Package of Priority Efficiency Bills Clear Senate Committee
Plans to reorganize state-level law enforcement, state IT functions headed to Senate Floor Thursday
MONTGOMERY – A package of bills aimed at reducing costs and increasing efficiencies in state government received a favorable report from the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability Committee Wednesday.
Five bills dealing with three separate issues, marked as a high priority for Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh and Senate Republicans, are positioned for a floor vote by the Senate on Thursday, the third day of the 2013 legislative session.
Senate Bills 112 and 122, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Holley (R-Elba), reorganize a number of legislative services agencies and committees, cutting the current number of separate entities in half, and establishes more centralized oversight and accountability.
“While we are asking other state agencies to reorganize and consolidate, it’s important for us to show that the Legislature is taking the same steps to reduce costs and operate more efficiently,” Marsh said. “Senator Holley has put in countless hours of hard work on this issue during his tenure as a state lawmaker. I know it hasn’t been an easy task, but it’s vitally important in showing that we are leading by example.”
Senate Bills 116 and 117, sponsored by Senator Phil Williams (R-Gadsden), establish the Alabama Technology Authority for the delivery of state IT services and create a cabinet-level IT secretary to coordinate the efforts. Williams said conservative estimates show a potential savings of $30 to $60 million a year by implementing the proposals.
“When it comes to the state’s IT functions and resources, we are operating in a very compartmentalized fashion, with each state agency essentially having their own separate IT department,” Williams said. “Establishing a centralized authority will provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure we’re providing quality IT services to state users and taking advantage of savings opportunities when it comes to purchasing hardware and software.”
Williams noted that the state currently has two separate IT service providers, one for General Fund agencies and another, the Supercomputer Authority, for agencies funded by the Education Trust Fund.
“The Alabama Supercomputer Authority has proven to be a model for efficiency and effectiveness, largely because it’s accountable to its clients through an independent oversight board,” Williams said. “This legislation would establish a similar model for the separate authority servicing General Fund agencies.”
The proposal to establish a cabinet-level IT official would provide an oversight and accountability function similar to the vast majority states around the country.
“Alabama is one of only a handful of states in the nation that doesn’t have a cabinet-level IT official,” Williams said. “As the state operations become more and more dependent upon technology, it’s imperative that we have someone to hold accountable for making sure we’re operating in the most efficient and responsible manner.”
Senate Bill 108, sponsored by Marsh, consolidates and reorganizes the state’s public safety and law enforcement functions and also received a favorable report by the Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability Committee. Marsh said the proposal is a combination of two similar plans previously announced by he and Governor Robert Bentley.
“Having these bills in position for a floor vote by the third legislative day reiterates our commitment to reducing the size and cost of state government,” Marsh said. “We have spent a tremendous amount of time studying these issues and identifying ways to operate more efficiently. We will continue to prioritize legislation that will help state government serve the people of Alabama in better, more cost-effective ways.”
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