Web site, e-mail: Links help citizens keep up with efforts to streamline government

The subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee on Privatization and Competition has created a Web site at www.showmecompetition.org and an e-mail link at competition@sen ate.state.mo.us, to make it easier for Missourians to stay aware of the committee's efforts to streamline state government.

The Web site and e-mail link are part of the committee's first report, which was released in January. According to a Senate news release, a final report is due at the end of this year.

The subcommittee held its first hearing in October 2003. It is charged with performing a competitive review of state services and making recommendations based on its findings.

"The citizens of our state desire and deserve the most efficient government we can provide," State Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, chairman of the subcommittee, said in the release. "We are pleased to offer them the opportunity to not only follow the subcommittee's progress via the Web site, but to also provide direct input via the e-mail link."

The subcommittee comprises 16 members divided equally among political parties. There are four senators, four state representatives and eight members from the private business sector four appointed by each legislative chamber.

"As executive director of The Missouri Coalition of Children's Agencies, I applaud the Missouri legislature for establishing a committee to examine current government functions that could or should be operated by community businesses and nonprofit agencies," said Carmen Schulze, private-business member of the subcommittee.