Beard praises passage of State Government Reorganization Bill

State Representative John Beard of Decorah is praising the Iowa House passage of the state government reorganization bill.

The plan finalized by the House Monday is estimated to save taxpayers an additional $126 million next year, bringing the total savings from reorganization efforts passed this year to about $265 million.

"In these tough economic times, the $126 million we saved on government reorganization this week will help us fund our key priorities in education and job creation while keeping the state budget balanced without raising taxes," Beard said.

The bill reduces energy costs, combines state purchasing, cuts down on middle management to keep front line workers in their jobs and consolidates information technology. With the passage of the bill by the Iowa House, the bill now goes to the Governor.