Iowa’s Government Restructuring: A Model for Other States
Need to talk with someone regarding which government workforce program you should apply for? Good luck. You’ll need to figure out which of the 11 different state government agencies that operate some form of a workforce program is the right one for you to call. Having issues getting your professional license so you can find employment and provide for your family? Good luck again. The more than 100 professional licensing functions are spread out over nearly a dozen state agencies. Navigating the maze that is state government bureaucracy can be a full-time job.
That was Iowa state government. But thanks to new legislation signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, hopefully those days are over. Senate File 514 aims for greater government efficiency through a long-awaited massive government restructuring. Republicans and Democrats may differ on what services government should provide—but both sides can come to together in support of a more efficient and responsive government.
Prior to this restructuring, there were 37 different cabinet members in the state of Iowa, double the amount of some neighboring states. Iowans now have a much more manageable 16 cabinet members, a realignment that not only increases efficiency but clarifies roles and responsibilities. Aside from a more streamlined government, the taxpayers of Iowa will also see an estimated $215 million in savings over the first four years. A government that is more efficient, less confusing, and costs less—what’s not to like?
Another highlight of this legislation is that it formed a committee to review the 256 boards and commissions in state government to determine what ones can be eliminated or combined. Aside from the irony of creating a committee to review excessive committees, this reevaluation is important. Often, these committees were created to address a very real problem at the time but are no longer necessary. Does Iowa still need the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Technical Advisory Committee which is charged to keep the side of Iowa roads “visually interesting”?
It's no surprise that over the years Iowa’s government grew to an unmanageable size. It’s natural for departments to accumulate power, money, resources, and responsibilities over time. Bureaucracies jealously guard their turf and rarely hand over authority to other agencies, even if another agency is better suited for the job. Government officials don’t move up the ladder by reducing their department’s footprint. On the contrary, promotions are handed out to those that grow their budgets and reach.
As this legislation takes effect, other states should watch carefully and see what reforms can be made in their government. If the bureaucracy is inclined to continually grow, as we know it is, then the legislative branch needs to be a constant check on that growth. A legislature that rubberstamps department budgets is an ineffective legislature that does a disservice to their constituents.
Both Republican and Democrat lawmakers share responsibility for this problem. Digging into the weeds of how government agencies function and looking for ways to streamline services is tedious and boring work. It’s a lot easier to maintain the status quo than to ask hard questions of administrative officials. However, it is this lack of oversight that leads to inefficiencies where a dozen government agencies operate similar programs.
Governor Reynold’s reforms were necessary so that Iowans don’t have to spend an entire day navigating a bureaucratic maze in order to get a permit. Other states should follow Iowa’s lead and see what reforms they can implement to increase government efficiency and help their constituents.
Steve Johnson is the Center for Practical Federalism Fellow at State Policy Network.
