Pawlenty: Streamlining saved state government $250M

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says a government streamlining effort will save state and local administrations more than $250 million through July 2011.

The Republican governor's office issued a news release Thursday touting the savings from the "Drive to Excellence" initiative headed by Administration Commissioner Sheila Reger.

Pawlenty says Minnesota governments will save more than $150 million by setting standards for computers, photocopiers, cell phones and other office goods.

He also says negotiating contracts will lead to $95 million in savings.

The numbers come from a report Reger presented to Pawlenty last month. The report was posted on the Department of Administration's Web site more than three weeks ago.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.