THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY ARGALL, BOSCOLA, ALLOWAY, BROWNE, BRUBAKER, ERICKSON, GREENLEAF, ORIE, RAFFERTY, SMUCKER, WARD, WAUGH AND D. WHITE, AUGUST 10, 2009

REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, AUGUST 10, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Establishing a commission of private and public sector cost-

minded leaders of this Commonwealth to study the management

of current government operations and to make recommendations

of cost-cutting measures.

WHEREAS, During this difficult economic recession, the

economic health of this Commonwealth is a top priority; and

WHEREAS, The tax burden of this Commonwealth's citizens and

businesses resulting from the cost of government operations and

administration can have a significant impact on the economic

health of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, State government has an obligation of fiscal

responsibility and of limiting the tax burden it imposes; and

WHEREAS, There should be an organized bipartisan effort to

determine ways in which government can be made more efficient;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That a government management and costs study

commission of leaders from the public and private sectors be

established to study Commonwealth government operations and the

experience of other states in an effort to propose changes which

will reduce costs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission's recommendations include those

which:

(1)  cut costs;

(2)  increase efficiency;

(3)  consolidate like functions;

(4)  return functions and job creation opportunities to

the private sector; and

(5)  eliminate functions;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission be comprised of six members to

be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate and four

members to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate,

with no more than two appointments from each authority being a

governmental official or employee; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission be charged with electing one of

its members as chairman; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the appointments be made within 30 days of the

approval of this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission make a report of its findings

and recommendations to the Senate by June 30, 2010, at which

time the commission shall cease to exist; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the commission rely on the existing staff of

the Senate Appropriations Committee to the greatest extent

possible; and be it further

RESOLVED, That necessary and reasonable costs and

expenditures of the commission be paid from funds already

appropriated to the General Assembly.