Principle: State government is stable, responsive and accountable to Oregonians.
State government must be a responsible steward of the public’s money. This means we must work in a cooperative and coordinated manner with our partners in the private sector and with local government - counties, cities, and special districts. We serve the same constituency and they must know that our mutual goal is to provide them with superior customer service.
Overview
Governor Kulongoski has made improving government accountability and service a priority. His goal is to rebuild the trust of Oregonians in their state government and to ensure state agencies uphold their commitment to use taxpayer dollars to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians. This means a commitment to continuous review and improvement, and it means making government communications and actions transparent, understandable and accessible. While all agencies must take this principle to heart in how they conduct their business, there are certain activities specifically devoted to making this principle a reality.
The Governor’s Recommended Budget includes several items that specifically focus on stability and accountability by establishing:
A plan for a rainy day fund by 2009.
Consolidation of data centers from the 12 largest state agencies to save money, provide better security and set the stage for further efficiencies.
Examining ways to reduce health care costs for state employees.
Continuing the implementation of an internal audit program for state agencies.
Final implementation of PERS reforms and stabilizing the public retirement program.
The Governor’s recommended budget also reinvests savings from efficiencies gained in the current biennium in programs and services across state government. The Governor believes it is important for all levels of government to set aside issues of ownership and work together to find ways to better use total resources from taxpayers. From the state to counties to cities to school districts – we all serve Oregonians.
