone here, where can the state become more efficient. And please, not the generic "cut the fat" or "fire the slackers", but let's hear of specific places where systemic change can bring about significant savings.
Here's my initial list.
- All medical providers that get state health money must use an interconnected computer system for all medical records, treatment, etc. It is estimated that doing this will cut 5 - 15% off the medical bill total.
- Fully fund preventitive health care for those without insurance. Treating problems in the emergency room is the most expensive way of doing so. This should reduce total medical outlays.
- Comprehensive publicly available reviews of all medical practioners. Incompetent doctors are expensive as it requires additional cost to make up for their mistakes. Empowering everyone to find quality care eliminates a lot of this.
- Decriminalize drug use. This will drastically reduce our prision costs, and it's a better way to handle a mental sickness.
- Throughout the state look for ways to improve the system. On drivers licenses for example, most of that could be done by individuals at computers, with one employee watching to make sure no one has help when taking the test. For any one department it's a small savings. But across the state - it adds up to a lot.
- Centralize parts of the local school system that are more efficient handled state wide such as purchasing, auditing, central IT, etc.
