On Tuesday, President George W. Bush presented the annual State of the Union address to the nation. We heard updates and future plans on the War on Terror, Homeland Security, the economy, entitlement programs, health care and other issues. He also outlined budget priorities for the 2004-05 fiscal year. Congress is charged with passing a final budget.

That same day, Governor Jeb Bush presented his proposed state budget for fiscal year 2004-05. Funding levels were suggested for education, the environment, health care and the Attorney General’s Office, among other things. The Legislature is required to pass a final budget by June 30.

With so many competing budget priorities, agencies rarely receive the funding that they desire to accomplish all that is on their agendas. There are simply not enough resources to fund everything no matter how worthy. At the same time, there are ways that managers – from Governors and Attorneys General to division directors and bureau chiefs – can serve the public in a cost-effective manner.

First, by prioritizing, funding can be targeted toward the most pressing needs. Managers must make the tough choices to fund areas such as public safety or public health, over other areas that would be funded in a perfect world.

For instance, we are seeking an even more aggressive approach to combating Medicaid fraud. Theft from this vital program that helps the poor must continue to be targeted. In 2003, more than $27 million in public Medicaid funds were recovered – a worthy investment.

Second, we can perform an important public service by spending the taxpayers’ money wisely and saving wherever possible. Government officials must treat the public’s money like it was their own.

An example of our commitment to this concept can be found in our Administration and Technology Division. By reducing travel and by re-negotiating and reviewing contracts and leases, we were able to save more than $300,000 in taxpayer money. In a state budget totaling in the billions this may not seem like much, but it can add up. Compare it to personal budgets. If any of us can save as little as $50 or $20 out of our own pockets, wouldn’t we do it?

Finally, we can look at alternative ways to fund worthy endeavors. Most Floridians would like to help the truly needy, but understand budget constraints. The Attorney General’s Office is able to help some organizations dedicated to serve the less fortunate.

For instance, a settlement between the Attorney General and three manufacturers of vitamins contained a provision for more than $16 million that is going to fund local health and nutrition programs for kids, women and seniors. Education has been the beneficiary of other settlements.

We should also not forget the importance of volunteers, who can fill gaps created by less than total funding. The role of government is to do the best job that we can for the people who elect us. We owe it to them to manage their resources wisely.



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