Fiscal Fitness Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will this affect everyone?
A. Yes, this is a holistic initiative...all state employees will be participating in the process.

Q. What makes you think that this will work?
A. WeÕve seen efforts like this before by past administrations. This is a new administration and the opportunity for change has never been more apparent. The Governor has made a commitment to the people of RI to make government more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, this initiative is driven by state employees...not consultants.

Q. Why do we have to change things?
A. Some of the old ways of doing things are inefficient. By becoming more efficient, we can reduce costs and improve how we deliver services to the taxpayers. The cost of running the government continues to increase and raising taxes is not an option.

Q. Most of the problem is due to outdated equipment, facilities or lack of resources...what are you going to do about these things?
A. If during the review process, we find that by improving or consolidating facilities or adding new technology we can save money in the long run, these options will be fully explored.

Q. What about the "sacred cows?"
A. Every activity within every department will be looked at and evaluated for process improvements and cost reductions.

Q. Some things are happening, such as the taking away of cell phones, State automobiles, etc. How far-reaching is this initiative?
A. There are many areas of state government that are being looked at by management and by other oversight agencies. These are things that should be being done as a regular way of managing our operations. The GovernorÕs Fiscal Fitness Program is focusing primarily on process improvements.

Q. Is this just another name for the "Big Audit?"
A. The GovernorÕs Fiscal Fitness Program is a more comprehensive initiative that goes beyond auditing. The Big Audit is just the first step.

Q. What about the vacuum created by employees leaving their regular jobs to join the project team?
A. We agree that this is a very important issue because we are already working with a reduced number of FTEs. The alternative would have been to bring in outside people. That would be inconsistent with our intention to have this initiative be one of high employee involvement. We believe that we will get the best ideas from our employees. It is an investment in our future. We thank all of those employees who will be picking up the slack during this time. The goal is to get employees back to their primary jobs as quickly as possible.

Q. How will we keep everyone in the loop?
A. We have a well thought out communications plan that is designed to keep all of our audiences informed on a regular basis. There will be regular update meetings; a newsletter; information posted on the GovernorÕs website; a hot line; press releases and other communication activities.

Q. How can all employees get involved?
A. There is a dedicated hot line and email address where employees can ask questions and offer suggestions. You can find the contact information on the GovernorÕs website.

Q. Have the state employee unions "bought-into" this concept?
A. Representatives from the major unions sit on the Program Steering Committee. We are working closely with Union leadership to keep them informed.

Q. Has this ever been tried before?
A. Many times in businesses throughout the country with much success.

Q. What precedent is there in government for this "business model."
A. We believe that this will be a first for a state government. Rhode Island will set the precedent and become a model for other states to emulate.

Q. How do you expect this to work in government?
A. The review process is fairly straight forward and open. We realize that there are differences between a private enterprise and state government. We have and will continue to take those differences under consideration as we proceed.

Q. Will every idea be considered?
A. Yes. Each idea will get evaluated against a set of criteria. Those ideas which meet the criteria for further consideration will be forwarded to the Steering Committee for further consideration.

Q. How will any of these ideas be funded if they involve capital improvements, technology, etc.?
A. If an idea has costs associated with it, it must also show a measurable return on the investment.

Q. Will this result in job elimination?
A. The focus is on process improvement and work flow... not eliminating jobs. However, there is the possibility that certain job functions may change or be eliminated. In these cases, affected employees will be treated fairly and in accordance existing collective bargaining agreements.

Q. How will you implement changes or ideas that are restricted or mandated by union contracts or legal mandates?
A. All such changes will be handled in accordance with the applicable laws and contracts. Contracts will be renegotiated and new legislation proposed if warranted.

Q. What are the financial goals?
A. There will be stretch goals determined after the preliminary steps of the process have been completed. We first have to determine the exact current state of affairs.

Q. How inclusive is this initiative? Is there minority representation on the teams?
A. Yes