Montana Accountability Partnership

Duplicate submissions from the same e-mail address have been removed

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Submission ID :	1072
Submission Date :	4/1/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	Governor Schweitzers office is asking for ideas to make cuts in the state's budget & join the Montana Accontability Partnership. I would like to make the following suggestions. We need prison reform!!! There should be mandatory parole-Release prisoners who are program complete, and have maintained clear conduct. This alone will save millions of taxpayer dollars! Release non-violent offenders-Release prisoners with technical violations whose consequences could be addressed in the community. Halfway Houses-Allow community based organizations and private citizens to provide housing. Our prison's should not be run on a for profit basis. Quit giving more and more money to the Montana Dept. of Corrections, as they will continue to keep the prisons full, in order to aquire more money from the Montana taxpayers. We need to provide Treatment and Education to inmates. This issue is continually swept under the rug by our society and government. Now is the time for change. Sincerely,

Submission ID :	1071
Submission Date :	4/1/2010
Categories :	Energy
Suggestion :	Budget Saving Ideas State of Montana Publish Building Operating Schedules With Notations on when the Buildings Operated Outside the Schedules The Problem Most buildings operate HVAC systems a great portion of time outside the scheduled limits. This is at least partially due to occupant complaints, unbalanced systems or other factors that may be fairly easily addressed. For example my cubicle is 74-degree F right now (submitted in February). Solution Regularly published Building Operating Schedules posted in break rooms or other high-use areas would show occupants the times that the building HVAC system is operating outside of recommended parameters. The Schedules could offer a picture of temperature differentials, time of day, and costs associated with running the system outside of the recommended operation protocols. Occupants would be better informed about how individual behavior affects building management.

Submission ID :	1070
Submission Date :	4/1/2010
Categories :	Energy
Suggestion :	Budget Saving Ideas State of Montana Reduce Electrical Use in State Data Centers The Problem Data Centers are a major electrical consumer for the commercial sector and almost certainly for the State of Montana. At present, most state agencies house their own data centers with little or no accountability for the energy they consume. A recent report to Congress by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that data centers consume more electricity in a year than the 250 million televisions in the U.S. The energy used to power and cool data centers has doubled in the past five years, and is expected to nearly double again in the next five. The cost is estimated at $7.4 billion annually. Computer and server energy use runs a little more than half of a typical Data Center?s electrical cost. Cooling is about 20 percent and lighting 10 percent. Fans, pumps and distribution constitutes about 15 percent. Most servers require on average about 200 percent of rated power to accommodate distribution and cooling. According to one industry website, many Data Centers are overcooled and over-humidified. A recent Computer Economics survey shows that about 44 percent of organizations with Data Centers do not include any of these electrical costs in IT budgets. This is also the case with the State of Montana, where most facility electrical use is collectively metered and paid without benefit of a breakout by type of use. Data Centers are often sited into inappropriate spaces that cause overheating in adjacent work spaces and unnecessarily high cooling costs. When profiled for utilization, most companies find that they?re running servers at an average of only 5 to 10 percent of capacity. Many servers are powered up once and remain on full-time, using electricity and dumping heat. Many servers are left on because power-down procedures must be performed in a precise, coordinated and systematic fashion. Solutions The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Feb. 19th that it has joined with the EPA and industry leaders to develop energy efficiency measurements, metrics, and reporting conventions for data center facilities. Organizations that collaborated on the guidelines include ASHRAE, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, DOE?s Save Energy Now and Federal Energy Management Programs, the EPA?s ENERGY STAR? Program, and the United States Green Building Council. This movement to standardize measurement is an important start. In the meantime, data centers should be branch circuit monitored to establish a baseline for energy use: www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/01/22/data-center-energy-efficiency-through-bcm/ Perhaps most importantly, the branch circuit monitoring of the data centers should calculated and added to the working IT budget of the agency, rather than to the facility or administrative budget. This serves as an immediate incentive to redu

