Some innovative ways the state might save money

I do not know the source of all these suggestions, but my Government Efficiency and Fiscal Oversight Committee has been accruing lists and thoughts of ways to save money for Kansas. The following are some of the comments from various persons.

A) We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvent government.

B) Reinventing government gains more than just slashing it.

C) This suggestion list goes from mild to wild.

D) I'm sure there will be someone who opposes every item on the list!

* Downsize the Legislature: The permanent method to reduce Legislative costs.Reduce Legislature to 30 senators and 90 representatives. This will save $1.8 million.

* Consolidate Kansas into 25 counties and 25 judicial districts. Eliminate townships. A study by Wichita State University -- www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/ConsReport.pdf -- shows this could save $700 million per year.

* Sell and lease-back of state office buildings: Docking, Landon, Eisenhower and Mills buildings all could be sold to private developers who can perform renovations cheaper and faster than the state.

* Privatize KU hospital for $500 million; use the sale proceeds to recapitalize KPERS.

* Consolidate all functions of probation and parole in Kansas. A computer tracking system currently in the design stage will greatly facilitate such an efficiency merger.

* Consolidate into the Department of Agriculture: Livestock Commission, Conservation Commission, Water Office and Geological Survey. A 2007 Post Audit concludes this will save $700,000 year.

* Consolidate into one agency: Bank Commission, Credit Union Office and Securities Commissioner. A 2008 Post Audit concludes this will save $500,000 year.

Go another step farther and consolidate all of the above with Insurance Department and create one, streamlined financial regulatory agency.

* Capitol renovation: Renegotiate contracts for architectural services and general contractor; Cap architectural fees at 5 percent; Limit buildout of basement-level visitors center to doors and lights only -- a functional shell; and eliminate any additional new furniture.

* Increase premiums and co-pays for state employee health insurance and create large discounts for those who choose healthy living habits such as tobacco avoidance, healthy weight and annual checkups.

* Consolidate and refinance state debt into one mega-bond at today's low rates.

* Allow Kansas Department of Corrections to pay hospitals at Medicaid rates.

* Eliminate state-owned buffalo herds.

* Eliminate $5 million state-subsidy for air fares in Wichita. Let free market work.

* Eliminate state purchases of water rights in government owned reservoirs.

* Eliminate funding for National Guard Training Center in Salina.

* Transfer turnpike surplus funds to highway program. Go one step farther and consider selling the turnpike as a way to finance the transportation plan.

* No new vehicle purchases for three years; no purchases of full-size pickups or sedans.

* Renegotiate state building and property insurance.

* Eliminate state aid to cities and counties but create incentives for city and county unification.

* Eliminate the $18 million transfer from state alcohol tax to city general funds and recreation fund.

* Obtain dividend payment from Jayhawks and Wildcats sports franchises. These are lucrative businesses developed on public property with public dollars, but the profit is reaped by a few well-connected folks.

* Regents Universities: Require Regents universities to disclose their endowment funds and restrictions. This might not save money initially but will help us understand what resources are available to fund university operations. Cap fees for architectural and contractor services for Regents capital improvements.

* School Finance: Create incentives for school districts to unify. Eliminate state matching funds for any new school bonds or equipment. State matching funds incentivize oversized and excessive school buildings. When USDs are required and pay the full cost of construction, they will economize.

* Consolidate all state housing programs into Kansas Housing Resources Corp.

* Consolidate all early childhood programs (Tiny-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Parents as Teachers, Smart Start, Healthy Start, Kansas Preschool Program) at State Board of Education.

* Privatize management or sell state-owned parking lots.

Like I said, these are only a few suggestions. Please send me any additional ideas you might have.

Jim Morrison represents the 121st House District. jmorriso@ink.org