Florida TaxWatch Unwraps $2 Billion Gift to State's Taxpayers
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida TaxWatch held a press conference outlining the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force (GETF) final report, which details 29 recommendations that would improve government operations while saving hard-working Florida taxpayers’ money. The potential cost-savings the state could realize if these recommendations were implemented could exceed $2 billion annually.
“Floridians may be in a giving mood during the holiday season, but they’d rather know the money they give to the state is being invested and spent prudently. The implementation of the recommendations in the GETF report would dramatically improve the way government works and should save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO, member of GETF and chairman of the GETF Government Efficiency Committee Dominic M. Calabro.
The improvement of government processes is a key issue for Florida TaxWatch as well as the basis for the Florida TaxWatch Center for Government Efficiency. TaxWatch applauds the efforts of the GETF for putting together a thorough and comprehensive report that incorporates various recommendations aimed at improving the lives of all Floridians.
"The recommendations contained in the 2015 Government Efficiency Task Force Final Report, if implemented, will lead to over $2 billion in annual cost-savings for the taxpayers of Florida as well as improving the functions of our state government," said Task Force Chairman John R Alexander. "I strongly urge the Florida Legislature to enact these recommendations and Governor Scott to approve them so that together we can ensure that our state remains the best place in the world to live, work and play."
The highlights of the 29 recommendations include enacting an annual Florida Government Efficiency Act, conducting an operational review of the Florida Department of Corrections, smarter sentencing for low-level non-violent offenders and removing barriers to the use of telehealth strategies. Florida TaxWatch will work with the Florida Legislature to educate and inform them of these recommendations during the 2017 Legislative Session.
“I was fortunate to be part of a very talented and dedicated group of Floridians working towards improving the effectiveness of state government. The final product is a document that we are all very proud of and will save Florida taxpayers millions of dollars," said State Representative and GETF Vice Chairman Dan Raulerson.
The GETF was created through a Constitutional amendment in 2006 for the purpose of developing recommendations to improve governmental operations and reduce costs. First established in 2007, the Task Force is required to meet every four years and submit its recommendations to the Governor, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Legislative Budget Commission and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Task Force is composed of 15 members of the Florida Legislature, in addition to representatives from the private and public sectors who are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate.
The Government Efficiency Task Force final report and recommendations can be read here.