Submission ID :	1069
Submission Date :	3/31/2010
Categories :	Health Care
Suggestion :	I have been a Registered Nurse for nearly 29 years. During that time I have see a lot of money wasted in the health care field. In my recent past I have worked as a travel nurse at Montana State Prison. At the MSP the nurse has many duties. One of these duties,is to pass "pills" to the inmates. These medications that are provided with tax payers money are given free to the inmates. We all know that once the inmate is released from prison he will most likely not continue his medication regime because he cannot afford it. Just like the tax payers that cannot afford their medications. These medications come in blister packages, if the inmate had to pay for these medications, for instance 2-5 dollars a blister pack, I can guarantee that they would stop abusing, misusing and refusing the medications provided for them. Therefore, saving tax payers dollars. Also the inmates receive good medical care at the Infimary. Included in this is Emergency care. I am all for taking care of someone with a true emergency, but the inmates constantly abuse the ER system by feigning illnesses or requesting care for minor scrapes and scratches. I say charge each of these individuals a nominal fee for each ER visit that is a non-emergent situation. If the inmate had to pay for health care services, he'd think twice about abusing the system. You can bet he wouldn't seek care that costs money once he is on the outside, unless it was a true emergency. If he did care, why doesn't he utilize the the fitness equipment and walking track provided at the prison, paid for by tax dollars. The inmates have learned to manipulate the system to their advantage. Why do we have to pay for health care above and beyond what you, I or they could afford on the outside? For example, say a inmate has HIV, the drugs that treat this condition costs thousands of dollars. If you and I needed these drugs they would be cost prohibited. The inmates have ways to earn money and/or have families that send them money. They buy things from the canteen or via catalogs etc. The health care providers at the Infirmary work hard and provide excellent care to the inmates. I know this is frustrating for them to watch this abuse. It needs to stop. I also know that if the inmate had to pay for their health care services, even nominally, we'd feel a whole lot better going to work.

Submission ID :	1068
Submission Date :	3/31/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	Like most citizens I don't want new laws or new taxes. I prefer to work with what we have. The inventory tax seems like a good way to go. for Instance, a citizen who lives a few miles from us, in Lake County has 500,000 junk tires, he was paid to take the tires. Considering that the tires are used for fencing and barricades, the tires have value, therefore tax the tires as business inventory. This logic would also apply to the conservative estimate of 2000 junk vehicles (unlicensed) that have parts sold off the junkers. The 100s of folks with junk yards who sell junk as a regualr way (in cas) to make a living. If anyone wants the tour of the eastern part of Sanders Co. where I reside, please call and I'll give you the tour.

Submission ID :	1067
Submission Date :	3/30/2010
Categories :	Social Services
Suggestion :	PREMISE: TIME EQUALS MONEY, PARTICULARLY WHEN TAXES ARE USED TO PAY THE WAGES OF STATE EMPLOYEES. If you do not agree, please read no further. If you agree that time equals money, continue reading. I propose the State provide on the CSED website (csed.mt.gov) mock examples of child support calculations with explanation of the most commonly used variables. I believe so strongly in this idea that I have spent hours of my personal time and prepared the mock examples and explanation that could be utilized at the CSED website. Packet is available in PDF. The cost-savings will come in the time-savings of caseworkers avoiding hearings that consume time in the preparation of exhibits to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) and the actual hearing time involved for the caseworker and the ALJ. Guesstimate of minimum of 12 hearings/month/region = 48 hearings @ min of 1 hr of joint ALJ and caseworker time = 48 hrs @ approx combined pay rates of $45 = MIN $2,160 savings per month. I believe in transparency and remember that CSED is funded by taxpayers of MT ? CSED is not a ?free? service. I also believe that by providing access for the public to an explanation of the child support calculations, the public paying for this service will be better served, having an opportunity to be an active participant in the process for ACCURATELY calculating child support, and more willing payors. Caseworkers at CSED make decisions at every phase of the child support establishment and enforcement process based on information (or lack of) provided by the parents, intentionally or unintentionally. When the parents know what information is required, how it is utilized, each can then make sure that the information is supplied and then applied properly by the caseworker. Once the informative visual explanation is available, I contend there will be less instances of parents asking for hearings when, ?the numbers just don?t seem right,? or failing to ask for a hearing because of not knowing WHAT to dispute in the hearing request process, but then avoiding paying child support. Instead, s/he can simply point out to the caseworker the mistake or provide the information required for a revised calculation. Additionally, access to this information at the website will assist the caseworker in saving time by being able to direct a parent to the website, and then inviting the parent to return with concrete questions, instead of only an invite/challenge that the parent request a hearing. The fact is there is simply not enough time, especially with the influx of cases during this economy, to go over the extensive amount of information involved in the calculation in each case. In situations where a parent does not have access to the internet, then a packet could be mailed to the parent. The occasional use of the additional paper and expense of postage could still divert the higher expense of the far more valuable caseworker and ALJs time. Everyone wins: Service and Savings! Thank you!

