The Problem
Idaho state government runs dozens of programs across agencies that often overlap or duplicate efforts. Job training, mental health outreach, rural economic development, and youth services are spread across multiple departments with similar goals, leading to wasted money, confusion for citizens, and diluted results. Agencies rarely coordinate or merge programs because there is no systematic review process. This results in millions in redundant spending every year while essential services remain underfunded and Idahoans get less help for their tax dollars.
What I'll Do Day One as Governor
Sign an executive order to create a temporary Duplicate Program Elimination Commission and direct agencies to cooperate fully. Right away:
Establish a commission of 10 to 12 members (agency heads, citizen volunteers with real-world experience, and one legislator from each party) to identify overlapping or redundant programs within 12 months.
Require every agency to submit a full inventory of their programs, budgets, and outcomes to the commission within 60 days.
Direct the commission to publish an initial public list of potential duplicates and overlaps on Transparent Idaho within 120 days, with recommendations for consolidation, merger, or elimination.
Launch pilots in two to three high-overlap areas (for example, workforce training and mental health services) to test consolidation ideas, with results posted in 180 days.
Use early savings identified by the commission to redirect funds to frontline services (no new spending required).
This uses powers I already have under executive oversight of state agencies and existing administrative authority. No new laws needed first.
How This Is Different From Now
Right now, agencies operate in silos with no mandatory cross-department review. Overlaps and redundancies persist for years because no one is tasked with finding and fixing them. This way creates a focused, time-limited commission with clear deadlines and public reporting. It enforces coordination that should already happen, eliminates waste systematically, and redirects savings to real priorities instead of letting duplication continue unchecked.
What I'll Push the Legislature For
Easy laws to make it permanent:
Establish a standing Duplicate Program Review Commission (renewed every four years) with authority to recommend consolidations.
Require agencies to submit annual program inventories and outcome data for review.
Mandate public posting of commission findings and legislative consideration of recommendations.
Authorize automatic reallocation of savings from eliminated duplicates to frontline services unless the Legislature votes otherwise.
No big new spending. The commission is volunteer-based with minimal staff support from existing agency resources.
How We'll Check It Works
We will keep it honest with:
Public postings on Transparent Idaho of program inventories, commission findings, recommendations, and savings achieved.
Regular audits of commission progress and agency compliance.
Citizens Task Force to review commission reports, take public tips on overlaps, and recommend improvements.
Yearly report showing programs consolidated, dollars saved, and funds redirected to frontline services.
Everything open for anyone to look at and ask about.
Answers to Common Questions
Won't this disrupt important programs?
No. The commission identifies true duplicates, not essential unique services. Recommendations protect core functions and focus on efficiency.
How do we make sure the commission is fair and not biased?
It includes balanced membership (agency heads, citizens, bipartisan legislators). All findings and recommendations are public on Transparent Idaho for scrutiny.
What if agencies resist cooperating?
The executive order requires full cooperation. Resistance is reported publicly, and the commission can escalate to the Governor for enforcement.
Does this cost taxpayers extra money?
No. The commission is volunteer-based with minimal support from existing staff. Savings from consolidations more than cover any small costs.
How does this connect to the budget reform?
Duplicate elimination directly feeds budget reallocations by freeing up dollars that can be redirected to priorities without cuts to essentials.
How does this connect to agency performance audits?
Audits identify operational overlaps; the commission focuses on program-level duplicates. Findings from both feed each other for maximum efficiency.
How does this connect to procurement and contracts reform?
Consolidated programs reduce redundant contracts and vendor payments, amplifying savings from procurement reform.
What about rural or small programs that might be merged?
The commission prioritizes maintaining local access and effectiveness. Rural voices on the commission and Citizens Task Force ensure rural needs are protected.
How will we know if it is working?
Public reports on Transparent Idaho will track programs consolidated, dollars saved, and funds redirected. Citizen tips help identify additional overlaps.
What if the commission recommends eliminating a program that has political support?
Recommendations are advisory. The Legislature makes final decisions, ensuring political accountability and public debate.