Regents ask for more efficiencies

Gov. Chet Culver today put his government efficiency initiative into motion, calling for up to $128 million in cost savings in the next fiscal year. State Board of Regents President David Miles called on the three regent university presidents and two special schools directors to go beyond the governor's recommendations in searching for more streamlining and cost efficiencies. Miles directed the UI, ISU and UNI presidents to immediately undertake efforts to identify functions, processes and operations that can be further consolidated or streamlined to result in cost savings. The institutional reviews should include, but not be limited to, the regents-specific suggestions contained in the statewide efficiency report done by Public Works LLC, Miles said.  "Your review should also encompass the potential for greater inter-institutional cooperation that would achieve a net cost savings, as well as further cost saving refinements that can be made in your benefits and compensation systems," Miles said in the statement.  He called for a report on Feb. 4 regarding progress on efficiency measures.