Cherry Workgroup on Streamlining Government Identifies Seven Core Functions of State Government

May 26, 2009

Public input also to be sought on what services state government should provide

LANSING - Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. today said that a workgroup under his leadership charged with streamlining government has identified seven core functions of state government (see below).  The group also is seeking input from legislators, state employees and the public on what services a streamlined government should provide.

"At a time when government cannot afford to be all things to all people, we are refocusing our efforts on state government's core functions and how best to provide necessary services and protect the fundamental rights of Michigan citizens," Cherry said.

In her 2009 State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm asked Cherry to lead a comprehensive effort to create a state government that provides better service at less cost to taxpayers.  The governor requested a plan to reduce 18 state departments down to eight.

Cherry leads a workgroup that includes staff from the executive office and various state departments supplemented by academic resources from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

Cherry's group has identified seven core functions of state government.  Each function would be delegated to one state department.

The workgroup identified the following seven core functions:

• Public safety. Protecting people's personal safety is paramount.  People should feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities.
• Education. From early childhood through all stages of adulthood, Michigan citizens expect a public education system to provide them the skills and abilities necessary for good jobs.
• Public systems. State government, in partnership with federal and local government, should build and maintain a physical infrastructure that supports public transportation, water and waste management systems, public utilities, information technology, public recreation and other public facilities.
• Well-being. People should be free from hunger and have access to medical care and safe shelter.
• Sustainability. State government should steward Michigan's land, air, ecosystems and water resources in a sustainable manner.
• Economic opportunity and prosperity. The state should encourage job creation, stimulate entrepreneurship and promote the state's existing and emerging industries.
• Efficiency and effectiveness. State government should be efficient, deliver services effectively, and be transparent in decision-making and spending.

To obtain public input on what a streamlined state government should look like, the Cherry workgroup will hold town hall meetings this summer.  The first two meetings will be held June 16 and June 24; locations have not yet been determined.  A Web-based process for the public to submit ideas also is being explored. State employees already can submit suggestions, either through e-mail or a state employee intranet site.

"We need to ask the people of Michigan what they believe are state government's core functions," Cherry said.  "We cannot streamline government until we first get answers to that fundamental question."

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