Budget Task Force Presents Final Recommendations to Lt. Governor Cagle and Senate Leadership
Report Provides 50 Recommendations to
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“As we face some extremely difficult budget decisions this session, we want to make the fiscally responsible decisions now that will position our state for economic growth and job creation. We need to think toward the future and implement systemic reforms that will change the way we operate and prevent another shortfall this significant. It is vital that we maintain our AAA Bond Rating, which is a ‘good housekeeping’ seal of approval on the fiscal strength of our state,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “None of the recommendations are quick fixes and I look forward to studying each of the proposals, along with the Senate, to determine which make the most sense for
“It is clear that our state leaders are proactively looking for ways to confront the budget challenges our state faces with the future in mind. We focused our efforts on areas where we could bring real-world value of new efficiencies, consolidation, and seizing opportunities even under difficult conditions, just as private sector businesses are doing everyday in this economy. This exercise proved beneficial for all participants and we are hopeful that some of these recommendations will provide the structural changes necessary to put
After cutting over $2 billion from the state budget in the 2009 session and still faced with an additional $1.5 billion shortfall, Cagle, along with Senate leadership, announced early in the legislative session the formation of a Budget Task Force. The Budget Task Force brought together experienced business leaders and accounting professionals who held a total of 7 meetings and participated in extensive work sessions.
While some of the 50 specific recommendations can impact the state budget this year, the majority of the recommendations are focused on long-term budget solutions including consolidation and streamlining of state services and greater efficiencies. For example, the Task Force recommends the state increase shared services, particularly in human resources, payroll, accounting, and classroom curriculum development. Industry standards for of human resources personnel to employees: are 1:195 but the state operates at 1:115 and smaller state agencies operate at 1:88.
To view the full report, click on the following link:
http://ltgov.georgia.gov/00/article/0,2086,2199618_2199664_157503072,00.html
The Budget Task Force Members are as follows:
Max Blocker – Partner, Assurance, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Max Blocker is an Atlanta based Assurance Partner with over 23 years of experience serving a broad range of companies within the Fortune 1000 as well as midcap public and private multinational companies. In addition, he has served in a variety of leadership roles within PricewaterhouseCoopers during his career including Market Assurance Leader for the Greater Atlanta Assurance Practice (states of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee) and as the Southeast Regional Leader of the Commercial and Industrial Industry Group Practice. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Monye Connolly - President, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Inc
In 2006, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), the state’s largest health benefits provider announced the appointment of Monye Connolly as president. Connolly, who joined the company in 1986, most recently served as vice president and general manager of BCBSGa’s individual and small group business.
Greg Duncan - President North American Operations, UCB Inc.
Greg Duncan is President, North American Operations at UCB, Inc. and is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to all aspects of the biopharmaceutical’s operations in both the United States and Canada.
Edward Heys - Atlanta Deputy Managing Partner, Deloitte& Touche LLP
With over 27 years of experience with the firm, Ed primarily serves companies in the banking and financial services industries. Deloitte& Touche has over 2,000 professionals in
Ronnie Labrato – Executive Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, Georgia Power Company
As Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, is responsible for Georgia Power’s accounting and finance functions. Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, with over 7,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. Ronnie has 30 years of experience with Southern Company and its affiliates. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Kelly McCutchen - President, Georgia Public Policy Foundation
McCutchen is president of GPPF, an independent think tank that proposes practical, market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians. He was Assistant Vice President in the Trust Department of Trust Company Bank in
Suzanne Sitherwood – President,
Sitherwood was named President of