Wolf creates ‘transformation’ office to find cost savings
HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday stamped a new name on the agency in charge of finding cost savings in Pennsylvania’s state government.
The Democrat signed an executive order rebranding Republican former Gov. Tom Corbett’s Innovation Office as the Governor’s Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency – or “GO TIME.”
In a brief news conference, Wolf acknowledged his recent predecessors sought to publicize similar efforts to root out unnecessary costs and said he understands why people may be skeptical about the new packaging. But, he said, he is optimistic his team will uncover significant savings in an annual state operating budget approaching $30 billion.
The governor said more than once that “it is not about cutting,” but rather it is about making changes that are taxpayer friendly and less expensive.
He declined to offer any specific ideas but cited changes he made during the nearly 30 years he ran his family’s building-products distribution company in York County, such as consolidating some operations and improving customer service.
“Citizens are our customers,” he said.
The executive order calls for initiatives that would save at least $150 million to help shrink a projected $2 billion-plus shortfall in the fiscal year that starts July 1.
Wolf appointed five of his top advisers to act as a steering committee and named Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich as the chairwoman. The heads of all state agencies are directed to form “innovation teams” to recommend and implement initiatives that save money or promote efficiency.