Senate welcomes public input on 'how to reboot state government'

JEFFERSON CITY -- Inviting Missourians to share their ideas on how to reboot Missouri state government, Senate Leader Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, today announced a new feature on the Missouri Senate Web site. The new link -- Rebooting Government -- is one step in the Senate's effort to identify ways to make government more efficient. Shields said every idea would be considered.

"I am sure every Missourian at some point or another has had an experience with state government where they thought, 'hey, they should change this to make it more consumer-friendly, streamlined, or cost-effective'," Shields said. "And today we've made it easier for citizens to express their thoughts and concerns. We not only want to hear those ideas, we welcome them."

Shields said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly examine and reshape every aspect of state government that could set Missouri on a sustainable, long-term path.

"Missouri is facing an on-going budget crisis that is expected to last through 2013 or 2014," Shields said. "We cannot sustain the size and scope of government as we know it. We must think outside the box and consider every possible way to make government smaller and more efficient -- whether that is through more control, alterations or deletions."

Missourians can submit their ideas by visiting the Senate's Web site, www.senate.mo.gov, and clicking on the Rebooting Government logo. Submissions may be anonymous and constituents are also invited to contact their state senators directly to submit ideas. A complete list of senators and their contact information can be found on the Senate's Web site -- click on Senators and then List of Members.

The new feature will continue to be available on the Senate Web site through the 2010 legislative session, which ends May 14.