Here’s how Greitens’ task force wants to shrink state government

A task force created in April by a gubernatorial executive order issued its recommendations to shrink Missouri’s government.

The report asks the legislature to eliminate nearly 450 appointments and consolidate or eliminate several boards — many with business implications.

“Government is too big, too slow and works too poorly,” Gov. Eric Greitens said in a news release. “With these recommendations, the task force took an important first step to shrink the size of government and make it work better for people.”

In the area of economic development, the task force recommends the elimination of two boards, the consolidation of two and a reduction in size of another.

According to the report, the state’s Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board and Life Sciences Research Board no longer meet and, therefore, are not necessary.

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway last year criticized the small-business board — tasked with providing input to state agencies on rules adversely affecting small businesses — over a lack of participation by members, saying it is “not functional.” Earlier in the year, the board described itself as operating at a “sub-par level,” prompting the audit.

The board’s website lists one southwest Missouri member, Scott George, president of Mid-America Dental & Hearing Center in Mount Vernon. However, the site appears to be out of date with some members’ terms, including George’s, listed as expiring four years ago.

The Life Sciences Research Board was created in 2003 to enhance the state’s life sciences research and development. Pinegar Chevrolet Inc. owner Edward Pinegar is listed as a member.

The task force also recommends creating an overall inclusive board to hold the Missouri Minority Business Advocacy Commission and the Hispanic Business, Trade and Culture Commission to streamline operations. The report also suggests reducing the Missouri Workforce Development Board to the minimum federally required of 20 members from 32.

Other task force recommendations include:
    •    creating a new Health and Senior Services Board and consolidating seven commissions into it;
    •    eliminating boards that no longer meet such as the Missouri Quality Home Care Council; and
    •    consolidating the Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee into the Air Conservation Commission or the Missouri Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board.

The task force recommends the General Assembly create legislation on its proposals in the next session, beginning in January.