What’s behind Obama’s reform plan?

The president proposed in mid-January, after three years in office, for more power to reform government. He is requesting from Congress consolidation authority for six agencies related to business and the global economy.

In principle the idea is appealing. He wants his team to review the agencies for waste, duplication and complexity and fast-track a proposal to Congress for an up-or-down vote within 90 days. Streamlining seems admirable if the proposed changes actually free business to compete globally with less government bureaucracy.

Obviously, something needs to be done since the executive branch’s employment grew from 1.875 million workers in 2008 to 2.128 million two years later. With the executive branch growing by more than a quarter million workers or 13.5 percent, calling for a leaner government now may only be making room for the added bureaucracy that ObamaCare and the Dodd-Frank Act are adding.

Why not include those on the reorganization list as well as government job train programs? With 44 of 47 federal training programs overlapping you would think there is plenty of fodder there also.

Is the president’s government reform initiative a power grab or a political talking point or will it lead to a more efficient government?

Stay tuned, voters. Remember, the devil is in the details and an educated electorate will lead to a prosperous democracy.

Mike Tennis

Sleepy Hollow