Pennsylvania Governor's Innovation Office Announces 2012 Results

More Than $84 Million in Cost Savings and Productivity Gains

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett announced today that the Governor's Innovation Office has worked with state agencies to achieve more than $84 million in cost savings and productivity gains. 

"Through projects both large and small, state agencies are working to live within their means and make the most out of every budget dollar," Corbett said.  "The Governor's Innovation Office has accomplished a great deal in just nine months and I'm looking forward to an even more successful 2013."

The office was created in March to focus on initiatives to reduce state spending, eliminate waste and improve service.  To date, the office and state agencies have completed 25 initiatives.  There are an additional 164 projects in progress.

Highlights from 2012 include:

• Department of Public Welfare – the department consolidated three human services licensing operations into a single unit, eliminating duplicative administrative functions, improving customer service, and reducing costs.  The department will save an estimated $1.4 million through this more centralized management unit.
• Department of Labor and Industry – consolidated regional and field offices mail operations into the department's headquarters in Harrisburg. The department expects to save $400,000 annually through more efficient use of mailing resources, automation and other more efficient processing techniques.
• Pennsylvania State Police – revised its internal policies governing troop conferences and other meetings to reduce their frequency and to take advantage of newer communication technology.  The PSP estimates a savings of $10,000 annually through increased productivity and reduced fuel costs.

Visit www.innovation.pa.gov to learn more about innovation in state government and submit your own idea to cut costs, increase efficiency or enhance service.   

Media contact:  Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor