Status of Wilder Commission Rec's

In the mail today (yes, on a Sunday), I received a copy of a JLARC study that reviewed the status of the recommendations made in 2002 by the Wilder Commission. The report finds that:

Of the 62 recommendations, 22 appear to have been fully implemented, and another 16 are partly implemented or underway." And:

There are 24 specific recommendations that remain unimplemented, including the consolidation of several executive agencies, the funding of constitutional officers, and a comprehensive review of the potential for privatizing the functions of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

As has been stated elsewhere, this last item could result in a $700 million savings each and every year. Seems as though that might pave a lot of roads, no?

But what are some of the others on the list?

Eliminate the Commonwealth's function as a power plant operator by developing the energy management process that will enable the private sector to take over the management, upkeep and upgrade of power plants.

Develop a common chart of accounts that can identify with precision the total amount of dollars spent on consultants, utilize a return on investment criteria for consultant engagements and implement periodic external reviews of consultant utilization and renewal procedures.

Remove Virginia Correctional Enterprises as a mandatory supplier for universities.

Reduce inventory balances in VDOT, DOC and ABC by 20%

Centralize distribution centers.

Standardize inventory management practices across state agencies.

And many more.

The Wilder Commission's recommendations are not a silver bullet for restraining costs. That can only come through diligence and will power. But they are a start. And it is in the long-term interest of the Commonwealth to see all these recommendations put in place immediately.