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Efficiency report details savings for state: $210M is result of streamlining efforts
Jan 08, 2009 (Pioneer Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Minnesota state and local governments will save an estimated $210 million on goods and services purchased over a five-year period ending in 2011 under the state's "drive to excellence" program, according to a report released Wednesday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The program, headed by state Administration Commissioner Dana Badgerow, identifies and implements ways to streamline government. In addition to saving money by making volume purchases and using state-negotiated contracts, it sought to improve customer services.
Some examples of cost savings include:
--$40 million in savings on computer hardware and software and an additional $55 million in anticipated cost reductions, with 88 percent of the savings realized by cities, counties, school districts and colleges and universities.
--$45 million in savings by buying multi-function copy-print-scan-fax devices.
--$5.9 million reduction in computer business recovery and services.
Service improvements include:
--Speeding up delivery of duplicate birth certificates and processing of veterans assistance requests.
--Enabling residents to start searches for state licenses, disability information and competitive grants through "first-stop" Web portals.
--Offering the building industry a "one-stop shop" for construction codes regulation and information.
--Soon allowing police officers and emergency medical technicians to complete state-required licensing "online at any time from anywhere."
The drive to excellence report is available at www.excellence.state.mn.us.
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http://www.twincities.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
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