MONTGOMERY— Governor Robert Bentley today appointed 22 members to serve on the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government.

Governor Bentley signed Executive Order Number Four creating the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government on January 25, 2011. The duty of the Commission is to work with the Legislature and the Governor’s Policy Office to analyze and explore new ways to reduce government spending with minimal or no reduction to essential state services.

The committee members include: Finance Director David Perry, Treasurer Young Boozer State Personnel Director Jackie Graham, Auditor Sam Shaw, ADO Director Seth Hammett, Mental Health Commissioner Zelia Baugh, Ruffner Page, Mike Thompson, Charles McCrary, Tom Hamby, Johnny Johns, John McMahon, Judy Bonner, Retired General Ed Crowell, Will Sellers, Billy Powell, Alfred Seawright, Bill Wallace, and Greg Powell.

Ex-Officio members of the committee include Jim Williams, Executive Director of the Public Affairs Research Institute, Gary Palmer, President of the Alabama Policy Institute, and Leslie Meadows, Program Director for Auburn University Montgomery’s Certified Public Manager Program.

“We are in challenging economic times and state government must do what every Alabama family is doing right now and that is find ways to cut back on spending,” said Governor Bentley. “The members of this commission will take an in-depth look at the current cost structure of every state agency and look for new and effective ways to cut costs without cutting essential services. I appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to receiving their recommendations.”

Lt. Governor Kay Ivey will serve as Chairman of the Commission.

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of Governor Bentley’s Commission on Improving State Government. This Commission will be focused in its efforts. We will first review previous studies before undertaking others. Further, I am committed to seeing that the results of this Commission can be used and not simply “put on a bookshelf to draw dust.”

A preliminary report of recommendations by the Commission will be delivered to Governor Bentley by June 1, 2011. Following action on recommendations in the preliminary report, a comprehensive review will begin to evaluate all branches of state government to identify additional recommendations to improve efficiencies and reduce costs while protecting essential services.