Leaner and Cleaner Government
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Done.
Achieved Indiana's first two honestly balanced budgets in nearly a decade.
Done.
Took the previous administration's $200 million deficit to a billion dollar surplus.
Done.
Paid back over $520 million to all K-12 schools, universities, and local government units that were owed to them from the previous administration's deficit spending.
Done.
Trimmed over $250 million in unnecessary spending from state government and saved a total of $190 million by renegotiating the previous administration's some 30 contracts.
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2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Cooperative purchasing to achieve savings
In 2005, OneIndiana was launched to increase purchasing power of state and local entities for routine items - such as computers, office supplies and copiers. For instance, K-12 schools saved $1.8 million on computers in one year. In 2006, purchasing in bulk saved taxpayers $50 million. The savings are estimated to be $200 million over the length of some contracts.
2004 Roadmap & 2005 Agenda Promise: Done.
Comprehensive inventory of state assets; Inventory state assets and sell underutilized property and equipment.
Since 2005, reducing the state's fleet of planes and cars has generated $6 million from selling the excess. Selling 20 pieces of unnecessary real estate generated $2.8 million. Computer-based inventory systems are being implemented to track equipment.
2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Consolidation of common services.
Taxpayers are saving at least $31.9 million each year by consolidating activities such as e-mail and computer support; personnel services; mail and print functions; and having the state's attorney general provide some legal support.
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2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Elimination of ineffective boards and commissions
In 2005, governor signed law consolidating seven debt-issuing boards into the Indiana Finance Authority. In 2006, the professional licensing agency eliminated two advisory committees.
2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Reduction of bureaucracy.
Through consolidating and streamlining, agencies are reducing bloated senior and middle management and focusing on front-line employees delivering customer service. The total number of state employees has been reduced by nearly 5,000 workers since 2005.
2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Rewarding employees for cost savings with a monetary incentive system
In 2006, 88 employees received $1,000 bonuses as part of the Governor's Public Service Achievement Awards program which encourages and rewards employees for improving efficiency, providing better customer service and saving money. Also, more than 3,000 employees were given cash awards, through a new spot bonus program, for extraordinary performance.
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2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Reduce Indiana's budget deficit and help local governments increase their own revenues
In 2006, the state recovered a record $244 million from 98,000 individuals through this one-time program. The funds were directed to K-12 schools for long-overdue payments the state owed to local districts.
2004 Roadmap Promise: Done.
Increase Indiana's share of competitive federal grant dollars.
In 2005, Governor Daniels created the Office of Federal Grants and Procurement by executive order. In 2006, Indiana received more than $100 million in federal grant money - an increase of $46 million over 2004. The money is used to support law enforcement, veterans' benefits, environmental programs and other initiatives.
