Governor Branstad has rejected the legislature’s latest attempt at “government efficiency.”
Legislators say they would have saved about $3.5 million in the state budget with their ideas. The bill called on state agencies to use email, when possible, and use both sides of a piece of paper to print official documents.
But Branstad vetoed the entire bill. In a veto message, Branstad said most of the proposals are “not significant” and were things he’s already ordered state agencies to do. Branstad particularly objected to part of the bill that would have started a “Medication Management” program for state employees. Branstad said that’s a topic for collective bargaining and should not be addressed by the legislature. The governor also warned the way legislators drew up the rules may have actually cost the state more in prescription costs for state workers.