In response to the enthusiasm surrounding Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, Republican officials in over a dozen states are initiating their own efficiency programs. They emphasize their longstanding efforts to reduce costs, with several governors claiming their states were ahead of the trend.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated, “We were DOGE before DOGE was cool,” while Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Idaho Governor Brad Little made similar remarks. These state initiatives come amid budget constraints due to declining tax revenues and reduced federal spending.
Governor Stitt aims to cut over a thousand jobs from Oklahoma's workforce of 31,600, although he clarified that most reductions would come through retirements and attrition rather than layoffs. Governor DeSantis has announced plans to cut 740 jobs as part of his budget.
However, the state efforts differ significantly from those in Washington, where software engineers are being employed to overhaul government systems. Current job cut discussions remain limited, with some states establishing cost-cutting panels that resemble traditional legislative committees.
In Louisiana, the Pelican Institute for Public Policy plans to host a summit to share citizen ideas for efficiency, while the town of Keenesburg, Colorado, is forming a DOGE advisory board. These initiatives reflect a broader trend among governors who have held office for extended periods, echoing past advisory panel practices.
Despite some state workforces increasing under Republican leadership, concerns about job cuts have arisen, particularly from public sector unions. In Oklahoma, the Public Employees Association expressed worries over threats of layoffs, citing existing employee workloads.
The Oklahoma governor acknowledged that federal funding constitutes about 40 percent of the state budget and emphasized the need for states to have a voice in federal funding discussions. He instructed his team to plan for potential federal cuts while maintaining essential services.
Critics, including Democrats, have expressed skepticism about the efficiency initiatives, noting that Republicans have controlled Oklahoma's government for nearly two decades. They argue that any identified waste should be attributed to the current administration.
Additionally, Musk's government efficiency initiatives have faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest and for targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which have also been scrutinized in some state efforts. In North Carolina, a Republican-led committee is investigating state officials regarding D.E.I. programs.
Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa has announced plans for a state advisory body, praising Musk's initiatives while facing criticism for undermining the powers of the state auditor, who is responsible for enhancing government efficiency. Observers note that the auditor is Iowa's only statewide elected Democrat.
In Arkansas, State Senator Bryan King has proposed a constitutional amendment to establish a Department of Government Efficiency, including specific budget cuts. He has expressed a willingness to critique spending practices across party lines.