Cohen & Grigsby Attorney Helps Advisory Commission Identify Nearly $500 Million in Savings for Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohen & Grigsby, a business law firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA and an office in Bonita Springs, FL, is pleased to announce that attorney James Chiafullo recently served as a member of the Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission. Established by the Senate of Pennsylvania in February 2010, the commission included both public and private sector appointees and was charged with finding ways for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to trim spending from the state budget.  Following a review of various state departments and expenditures, the commission recently issued a report that highlighted 40 ways to cut spending by $457 million.

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"With states looking for ways to trim their budgets now more than ever, I am proud to have served on the Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission, which has provided some insight to our legislators on how the state can go about eliminating unnecessary costs," said Chiafullo.  "It was a pleasure working alongside the other dedicated members who served on the commission.  It was a true bipartisan effort."

The only resident of Western Pennsylvania to serve on the commission, Chiafullo was one of ten committee members from across the state with backgrounds in diverse fields such as government, business, labor, finance, education and technology.  

Since its formation in February, the Senate Government Management and Cost Study Commission conducted seven public hearings in Harrisburg to gather feedback and suggestions from experts and the general public.  Taxpayers were also encouraged to pass along cost-saving suggestions to the commission via e-mail.

In its recently-issued report, one of the commission's most significant cost-saving recommendations fell within the Department of Corrections.  Members of the commission identified savings through alternative sentencing guidelines, parole and re-entry services and more.  The commission also recommended a transition to a paperless work environment across information technology services throughout state agencies.

"I am pleased to congratulate Jim Chiafullo on behalf of the firm for his involvement in this important initiative as the state works to identify cost-saving measures," said Jack Elliot, president and CEO of Cohen & Grigsby.  "His role on the commission speaks volumes to Jim's skill as an attorney and as a smart business advisor.  Using his background and experience to deliver superior results aligns closely with the firm's 'Culture of Performance.'"

Chiafullo is a director at the firm with a practice that focuses on the areas of corporate, securities, commercial and real estate law.

ABOUT COHEN & GRIGSBY

Established in 1981 in Pittsburgh, PA, Cohen & Grigsby is a business law firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Bonita Springs, FL.  Cohen & Grigsby attorneys cultivate a culture of performance by serving as business counselors as well as legal advisors to an extensive list of clients that includes private and publicly held businesses, nonprofits, multinational corporations, individuals and emerging companies.  The firm has more than 120 lawyers in seven practice groups -- Business & Tax, Labor & Employment, Immigration/International Business, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, and Estates & Trusts.  For more information, please visit www.cohenlaw.com.  

SOURCE Cohen & Grigsby