While seeking efficiencies in all programs, efforts should focus on the state agencies which have been the engines of growth in spending. In addition, more oversight of long- term capital investments in transportation, education, the environment and economic development is needed. CPEC continues to advocate standardized municipal budget formats that facilitate fiscal comparisons between municipalities with similar social and demographic characteristics. The resultant data are an indispensable tool for town governments and taxpayers to make budget decisions. The private sector has revolutionized the way it does business.
Government clearly lags behind in efforts to improve efficiency and achieve bottom line results.
This is the greatest challenge facing state and local governments in our state. Connecticut will face increasing demands for spending in priority areas such as education, transportation and economic development. Meeting these demands through expansion of government's share of the economy will backfire. If government wants to invest in programs that earn a return for the state and control its fiscal appetite, it must eliminate low priority programs and restructure other programs to increase their efficiency. Government needs improved management tools in order to accomplish this challenging task.