Does Missouri Need a DOGE?

The Cato Institute’s recent report, “Cato Institute Report to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): How to Downsize and Reform the Federal Government,” underscores the urgent need to streamline federal operations by significantly reducing government intervention. The report identifies three critical challenges: the federal government’s frequent failure to achieve its objectives, a notable decline in U.S. economic growth over the past 25 years, and an unprecedented surge in government debt.

The report advocates for a substantial reduction in federal spending, emphasizing the elimination of programs that are redundant or fall within state jurisdiction. The goal of this new approach is to alleviate the economic burdens imposed by excessive federal regulations and expenditures.

Missouri needs to conduct a similar exercise. The state’s budget has expanded significantly, with general revenue spending increasing nearly 50% over the past three years. As my colleague Elias Tsapelas has pointed out, this led to a “D” grade for Governor Mike Parson in the Cato Institute’s Fiscal Policy Report Card, indicating a pressing need for more disciplined fiscal management.

These reports serve as critical reminders of the importance of efficient government operations. We need a leaner government that prioritizes essential functions and empowers states to manage their affairs more effectively.