State Government Report Card...
Thanks to Bayou Buzz for pointing out the latest rankings of the Government Performance Project (see Governing.com). Louisiana was graded "B" as a composite of four items measuring the quality of state management. The first paragraph of the state's report provides a nice overview:
"Louisiana is a fascinating study in contrasts. It has more people living in poverty than almost any other state, but money is coming into the treasury at an unusually rapid rate, thanks to booming oil and natural gas prices. The state faces a $596 million shortfall in revenues to cover ongoing expenditures over the next two fiscal years, even as it holds a remarkable $3 billion in various trust funds. Amid some glaring management weaknesses, it boasts one of the strongest and best-institutionalized systems of performance-based budgeting and program evaluation in the country."
The story contains some numbers that are useful for tossing into political discussions. For instance we are 22nd in the nation in population (4,468,976), but 43rd in per capita income ($26,100). Our legislature is about two-thirds Democrat, and term-limited to 12 years.
The report's harshest criticism was of Louisiana’s attitude toward keeping up its infrastructure, termed "determinedly negligent." Estimates are that there is a maintenance backlog of almost $2.3 billion for state buildings. There, the stereotype kicks in:
"There’s a long-standing state tradition of spending infrastructure dollars based on benefits in the voting booth, not the roadway." One legislative fiscal officer admits "It’s completely political... Decisions are not ever based on economics."
All in all, the article provides a pretty favorable outlook of our state government in action. What are your thoughts on the subject?
"Louisiana is a fascinating study in contrasts. It has more people living in poverty than almost any other state, but money is coming into the treasury at an unusually rapid rate, thanks to booming oil and natural gas prices. The state faces a $596 million shortfall in revenues to cover ongoing expenditures over the next two fiscal years, even as it holds a remarkable $3 billion in various trust funds. Amid some glaring management weaknesses, it boasts one of the strongest and best-institutionalized systems of performance-based budgeting and program evaluation in the country."
The story contains some numbers that are useful for tossing into political discussions. For instance we are 22nd in the nation in population (4,468,976), but 43rd in per capita income ($26,100). Our legislature is about two-thirds Democrat, and term-limited to 12 years.
The report's harshest criticism was of Louisiana’s attitude toward keeping up its infrastructure, termed "determinedly negligent." Estimates are that there is a maintenance backlog of almost $2.3 billion for state buildings. There, the stereotype kicks in:
"There’s a long-standing state tradition of spending infrastructure dollars based on benefits in the voting booth, not the roadway." One legislative fiscal officer admits "It’s completely political... Decisions are not ever based on economics."
All in all, the article provides a pretty favorable outlook of our state government in action. What are your thoughts on the subject?
posted by John V at 9:00 AM
2 Comments:
I think a "B" was perhaps generous, but I'll take it and hope we continue to show progress.
As far as infrastructure goes, whether the cause is determined negligence or tight budget constraints, there is no question that we're letting everything go to pieces-- quite literally.
I think a "B" was perhaps generous, but I'll take it and hope we continue to show progress.
As far as infrastructure goes, whether the cause is determined negligence or tight budget constraints, there is no question that we're letting everything go to pieces-- quite literally.
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