`
September 23, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
Tuesday, September 23, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 37
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by ScreenFlex
CONTENTS Program Safeguarding State Money Draws Debate Grants to Fund Aging Centers Slide Projectors Follow 8-Track Tapes News of The Weird
FEATURE
Texas Efficiency Program Sparks Political Squabble
In a special legislative session this week, some lawmakers are trying to take e-Texas--the states money-saving efficiency program--away from Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn and fold it into their own Legislative Budget Board. They tried and failed to do the same thing earlier this summer.
The problem, it seems, is not that lawmakers think the program is ineffective. Rather, they appear to want to appropriate the program for their own ends.
Strayhorn told lawmakers in a Senate Finance Committee meeting Wednesday that she feels like her office is being penalized for telling the truth.
I was telling the truth when I said we had a budget shortfall. I was telling the truth when I said the budget didnt balance. I was telling the truth when I said more than $700 million was available to restore cuts before critical health care was eliminated for frail elderly and medically need children, she said.
The program Strayhorn is defending -- e-Texas -- was founded in 1991 by then-Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock in the midst of a recession. Since its inception, the program has recommended more than $16 billion in savings and become the darling of fiscal conservatives across the nation.
A recent e-Texas report recommends increasing the flexibility of higher education funding (estimated savings: $76 million), eliminating the Texas Food and Fibers Commission (estimated savings: $3.1 million) and increasing community options for mentally handicapped adults (estimated savings: $18 million). This is a sampling of the kind of money-saving ideas that come out of the program.
e-Texas is a creative, systematic and institutional approach to saving money in state operations, said Chris Atkins, fiscal analyst for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative state government organization.
Atkins said ALEC has created model legislation for other states based on the e-Texas model. The key to the programs success, he said, is that it maintains some level of independence from the appropriating branches of state government.
e-Texas has clout because the state budget has to be certified by the Texas comptroller, who also oversees e-Texas. Its also reasonably insulated from the executive and legislative branches; many audit committees serve only so long as they represent the priorities of the governor or legislative leaders, he said.
That independence is what some state lawmakers are trying to end. The reason, they say, is that Strayhorns e-Texas duties conflict with another key role of the comptrollers office -- revenue estimation.
Texas State Sen. Steve Ogden (R) said this presents too great a temptation for the comptroller to overstate the size of budget deficits.
I see a conflict here, a big one: The more savings you can claim, the better it sounds," Ogden said at the committee hearing, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Despite the current flap with legislators over who should control e-Texas, the program remains popular in state government circles because it helps assure taxpayers that their money is not being wasted.
I think people have to be convinced that government is operating as efficiently as possible before theyll be willing to part with more of their tax dollars. They are not going to put any more money in state government until they are sure that no money is wasted anywhere, said Eva Deluna, budget analyst at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a Texas-based group that studies the effect of public policy on low-income individuals.
Perhaps the one group that would just as soon see e-Texas disappear is public employees, many of whom view cost-cutting as a euphemism for job-cutting.
Weve been cutting back on state employees for a long, long time, so much so that in my part of the world, the prison world, were so understaffed that its a security risk. God bless the state for being more efficient. But theyre about ready to shut this state down, said Dee Simpson, political coordinator for the Texas Association of State, County and Municipal Employees.
SCREENFLEX
Facility managers around the globe use Screenflex Portable Partitions to make better use of their available space. Create instant training rooms, portable bulleting boards, meeting or processing areas in seconds, with easy to use, easy to store, economical Portable Partitions! To learn more, please visit us at http://www.screenflex.com
NEWS
MILLIONS TO HELP STATES DEVELOP AGING, DISABILITY CENTERS
HHS announced 12 grants totaling $9.3 million to support state efforts to create "one stop shop" centers to help consumers learn about and access long-term supports ranging from in-home services to nursing facility care.
The grants are being awarded to state agencies in Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and West Virginia. Additional grants may be funded in fiscal year 2004, subject to availability of funds.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center Grant Program is part of the New Freedom Initiative, which aims at overcoming barriers to community living for people with disabilities of all ages. The program is a joint effort involving HHS' Administration on Aging (AoA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and provides states with an opportunity to effectively integrate their long-term support resources for consumers into a single coordinated system.
Slide Projector Manufacturer to end production
Eastman Kodak Company has confirmed plans to discontinue the manufacture and sales of slide projection products and accessories in June of 2004.
The current plan is to cease manufacturing in June 2004. Kodak anticipates that small quantities of new Carousel, Ektagraphic, Ektalite, and Ektapro slide projectors will be available through the end of 2004.
Kodak will offer service and support for slide projectors until 2011.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28574/
Take an interesting survey about compact equipment
We'd like your help with an interesting web survey about compact equipment such as small tractors, loaders, excavators, and backhoes.
The survey should take you just a few minutes to complete and, in appreciation of your time, we'll enter you into a random drawing to win one of eight $250 electronic gift certificates from Amazon.com. The survey is for research purposes only, and is not an attempt to sell you anything. Your individual answers will be kept completely confidential.
