8/15/08 Council on Efficient Government Releases Annual Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2008
CONTACT: JAMES MILLER, (850) 921-5266
~Report details the results of the council's review of 21 business cases totaling more than $94 million generating $29 million in potential savings to the state~
TALLAHASSEE - The Council on Efficient Government (Council) today released its 2008 Annual Report which outlines and analyzes business cases regarding Florida's efforts in outsourcing its services to create greater efficiencies through all areas. Also the Council is charged with reviewing innovative trends to improve government service.
"Ongoing state budget concerns highlight the need to continue looking for ways to create efficiencies in all areas of state government," said Secretary Linda H. South who chairs the Council on Efficient Government. "We are excited to deliver this report while positively impacting government operations and the delivery of services to our customers, the citizens of Florida."
The report reviews the quality and value of outsourcing in Florida's state government and supports agencies' efforts in business case development. The Council also reviews the completed business cases. This year, the Council reviewed 21 business cases valued at more than $94 million, identifying more than $29 million in potential savings to the state. A total of 551 outsourced projects were reported during the 2007-08 fiscal year, with an annual value of $2.8 billion.
"The Council plays a vital role by reviewing, evaluating and providing advice to agencies so projects are fully evaluated prior to implementation, thereby increasing the likelihood of success," said Henry Garrigo, the Council's Executive Director. "By thoroughly evaluating each business case and educating state employees, we ensure that sound business practices are applied to the investment of state funds."
The Florida Efficient Government Act of 2006 created the Council on Efficient Government in response to the outsourcing of government services and jobs. The group reviews, evaluates and provides advice on agency outsourcing and best practices to improve government accountability. Current council members appointed by the governor include Secretary South, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida TaxWatch Chief Operating Officer Steve Evans, Department of Revenue Executive Director Lisa Echeverri, American Medical Depot President Akhil Agrawal and inetUSA Owner and Chief Executive Officer Timothy Yandell.
To learn more about the Department of Management Services, visit: www.dms.MyFlorida.com. To learn more about the Council on Efficient Government, visit: http://www.dms.MyFlorida.com/other_programs/council_on_efficient_government.
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