Do you have ideas about how state government can be more efficient?
Your opportunity to share your thoughts with state lawmakers will come next week when the House Committee on Downsizing State Government hosts public hearings throughout the state.
The panel, chaired by Rep. Paul Curtman, R-Pacific, will conclude its three-day listening tour at the Capitol. The local hearing will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in House Hearing Room 7.
Prior to that, the panel will travel on Tuesday to St. Louis County, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff and Springfield.
Wednesday's schedule includes stops in Joplin and Independence. Thursday will include visits to St. Joseph and Columbia before the panel returns to Jefferson City.
Curtman said the meetings around the state will allow the panel to hear from Missourians about what they believe is the proper role of state government.
Efficiency and effectiveness in government are perennial topics debated and discussed by both public servants and the public.
• Do we expect government to confine itself to providing essential government services? If so, how is essential defined?
• What is the most effective, and least burdensome, method to pay for those services?
• Are there more efficient, and less costly, ways to deliver those services?
Those questions only begin to scratch the surface of the ongoing dialogue about government's role, revenues and responsibilities.
Some of the people you have elected to make a difference are rolling out the welcome mat and are ready to listen.
If you have an opinion, you won't want to miss this opportunity.