We are asking only a small sample to participate, so we hope that you'll take a few minutes to take this on-line survey at: http://www.itestassessments.com/research/710cm586kfh35/?DDR=29752
Industry Deck: Products for Manufacturing Professionals, Design Engineers, and Industrial Buyers.
Are you looking for new products in the industrial marketplace? Industry Deck from NEW EQUIPMENT DIGEST is changing the way the industrial market learns about, specifies and purchases products, equipment, and services. Click here for more information: http://www.nextdecks.com/industrydeck/current/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better machines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
KI is an award-winning, international furniture producer. Products include office seating, stacking and guest chairs, tables and wall systems. http://www.KI.com
Polythane Systems and the affiliated companies sell spray polyurethane foam for roofing, walls and tanks and the coatings necessary to complete the system. http://www.polythane.com
Alamo Industrial is the world's largest manufacturer of tractor-mounted vegetation management equipment. Built Sharper to give you the edge you need! Visit http://www.alamo-industrial.com
Installed in over 100 military and government facilities around the world, Onity provides superior electronic locking systems, e-safes and energy management solutions. Visit http://www.onity.biz
Skatewave Modular Skatepark Systems is a division of Landscape Structures Inc. Skatewave was founded in March 2001 and since then has installed more than 350 parks across the United States, Canada and Southeast Asia. Visit http://www.skatewave.com
Electric Eel Mfg. produces a full range of sewer cleaning equipment for the municipal market. Pipeline inspection and location equipment also available. Visit online at http://www.electriceel.com
Rubbermaid Commercial Products: Material handling, transport, sanitary maintenance, safety, waste systems, food service products, and healthcare products. Visit http://www.specialmade.com
Government fleets - comply with EPAct and Executive Order 13149, and meet petroleum reduction goals with help from FuelMaker and NGVs. http://www.fuelmaker.com
Toro. Power, Performance and Productivity. Discover solutions for your turf maintenance challenges at http://www.toro.com/grounds. Register for government updates at http://www.toro.com/grounds/gov/govform2.html
Upbeats Institutional Catalog features site furnishings/amenities including trash containers, park benches, picnic tables, ash urns, bike racks, banners and more. Shop online http://www.upbeatinc.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://www.crown.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by ScreenFlex
CONTENTS Program Safeguarding State Money Draws Debate Grants to Fund Aging Centers Slide Projectors Follow 8-Track Tapes News of The Weird
FEATURE
Texas Efficiency Program Sparks Political Squabble
In a special legislative session this week, some lawmakers are trying to take e-Texas--the states money-saving efficiency program--away from Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn and fold it into their own Legislative Budget Board. They tried and failed to do the same thing earlier this summer.
The problem, it seems, is not that lawmakers think the program is ineffective. Rather, they appear to want to appropriate the program for their own ends.
Strayhorn told lawmakers in a Senate Finance Committee meeting Wednesday that she feels like her office is being penalized for telling the truth.
I was telling the truth when I said we had a budget shortfall. I was telling the truth when I said the budget didnt balance. I was telling the truth when I said more than $700 million was available to restore cuts before critical health care was eliminated for frail elderly and medically need children, she said.
The program Strayhorn is defending -- e-Texas -- was founded in 1991 by then-Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock in the midst of a recession. Since its inception, the program has recommended more than $16 billion in savings and become the darling of fiscal conservatives across the nation.
A recent e-Texas report recommends increasing the flexibility of higher education funding (estimated savings: $76 million), eliminating the Texas Food and Fibers Commission (estimated savings: $3.1 million) and increasing community options for mentally handicapped adults (estimated savings: $18 million). This is a sampling of the kind of money-saving ideas that come out of the program.
e-Texas is a creative, systematic and institutional approach to saving money in state operations, said Chris Atkins, fiscal analyst for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative state government organization.
Atkins said ALEC has created model legislation for other states based on the e-Texas model. The key to the programs success, he said, is that it maintains some level of independence from the appropriating branches of state government.
e-Texas has clout because the state budget has to be certified by the Texas comptroller, who also oversees e-Texas. Its also reasonably insulated from the executive and legislative branches; many audit committees serve only so long as they represent the priorities of the governor or legislative leaders, he said.
That independence is what some state lawmakers are trying to end. The reason, they say, is that Strayhorns e-Texas duties conflict with another key role of the comptrollers office -- revenue estimation.
Texas State Sen. Steve Ogden (R) said this presents too great a temptation for the comptroller to overstate the size of budget deficits.
I see a conflict here, a big one: The more savings you can claim, the better it sounds," Ogden said at the committee hearing, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Despite the current flap with legislators over who should control e-Texas, the program remains popular in state government circles because it helps assure taxpayers that their money is not being wasted.
