How Do You Eat an Elephant?
One bite at a time!
Little changes can add up. That’s why I enjoyed this Wall Street Journal article about small ways that the federal government has found to save money, adding up to a savings of $102 million. That’s enough to subsidize 68 bicycle races in the state of Missouri.
Critics point out that $100 million is a tiny fraction of the federal budget. They’re right that cutting costs in millions of dollars doesn’t have much effect on the inefficiency of government. It’s not enough — but it is the first step. A government that does nothing about obvious, easily avoidable inefficiencies certainly won’t cut back on the most entrenched programs.
And, although publicizing $100 million in savings with great fanfare may be a shameless PR move, I’d like to see more of this kind of PR from government. Usually, politicians highlight the number of people affected by government programs, or some equally invalid measure of success. Cost-cutting PR is a welcome change.
A savings of $100 million would be more meaningful at the state level. I hope the state of Missouri will follow the federal government’s lead on this and look for ways to save $100 million. If officials need ideas about which expenditures are nonessential, may I nominate the bicycle race?
