Solomon bill would implement Lean Government Initiative

Posted 3/10/15

Looking to eliminate waste and inefficiency in the operation of state government, Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) has introduced legislation that would implement the principles of …

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Solomon bill would implement Lean Government Initiative

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Looking to eliminate waste and inefficiency in the operation of state government, Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) has introduced legislation that would implement the principles of the Lean Government Initiative, which has  been adopted in the private business community and governments throughout the country.

The bill (2015-H 5749) would streamline how state government work gets done by eliminating or drastically reducing backlog, reducing lead times, simplifying processes, improving the suitability of applicants and consistency of reviews and inspections, freeing up more time for mission-critical work, and improving staff morale and process transparency.

“Right now, the buzzwords in state government are job creation and economic growth,” said Solomon. “In order for that to happen, state government must conduct its business with business-like efficiency. The Lean Government Initiative looks not only to improve government services, but control its cost to taxpayers.”

The Lean initiative is a continuous improvement philosophy in which teams of department employees examine an agency’s functions, identifying causes of problems, and developing their own solutions. Employees are encouraged to eliminate wasteful steps to ultimately expedite services for taxpayers while doing more with existing resources.

The initiative has been implemented in several states, including agencies in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. It has also been adopted by federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Defense.

“The Lean initiative gets everyone involved is satisfying citizens better and eliminating wasteful processes in government,” said Solomon. “It emphasizes rapid implementation rather than lengthy planning by engaging state employees and putting them in a mindset to constantly think about better ways of doing things. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has been successfully implementing the lean government initiative and as such, this bill would bring Lean Government to other state agencies and departments.”

The Lean initiative would address what Rhode Islanders and state employees identify as inefficient uses of materials and personnel. Processes are then evaluated and corrected, resulting in maximum quality and value delivered to citizens.

“The Lean initiative would ask state agencies to re-examine and rethink what they do as well as how and why they do it,” said Solomon. “It empowers state employees to tap into their intelligence, creativity and experiences to implement more efficient ways of completing tasks.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Patricia A. Serpa (West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), K Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence) and Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren). The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.

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  • RIposter

    Thanks Joseph!

    Tuesday, March 10, 2015 Report this