| SENATE MAJORITY OFFICE State Capitol
|
News Release
June 20, 2011
CONTACT: Molly Woon (503) 986-1074
Government efficiency bills move in Senate
HB 2020 asks agencies to take closer look at management-to-staff ratios; HB 3247 helps small businesses register with the Secretary of State
SALEM –Two pieces of legislation that improve government efficiency in the delivery of services to Oregonians received broad support in the Senate this afternoon.
House Bill 2020 requires state agencies to report to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the ratios of employees to supervisors, ratio of employees to managers, and the number of non-supervisory managers along with a description of their duties. HB 2020 will require the Ways and Means Committee to develop a plan to attain a ratio of employees to supervisors and supervisory managers of 11 to 1 for each unit or division of an agency with more than 100 employees.
“These tough times have demanded that we reevaluate business as usual when it comes to how government works for the people of Oregon,” said Senator Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin), co-chair of Ways and Means and chief Senate sponsor of HB 2020. “We need to make sure that the emphasis in state agencies is on protecting front line services to Oregonians. Management is an important part of oversight and ensuring quality in state services, but we need to work toward balance in each agency.”
HB 3247 directs the Secretary of State to create and maintain a “One Stop Shop for Oregon Business” web portal. This website will help businesses start, expand, relocate, or operate in Oregon by giving businesses access to important information and resources in one place. Business owners and operators will be able to update and maintain their registration information online and be able to track progress on documents having to do with filing and permitting.
“There are more than 300,000 active registered companies in Oregon, and small businesses make up 98 percent of this total number,” said Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson (D-Gresham). “This legislation was introduced with these small companies in mind. This is another example of our work this session to help make it easier to do business in Oregon.”
Both bills now go to the Governor for his approval.
###
For more information on the Senate Majority Caucus, please visit www.orsenatemajority.org