Corbett proposes changes to cut costs

HARRISBURG - In his first official action since taking the oath of office a week ago, Gov. Corbett on Tuesday unveiled his plan to change the Capitol's culture of entitlement and pare down the cost of doing state business.

From eliminating per diems for state employees to banning gifts during the procurement process and shifting to a two-year budget cycle, Corbett described his hopes for what state government should look like, echoing many of the changes he advocated while on the campaign trail.

He made his announcement in muted fashion, through a news release - a manner very unlike his predecessor, Gov. Rendell, who rarely missed an opportunity to call a news conference.

"We are facing a multibillion-dollar deficit and we must do something about it," Corbett said in the release. "I made a commitment to the people of Pennsylvania that I would reform state government, and I intend to make good on that commitment starting today."

At the top of his list, Corbett said, is moving Pennsylvania onto a two-year budget cycle. Now, a state budget is negotiated and enacted every year.

The governor said the move would allow his administration and lawmakers to better assess whether government programs were effective and deserve continued funding, and noted that 20 other states do so. The change would require amending the state constitution.

Corbett also said he would consolidate services in departments and agencies, such as computer or printing services, and review state boards and commissions and close down any that are inactive. Most boards do not provide compensation, but members of 16 boards receive salaries ranging from $16,365 for the Board of Pardons to $150,006 for the chairmanship of the Gaming Control Board.

For some of his proposed changes, Corbett will need friends in high places in the two other branches of government.

The governor wants to eliminate per diems for state employees and require receipts for travel, food, and lodging - and he also wants the legislature to do likewise.

He has said he wants to reduce the state's car fleet, and he's also encouraging the legislature and the judiciary to look at its use of taxpayer-funded cars.

Corbett also wants the legislature to pare back the amount of taxpayer money it holds in reserve. And he is urging lawmakers to make the same contributions toward their health insurance as other state employees.

In a memo Tuesday, the House took a step in that direction. House Speaker Sam Smith (R., Jefferson) and Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) informed members that starting in 2013, they will have to drive their own cars, and that beginning in July, they will make a 1 percent salary contribution toward their health care. Senators already make that 1 percent contribution.

Rep. Josh Shapiro (D., Montgomery) called Corbett's list of changes a good start, but said they don't go far enough. For instance, Shapiro said, Corbett's platform does not touch on campaign finance reform or preventing pay-to-play.

"I hope it was his opening salvo and not the final barrage of reform," said Shapiro.

He added: "I'm not criticizing the things on his list. I just hope it will become a more expansive list. And not just a news release, but a real serious statement of conviction on government reform."