Rupp: Senate Work Session Brings Conservatism to State Spending

A historic downturn in the economy has exposed many of our government programs as bloated and inefficient in many ways, and we will not right this ship by continuing with the status quo. It is well past time that we think differently about the function we want government to take in our lives.

The Senate took an extraordinary step toward your concerns and desires during a special “Rebooting Government” event on March 24. We solicited citizen ideas on how government can cut back, and then we took an entire day to split into committees and determine which suggestions were viable and how we might begin to implement them.

I played a key role as I was put in charge of social services, the division that makes up the state’s largest user of state tax dollars. With the assistance of other senators from across the state, in just a few hours, we were able to identify between $79 to $117 million in potential taxpayer savings. We reviewed all of your e-mails and debated the merits and possibilities of each idea. I think it may have been one of the most productive days I’ve had at the Capitol. It was certainly a step in the right direction.

My committee’s recommendations included reforming state habilitation centers; making each department assess the percentage of employees who can work from home; and consolidating departments and divisions of government, making it more responsive, efficient and easier to use for consumers. You can view the full report, or continue to submit your suggestions, by clicking on the “Rebooting Government” icon located on the Missouri Senate homepage or on my website.

As we begin the process of debating the budget and our state’s priorities as we move into the future, I will continue to advocate the reduction of government and taxes and the protection of taxpayer dollars. By reigning in spending and being smart with your money, we can bring about the economic recovery we need, and establish a better government for tomorrow.

Children’s Legislative Update

Please join Senator Rupp for a legislative coffee hosted by Citizens for Missouri’s Children on Friday, April 16, 2010. The coffee will be held at Lake St. Louis City Hall, Board Room, 200 Civic Center Drive, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A legislative update and a discussion of pending children’s legislation will be provided followed by a brief question and answer period. The event is free and open to the public. To make a reservation to attend, please contact Julie Leicht at jleicht{at}mokids{dot}org.

As the 2010 legislative session unfolds, I will continue to keep you, my constituents, apprised of all major developments, and I look forward to continuing to serve your needs and priorities in Jefferson City. As always, if you have any questions about this week’s column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by phone at (866) 271-2844.