New legislative task force on government efficiency outlines data‑collection roadmap

Representative Nathan Toman, chair of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency, told the Leadership Division the task force has begun outreach to some agency staff and stakeholders and plans a data‑driven approach to identifying efficiency opportunities.

Toman said the group’s intent is to partner with agencies and regulated stakeholders to gather information on program flows, vendor relationships, agency pain points and opportunities for both near‑term savings and longer‑term value. “We’re not trying to be the bad guy,” he said, describing a focus on empowering agency staff and identifying statutory or regulatory changes that improve service delivery and outcomes.

He said the task force will collect cost‑basis and cost‑benefit metrics, including qualitative measures of program effectiveness where appropriate. Representative Ruth Dobrevich asked whether the task force will examine return on investment and qualitative outcomes; Toman replied yes and said that program‑evaluation work would include both fiscal and programmatic measures.

Toman told the committee the task force may use external auditors or contract support if needed; he noted the panel has no separate budget at present but that Legislative Council staffing and analytic support have been authorized. He said the task force will coordinate with interested stakeholders including the Chamber and GNDC for regulated‑industry input.

No formal determinations were made at this meeting; Toman asked for cooperation from agencies to provide requested data and for Legislative Council support to house analysis.