E-update From the Desk of Governor Scott Walker
GovWalker...@wisconsin.gov
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E-update From the Desk of Governor Scott Walker One of the most important duties I have serving as your Governor is to provide you directly with updates related to the operation of our state government. I also frequently provide updates on Facebook (Governor Scott Walker) and Twitter (@govwalker). Please feel free to share this update with your family, friends, and others who may be interested in state government operations. |
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Eliminating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in State Government
This week, the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Elimination Task Force issued its second quarterly report of 2012, which included citizen suggestions and highlights of actions that saved taxpayers money and made government more efficient.
We are continuously looking for ways to reduce waste in government. Following through on state employee and citizen suggestions helps taxpayers get a better return on their investment in their state government. Every dollar saved can be invested back into our local communities or returned to taxpayers.
During my 2012 State of the State Address, I urged citizens and state employees to submit suggestions to make government operations more efficient by going to www.bestpractices.wi.gov. Each quarter, the Task Force will issue a report highlighting these suggestions and other efforts to eliminate government waste. To read these reports, go to www.walker.wi.gov and click on "Reform."
Below are a few highlights from the report:
Overtime Savings Despite projected increases in overtime pay, The Department of Corrections actually lowered their total overtime expenses from fiscal year 2011 to 2012. The last four months of fiscal year 2011 alone saw a 30 percent decrease when compared to the previous year. The Division of Community Corrections, covering primarily probation and parole, saw an 89.5 percent decrease in overtime costs.
Going Paperless State agencies are shifting away from paper paychecks. Instead, they are utilizing direct deposit and online payroll information, which is saving tens of thousands of dollars annually and freeing up state employee time for other essential work functions.
Efficient Government The Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Elimination Task Force recently suggested implementing Lean strategies in state government. Lean is a continuous improvement strategy removing unnecessary steps in processes leading to quicker results, saved time, and better work environments. On May 2, 2012, Governor Walker signed Executive Order #66 creating the Wisconsin Lean Government Initiative. Additional information regarding Lean implementation in state government can be accessed at: www.walker.wi.gov/Wisconsin-Reform/lean-Government.
Department of Health Services (DHS)—Office of Inspector General The quarterly Waste, Fraud, and Abuse report includes, for the first time, metrics from the DHS’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). In the Recipient Fraud Unit of the OIG, taxpayers are getting a $20 return for every $1 invested.
If you have suggestions on how government can operate more efficiently, share your ideas at www.bestpractices.wi.gov. |
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Drought Update: Farmer-to-Farmer Network
In an ongoing effort to make sure the state is doing all it can to respond to the drought and assist farmers with recovery, I recently joined Chancellor of University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension Ray Cross and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Ben Brancel to announce the Farmer-to-Farmer Network.
A key concern for many farmers faced with losing their crops is how they will feed their animals. The Farmer-to-Farmer Network brings everyone to the table, so the farmers growing feed know what they need to do, and those in need of feed can find providers.
The Farmer-to-Farmer Network connects buyers and sellers for different types of forages. The network is run through the University of Wisconsin-Extension and can be accessed at http://farmertofarmer.uwex.edu/.
I am encouraging farmers less affected by the dry conditions to plant a second crop for forage after harvesting their primary crop, then post the yield on the Farmer-to-Farmer network. Farmers can also search the site and see what hay, alfalfa haylage, corn silage, or high moisture corn is available right now. |
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Improving Health Services Available to Children in Foster Care
This week, the Department of Health Services (DHS) received federal approval to create a foster care "medical home" program in the southeastern region of the State, to begin this fall. The program is a joint initiative of the DHS and the Department of Children and Families and will be implemented in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.
This new program will provide individualized, trauma-informed care for children in Foster Care. My wife, Tonette, has been emphasizing the importance and benefits of trauma-informed care by holding listening sessions all across the state.
The initiative creates a virtual "medical home" for children in foster care and out-of-home care where a child will receive an individualized treatment plan addressing their specific trauma-related needs. As a result, these children are expected to have improved physical and mental health, improved resiliency, and shorter stays in out-of-home care. These positive health and mental health outcomes for children will also result in long-term savings in Medicaid costs.
This program results in better care for those being served and long-term savings for taxpayers. It’s a win-win. |
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Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin is home to one of the best state fairs in the entire country. This week, I visited the fair and had the honor of kicking everything off at the opening ceremonies.
This event provides a great venue for individuals who live in urban areas to get a taste of Wisconsin’s rural life—through the numerous agricultural related exhibits. Specifically, attendees will have the opportunity to do everything from learning about raising livestock to tasting some of Wisconsin’s finest farm and dairy products.
My favorite part of the fair is getting the chance to eat a fresh cream puff. If you haven’t attended previously, you should definitely consider going this year. You can learn more about this great event by visiting www.wistatefair.com. |
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Just Ask the Governor
Each e-update, I will answer a question submitted by a recipient of the previous e-update or from someone who contacts my office directly.
Question: A few weeks back I read that this year was going to be the "year of the veteran" and I was wondering if it might be possible to organize and hold cookouts where local people could meet with veterans in their community and get a chance to hear their stories, find out if they have any needs a friendly, helpful community could provide, and just honor them for their services?
Answer: You are correct, I proclaimed 2012 the Year of The Veteran to ensure Wisconsin veterans can reintegrate into civilian society with proper housing, education, health care, and meaningful jobs. A number of events are set up across the state to honor our veterans—you can learn more about them by accessing www.yearoftheveteran.com.
In fact, just this week I highlighted the Year of the Veteran by holding an event with Robbie Bergquist, who co-founded Cell Phones for Soldiers with his sister Brittany at the ages of 12 and 13 in 2004. The charity has since provided more than 150 million minutes of free talk time to service men and women stationed around the world. Cell Phones for Soldiers uses the proceeds from recycled cell phones to buy and send free phone cards to military members stationed away from home. Wisconsin residents can donate old cell phones in a number of ways:
· Visiting any AT&T store located in Wisconsin; · Accessing the Cell Phones for Soldiers website to locate a drop-off location; or · Printing off a free shipping label from the Cell Phones for Soldiers website.
In addition to donating a cell phone, the Helping Heroes Home program provides emergency funds for veterans returning home. AT&T supported the program by donating more than $450,000 to address the communication needs facing today’s veterans and they’ll donate $2 when an individual watches the Helping Heroes Home video. All of this is in addition to the more than $9 million of pre-paid calling cards AT&T has donated to military personnel nationwide.
These are two great ways you and others in the community can come together to support veterans. If you would like to plan a specific event in addition to these efforts, I’d encourage you to contact the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). If it works out for his schedule, WDVA Secretary John Scocos may be able to stop by and help make the event a success! |
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It has been a pleasure communicating with you. It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the residents of Wisconsin. Sincerely,
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You received this e-mail because you contacted Governor Walker’s office directly.
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