Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed his government reorganization bill today and promises we’ve not seen anything like it. Perhaps.
My rant is inspired by learning that the head of Tobacco Control, Steve Goode, is one of those appointed by the governor to oversee his transition team. If you can’t just ignore the law, kill it completely. That seems like an efficiency mantra to me.
Anyway, the governor announced his transition “team”
Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced the formation of the Transformation Transition Team, a team of state employees who will assist with the implementation of the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019, which the Governor signed into law this afternoon.
The Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019 authorizes the reduction of the number of cabinet-level agencies from 42 to 15 and accomplishes the largest reorganization of state government in almost 50 years.
“Today was a historic day as I signed the Transformation and Efficiencies Act of 2019,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This is a significant accomplishment that sets Arkansas on the right course to better serve her citizens. But this legislation is just the beginning. We have a long road ahead as we work to implement these changes to transform state government.
“I have put together this team to ensure a smooth transition in the upcoming months. I carefully selected the members of the transition team and am confident that each member’s unique experience and expertise will be a valuable asset as we make history by reforming the way state government operates.”
The Transformation Transition Team will operate at no additional cost to the state. The members of the team will serve in concurrence with their current state agency positions and will receive no additional compensation. The team will use office space in the Union Plaza Building at no additional cost to the state.
The Transformation Transition Team will begin its work on Monday, April 15, 2019, and will continue operations no later than July 31, 2019.
Members of the team are:
Amy Fecher – Chair
Governor’s Office – Office of Transformation
Arkansas Economic Development CommissionBetty Anderson
Arkansas Economic Development CommissionChad Brown
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration – Office of State ProcurementCharlie Collins
Arkansas Department of Finance and AdministrationSteve Goode
Arkansas Tobacco ControlSolomon Graves
Arkansas Department of CorrectionsJay Harton
Arkansas Department of Information SystemsDanni Hoeffer
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration – Alcoholic Beverage ControlConley Hurst
Governor’s OfficeAlex Johnston
Arkansas Economic Development CommissionCaleb Osborne
Arkansas Department of Environmental QualitySteven Porch
Arkansas Department of Career EducationAnn Purvis
Arkansas Department of HealthMitch Rouse
Arkansas Department of Environmental QualityPhillip Warriner
Arkansas State PoliceBrooke Woodward
Governor’s Office – Office of Transformation