PERFORM Commission Would Review “Every structure” of State Government

How well is state government performing and what can be done to improve it? A new PERFORM Commission (Plan to Effectively Reorganize the Functions, Operations, Responsibilities and Mission of state agencies) could soon find out.    

Gov. Rell proposed the creation of a 24-member PERFORM commission to conduct a “top-to-bottom” review of state government. Modeled on the federal government’s Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission, the group will include members of each branch of state government and recommend ways to permanently reduce the size and cost of state government.    

“Every institution, every structure, service, program and delivery mechanism will be evaluated,” said the governor. “And it will be done in a non-partisan manner involving the executive, legislative and judicial branches working together.”  

The governor has made several attempts to work with legislators to cut state spending and reduce the size of government, but these efforts haven't been as successful as she would like. PERFORM is an innovative process designed to break the logjam and make much-needed progress.  

The group will have seven months to conduct its analysis with a final report of its recommendations due by August 30 of this year. A review board will hold public hearings on the ideas and accept, reject or amend the recommendations by Dec. 1. The General Assembly will then either accept or reject any recommendations needing legislative action, in straight up-and-down votes.

Polls have shown that people in Connecticut are not comfortable with the size, growth and efficiency of state government, especially with the poor state and national economies—and growing state budget deficit. Making the best use of tax dollars is high on the priorities of individuals and businesses.   

Gov. Rell urged lawmakers to act on her proposal so the PERFORM process can get started.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860.244.1925 or bonnie.stewart@cbia.com