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The papers today are carrying a story detailing the plan to reinvent the state government. Although Governor Schwarzenegger has yet to back the plan, he appointed the members of the panel and their report recommends adding unprecedented power to his office. Most of the cost-cutting - estimated at over $30 billion over five years - would come by consolidating redundant chunks of the bureaucracy.
Arnold will have to overcome many obstacles to pass his plan. Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has all but announced his opposition. If the plan isn't "perfect," he says, "I think it's going to run into a lot of problems." Furthermore, civil service unions will fight with ferocity to protect their members' jobs. The authors of the report seem to recognize this fact of government life. Check out this language: “Once the envy of the nation, today our state government fails the people of California, and it fails the men and women who have given their careers to its service.”
The plan also recommends giving Californians the ability to renew their drivers licenses online. Fewer trips to the DMV! There's a concept that should attract some serious bipartisan support.
