May 8, 2008

GOP proposes government reforms

Republican lawmakers Thursday trotted out another set of what they described as money-saving proposals, this time focusing on streamlining government by allowing more partnerships with the private sector.

"Today we're unveiling our proposal to maximize every hard-earned tax dollar that California sends to Sacramento," said Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill. "We need to get government out of the way and make them a more willing partner to help us improve our economy."

In trying to disarm Democrats' calls for tax increases, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines said he hoped the GOP suggestions will spark a dialogue with the majority party. In recent weeks, Republican leaders have been releasing economic stimulus proposals and education reforms. The GOP will next unveil budget reforms.

"Would Democrats take all of these? I doubt that seriously," Villines said. "But many of these are common sense and I think they could. The important step is for them to meet up and talk about what do they want to do and what are their reforms. They really have no reform except for a series of tax increases."

GOP leaders from both houses proposed a short-form review of the environmental process for infrastructure bond projects and suggested state government adopt a spending method known as "zero-based budgeting." Under that idea, the state would have to justify its spending rather than factor growth and cost-of-living increases into existing programs.

Republicans also hoped to resurrect some of their failed bills, such as allowing competitive bidding in schools. Assemblyman John Benoit of Palm Desert estimated school districts could save as much as $300 million a year if they were allowed to contract out services.

"We could, obviously, have significant savings if we were simply allowing our local school boards the flexibility to simply ask: 'Can I get this done at a better price for our kids?' " Benoit said.

Benoit said the last time he tried to push through legislation on the issue, he was met by 600 union members and "it died."

Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill, left; Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines, right. (Brian Baer/bbaer@sacbee.com)

Posted by Judy Lin on May 8, 2008 1:04 PM