"We are always interested in finding ways to do our job better and at lower cost -- but that is especially important these days, when state government is looking for savings at every turn," Rell said during a news conference at the offices of her budget agency, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). "With the national economy in the doldrums and so many of our surrounding states facing massive budget shortfalls, I am determined to do everything in my power to keep Connecticut's financial books in the black.
"No one knows more about how state government works than the men and women on the front lines," Rell said. "That is why I am asking for their direct input. The innovations that are suggested under the I³ program will come straight to the Governor's Office. That will allow us to tap into that collective experience and implement initiatives that will benefit both their agencies and the public. Ideas that we use will not only get public recognition -- they will be eligible for cash awards as well."
Rell created the I³ program so state employees from all branches of state government, including the higher educational institutions and constitutional offices, can submit an innovative idea, approach or strategy that will result in cost savings for the state without diminishing services or agency missions. Innovations could be directed toward such efforts as a reduction in agency expenses; improved services to the public; increased productivity; improved delivery of services; increased efficiency; or increased revenue.
One example: OPM prints more than 5,000 budget-related documents every two years for distribution to lawmakers and their staff, agency officials and employees, the media and the public. By making increased used of electronic distribution, OPM plans to cut the biennial print run by 25 percent, a projected savings of $11,701.
State employees and retirees will be able to submit their innovative ideas through the Innovations Web site. Using an online form, employees or groups of employees can describe their ideas and the situation or condition the innovation would address. Elected and appointed officials are welcome to submit innovations but are not eligible for the cash awards.
Following a review process, the best innovations will be selected for recognition. The I³ Awards ceremonies will be held every six months, with the first scheduled for January 2009. All of the ideas selected for recognition will be posted on the Innovations Web site. The deadline for innovations to be submitted for recognition in January is November 14, 2008.
"We have already implemented a number of measures to cut state expenditures and the I³ program complements those efforts nicely," Rell said. "As we go forward, employees' suggestions can -- and will -- play a significant role in providing Connecticut residents a more effective government while generating cost savings."
