Opportunity: Smaller and Smarter Government

Last week we shared with you Governor Bob McDonnell’s record of results on transportation and job creation. As Governor, Bob McDonnell has reduced state spending to 2006/7 levels cutting $6 billion, rejected a nearly $2 billion tax increase, put policies in place to help Virginians attract and create the fourth most net new jobs in the country, made the largest investment in transportation in a generation, and made college more accessible and affordable for Virginia students.

You can see that same record in the Governor’s ongoing effort to make Virginia state government smaller, smarter and more efficient.

The Governor’s government reform proposals for the 2011 General Assembly Session were met with broad success and further streamline our state government, making it more accountable to you.

They include consolidating or eliminating certain boards and commissions, ending some unfunded mandates on localities, and establishing an Inspector General to investigate waste and inefficiencies in state government.

And here’s what papers across the state are saying about the Governor’s work:

The Northern Virginia Daily writes:

“Buoyed by an improving state economy, Gov. Bob McDonnell urged legislators Wednesday to embrace a bold agenda… McDonnell insisted he believes in a government that concentrates on ‘core’ services.”

The Washington Post writes:

“But McDonnell also expects to save millions of dollars through a slew of proposals developed by his government reform commission…”

The Richmond Times-Dispatch writes:

“Eleven advisory boards and commissions would be eliminated under legislation adopted by the recent General Assembly…. Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Reform Commission recommended that some of the state’s 300-plus boards and commissions be eliminated as a way to streamline government…”

The Washington Post writes:

“Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) announced Thursday a package of government reform bills.. most of them came from a commission he formed to make government more user-friendly and efficient… Proposals include: the consolidation of various inspectors general into a state inspector general to investigate government fraud, waste and abuse; the consolidation of official reports; transparency in accessing state spending information; and the elimination and consolidation of boards and commissions.”

You can read more about Governor McDonnell’s government reform measures, and all of his 2011 legislative achievements, by clicking on the link below:

Office of the Governor Press Release

That’s the McDonnell record. It’s a record we hope you will share with your friends and family.

Thank you very much for your continued thoughts, prayers and support.

D.J. Eckert