Finally. . .   A government official has figured out that the best people to advise the political leadership on how to make government work best are the people who do it every day.  Lt. Governor John Cherry is asking state employees to comment and make recommendations on how to modernize state government.  He has invited Michigan AFSCME Council 25 to the table and we are planning on being there.

 An internal workgroup within the Administration has suggested seven areas of core government activities.  At first blush this may look like just another job cutting, service reducing exercise.  We must make sure it is not.  Unlike the budget cuts of the past, Lt. Governor Cherry wants us to help structure the reform. 

 AFSCME has been making suggestions along these lines for years.  Bloated bureaucracy and excess management weigh things down.  Outsourcing and privatization waste millions of dollars in jobs that our members can do better and more efficiently.  Contract employment creates unfair working conditions.  Now we have a forum to do something about it. 

 Recently, you received a letter requesting your input from Lt. Governor Cherry.  Council 25 wants to help push your ideas forward collectively.  Together we can make a strong impact and get the type of CHANGE WE NEED.  By working together we can use this process to save state jobs and improve our working conditions.

 The Lt. Governor suggests seven core services.  The problem is Michigan has become so crippled by economic and budget restraints that those very core services have been hindered.  With more and more economic concerns, it is clear we have to try new and better ideas than the ones that no longer create jobs.  You don’t get to full employment by cutting jobs!

 We plan on putting a comprehensive proposal before the Lt. Governor and we need your help to do so.  Send your suggestions to the Council through your staff rep.  They will coordinate our efforts with our civil service director and our legislative director.  And be sure to watch our website www.miafscme.org for updates.  It’s our turn now!