I think people have to be convinced that government is operating as efficiently as possible before theyll be willing to part with more of their tax dollars. They are not going to put any more money in state government until they are sure that no money is wasted anywhere, said Eva Deluna, budget analyst at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a Texas-based group that studies the effect of public policy on low-income individuals.
Perhaps the one group that would just as soon see e-Texas disappear is public employees, many of whom view cost-cutting as a euphemism for job-cutting.
Weve been cutting back on state employees for a long, long time, so much so that in my part of the world, the prison world, were so understaffed that its a security risk. God bless the state for being more efficient. But theyre about ready to shut this state down, said Dee Simpson, political coordinator for the Texas Association of State, County and Municipal Employees.
SCREENFLEX
Facility managers around the globe use Screenflex Portable Partitions to make better use of their available space. Create instant training rooms, portable bulleting boards, meeting or processing areas in seconds, with easy to use, easy to store, economical Portable Partitions! To learn more, please visit us at http://www.screenflex.com
NEWS
MILLIONS TO HELP STATES DEVELOP AGING, DISABILITY CENTERS
HHS announced 12 grants totaling $9.3 million to support state efforts to create "one stop shop" centers to help consumers learn about and access long-term supports ranging from in-home services to nursing facility care.
The grants are being awarded to state agencies in Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and West Virginia. Additional grants may be funded in fiscal year 2004, subject to availability of funds.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center Grant Program is part of the New Freedom Initiative, which aims at overcoming barriers to community living for people with disabilities of all ages. The program is a joint effort involving HHS' Administration on Aging (AoA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and provides states with an opportunity to effectively integrate their long-term support resources for consumers into a single coordinated system.
Slide Projector Manufacturer to end production
Eastman Kodak Company has confirmed plans to discontinue the manufacture and sales of slide projection products and accessories in June of 2004.
The current plan is to cease manufacturing in June 2004. Kodak anticipates that small quantities of new Carousel, Ektagraphic, Ektalite, and Ektapro slide projectors will be available through the end of 2004.
Kodak will offer service and support for slide projectors until 2011.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28574/
Take an interesting survey about compact equipment
We'd like your help with an interesting web survey about compact equipment such as small tractors, loaders, excavators, and backhoes.
The survey should take you just a few minutes to complete and, in appreciation of your time, we'll enter you into a random drawing to win one of eight $250 electronic gift certificates from Amazon.com. The survey is for research purposes only, and is not an attempt to sell you anything. Your individual answers will be kept completely confidential.
We are asking only a small sample to participate, so we hope that you'll take a few minutes to take this on-line survey at: http://www.itestassessments.com/research/710cm586kfh35/?DDR=29752
Industry Deck: Products for Manufacturing Professionals, Design Engineers, and Industrial Buyers.
Are you looking for new products in the industrial marketplace? Industry Deck from NEW EQUIPMENT DIGEST is changing the way the industrial market learns about, specifies and purchases products, equipment, and services. Click here for more information: http://www.nextdecks.com/industrydeck/current/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better machines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
SimplexGrinnell: Your OneStop* provider for integrated fire, security and communications. Serving you via the GSA Schedule. To learn more, visit: http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/gsa
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
KI is an award-winning, international furniture producer. Products include office seating, stacking and guest chairs, tables and wall systems. http://www.KI.com
Polythane Systems and the affiliated companies sell spray polyurethane foam for roofing, walls and tanks and the coatings necessary to complete the system. http://www.polythane.com
Alamo Industrial is the world's largest manufacturer of tractor-mounted vegetation management equipment. Built Sharper to give you the edge you need! Visit http://www.alamo-industrial.com
Installed in over 100 military and government facilities around the world, Onity provides superior electronic locking systems, e-safes and energy management solutions. Visit http://www.onity.biz
Skatewave Modular Skatepark Systems is a division of Landscape Structures Inc. Skatewave was founded in March 2001 and since then has installed more than 350 parks across the United States, Canada and Southeast Asia. Visit http://www.skatewave.com
Electric Eel Mfg. produces a full range of sewer cleaning equipment for the municipal market. Pipeline inspection and location equipment also available. Visit online at http://www.electriceel.com
Rubbermaid Commercial Products: Material handling, transport, sanitary maintenance, safety, waste systems, food service products, and healthcare products. Visit http://www.specialmade.com
Government fleets - comply with EPAct and Executive Order 13149, and meet petroleum reduction goals with help from FuelMaker and NGVs. http://www.fuelmaker.com
Toro. Power, Performance and Productivity. Discover solutions for your turf maintenance challenges at http://www.toro.com/grounds. Register for government updates at http://www.toro.com/grounds/gov/govform2.html
Upbeats Institutional Catalog features site furnishings/amenities including trash containers, park benches, picnic tables, ash urns, bike racks, banners and more. Shop online http://www.upbeatinc.com
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. http://www.crown.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
C & H Distributors provide a fast, efficient way to purchase shelving, cabinets, packaging and shipping products, or office furniture. Visit: http://www.chdist.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
