Streamlining Michigan Government #71

While significant strides have been made in reforming Michigan’s government, additional reform is needed to continue to address Michigan’s economic condition. We feel reform must continue and support the following:

• Michigan provides human service programs to those in need but must be more vigilant in addressing fraud and duplication within these programs.
• The review and potential change of corrections system cost-drivers, such as sentencing guidelines, prisoner health care and administrative procedures.
• Increased efficiencies within Michigan’s education system such as privatization of services, consolidation of districts, and shared services.
• Competition for higher education funds should be minimized. Duplicative research efforts performed by multiple state-funded universities should be eliminated.
• State and local governments, including schools, to move to a defined contribution retirement system.

In addition to critically necessary changes in human services, corrections and education, we continue to support the following:

• Michigan’s regulatory structure must continue to foster economic growth. Policy makers should have a clear understanding of the impact of regulations on business before voting to support new or more stringent regulations. Regulatory agencies should maintain constitutional roles and reasonable environmental protection without creating undue regulatory burdens.
• Michigan should continue to look for increased efficiencies in state and local government such as prioritizing services, reforming where possible, eliminating duplicative services, and utilizing private partners.
• Increased efficiency in state government and actual reform should be evaluated and implemented prior to levying new taxes. If faced with a new tax, any tax proposals must be broad-based and not favoring/harming any one segment of the economy, business type or particular demographic.
• Full transparency of government financial transactions at all levels.
• The concept of an Emergency Financial Manager Law.

While agriculture is not the expert on all the issues outlined in this policy, we will work with coalitions to engage in broad discussions to advance policy solutions that will create better efficiencies.  We will hold elected officials accountable for their ability to operate as statespersons acting in the interest of citizens to address these core issues.