Appropriations committee to place focus on output, not inputs during 2015

With the directive from the speaker to find ways for state government to do less but do its core functions better, the House Appropriations Committee begins a new approach to budgetary oversight this session.

The first steps in this new focus started with the opening of budget subcommittee meetings last week. Each of the House subcommittees began submitting a series of questions all programs and agencies are expected to answer prior to being funded in FY 2016. These questions switch the focus of the subcommittees to what these investments are achieving in terms of results.

The questions break down into three different categories: Program performance, program efficiency, and program duplication. The program performance questions focus on performance outcomes. They are:

• Do you have defined outcomes or measurements for your program(s)? What are they and are these measures listed somewhere so the public can see them?

• What data is available to show Iowans that your program(s) are an effective investment of taxpayer dollars? Where can Iowans find this data?

• Can you provide the committee with performance data for your programs over the last 5 or 10 years?

These questions are intended to provide lawmakers and taxpayers with real data on performance, and to identify those areas in government were measures are not illustrative of the work being performed or non-existent.

The second group, focused on program efficiency, is intended to find ways that programs and agencies can perform their assigned tasks in a more budget-conscious manner. These questions are:

• Have you examined what other states are doing to improve performance and reduce costs?

• Can you share with the committee what other states are doing?

• Which of these ideas are you considering for implementation here in Iowa?

• Are there websites or organizations we could go to obtain more information on what other states’ programs are doing to provide more efficient services?

• Do you have an email address or a comment section on your website where Iowans can suggest improvements to your program or agency?

The duplication category of questions is intended to try and illuminate those areas where multiple agencies or programs are performing the same or similar function. The questions in this category are:

• Are there any other programs that are providing the same or similar services?

• Is there a reason why we need more than one program providing the same or similar service?

• Have you had any discussions with the other agencies or programs to find ways to maximize the use of the taxpayer’s dollars?

• Are there any laws or administrative rules that would limit your ability to work with the other programs or departments?

• Are there any laws or administrative rules that could be changed to make your program or agency work better?

The questions allow the subcommittees to make a thorough evaluation of each program to determine if it is achieving the goals set for it with the investment of state money. While many seem focused simply on the input of state dollars, the House is intent on shining the light on what really matters — the output of the investment of state dollars.

The second phase of the new approach began on Wednesday, as the House Appropriations Committee holding intensive sessions on the major issues driving growth in the state budget. The Department of Human Services made a presentation to the full committee concerning the Medicaid program, its growth in recent years, and what can be done to control the program.

The committee will be questioning the Board of Regents about a variety of issues related to higher education policy in the state. A number of questions will likely be asked of the board and the university presidents concerning the board’s proposal to change how state funding is allocated amongst Iowa, Iowa State and UNI. Another area of focus will be the board’s efficiency study, the proposed tuition freeze, and other issues specific to the individual schools.

The Department of Administrative Services has been invited to appear and discuss the significant growth in cost of state employee health insurance. In future weeks expected topics will include reviewing the initial results of the Skilled Worker Initiative and specific issues identified by the budget subcommittees.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the next legislative forums on Friday, Feb. 27:

8 a.m. – Wayne County Farm Bureau (Corydon)

10 a.m. – Chariton Mosaic (Chariton)

Noon – Lakeside Casino (Osceola)

2 p.m. – Leon Community Center (Leon)