Politics & Government

Corbett: Innovations Have Saved Pa. $650M Since 2011

State agencies have completed more than 200 cost-saving initiatives since 2011, the Governor's Office said.

Innovations, cost reductions and the elimination of other inefficiencies have save Pennsylvania more than half a billion dollars since 2011, Gov. Tom Corbett announced Tuesday.

“State government is performing more efficiently and effectively than it has in many years,” Corbett said. “Administrative spending is down 10 percent, and through the efforts of commonwealth employees, we continue to find new ways to improve how government operates. We are working hard to build a stronger Pennsylvania.” 

State agencies have completed more than 200 cost-saving initiatives since 2011, the Governor's Office said, saving Pennsylvania some $650 million. Among those initiatives are:

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  • The Department of General Services reduced its state passenger vehicle fleet by nearly 20 percent, saving more than $50 million. 
  • The Department of Labor and Industry began using the PA Justice Network to identify county inmates attempting to collect unemployment, saving more than $100 million.
  • PennDOT has been using state-of-the-art technology to increase accuracy and efficiency in conducting field surveys, saving $1.3 million. 
  • The Public Utility Commission has eliminated paper filing requirements and made more information available electronically, saving $23,000 per month on paper and printing. 
  • The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has expanded its  use of citizen volunteers in state parks to greet visitors, maintain trail and other projects, saving $9.4 million. 
  • The Office of Administration has implemented an award-winning online orientation process for new hires, saving $1 million.


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