Submission ID :	1066
Submission Date :	3/30/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	(cont) I understand over worked and having to focus on the big cases. But do you have any idea how many small crimes are committed and there's simply no recourse for the victim? And the criminals know this -- There's a guy in SD who has been booted from eBay for his business practices, has $2,000.00 of my money and heaven only knows how much money he's stolen from other honest people and I can guarantee he knows they can't touch him. It's only law abiding people who don't know they really don't have any true recourse. So, if no one is going to change the rules to give these investigators some serious clout, it's just a sham to have the office. It costs, I would assume, a fair amount of money, accomplishes nothing and wastes victim's time. And, I'm sure it's very frustrating for investigators. I'm quite certain they are sincere in their wishes to truly help consumers. Just as I'm certain this is one of the most impotent forms of protection ever designed. In this economy, to pay for this joke of a service is a crime. Government needs to either give them the power to actually investigate and prosecute or be honest with it's citizens, own the fact it's a joke and close the office. Find a better way to serve we little, insignificant people and actually get something for the taxpayer's money. Thank you for your time and attention. I hope life always treats you kindly. Sincerely, PS Do you realize that by teaching my 83 year old father to say, "I did not authorize that charge and these are predatory marketing practices. I expect a full and immediate refund or I will be contacting the Attorney General's office.", this old man has accomplished more than if we had actually filed a complaint with the AG? That's just sad…

Submission ID :	1065
Submission Date :	3/30/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	I would, first of all, like to thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Montana. It has made a huge difference to have someone who will stand up for what he believes in -- I respect the character. Thanks for not wasting my votes. I would also like to present a cost cutting suggestion. After three years of watching both the South Dakota and Montana Departments of Consumer Protection, under the auspices of the respective AG'S offices, prove what toothless tigers they are, I see no reason to maintain this office any further. When a citizen can provide incredible documentation and proof of theft by deception, hand carries them a case, and they can't even get the guy to respond to their complaints, it's a waste of tax payer money. I had to file a complaint with the Sheriff's department to even get this guy's attention. And then, the real joke is that because the AG's offices wasted so much time, accomplishing nothing, there is now concern that it's too old to prosecute. How cute. It's obvious the prime goal is to simply close the files, not actually acomplish any meaningful consumer protection. While I really do like the person investigating the case for me in Montana, and her hands are probably really tied by some office rule I'm not aware of, her final response to me would indicate she really didn't have a grasp of the facts. And considering the documentation she had in her posession, left me disappointed and wondering if anyone ever really listens. (cont)

Submission ID :	1064
Submission Date :	3/30/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	quit printing the state map so often, many must go in the garbage

Submission ID :	1063
Submission Date :	3/29/2010
Categories :	Jobs, Wages & Small Business Other
Suggestion :	No state employee should be allowed the perc of having a state car. The state should only pay mileage if an employee is required to use their on vehicle for work.

Submission ID :	1062
Submission Date :	3/29/2010
Categories :	Hunting, Fishing & Access to Public Lands
Suggestion :	The governor should make an executive order requiring all motorists who hit and kill game animals on the highway to report it to their insurance companys. The insurance companys would be required to pay the state of Montana for the loss.

Submission ID :	1061
Submission Date :	3/29/2010
Categories :	Education & Training
Suggestion :	GoToMeeting is a web conferencing tool that provides a method to meet online rather than in a conference room. It is an easy and cost-effective way to organize and attend online meetings. This technology enables staff and customers to view any application running on a PC or MAC in real time. With the flexibility to meet online, it frees up staff time, reduces travel, and saves on costs. There were a number of reasons that moved the decision to purchase GoToMeeting. Workforce Services Division (WSD) has 25 local Job Services offices throughout the state. WSD could increase efficiencies and cost savings by reducing the need for on-site meetings whereby reducing the cost of meals, mileage, hotels and windshield time. In addition, when staff use VOIP, there are no long distance call costs. WSD can now organize meetings in minutes. Meetings can be set up through Microsoft Outlook and scheduled in advance or immediately. Attendees receive a notice via email regarding date and time and then can join the meeting at the appropriate time. No additional technical equipment is needed other than a telephone and computer. Statistics From December 2007 to December 2009, WSD has conducted 383 meetings using the GoToMeeting technology. These meetings ranged in topics from director, staff and committee meetings, technical training, and programming on-going training, staff training, and project collaboration. Yearly license cost of GoToMeeting is $2124. Cost savings to date: $47,000.

Submission ID :	1060
Submission Date :	3/28/2010
Categories :	Jobs, Wages & Small Business Energy Natural Resource Development Other
Suggestion :	My suggestion is to look at the maintenance and operation of all state buildings to reduce the money spent in energy to heat and cool, as well as reducing maintenance cost and increasing efficiency. In addition by finding a way to reduce water consumption and chemical usage in the operation of closed loop heating and cooling systems, the state would benefit environmentally and further save additional money for our state. By implementing the Evolu-Tech Catalizer which is widely used in Canada the savings could be exponential: economically, environment and create local jobs. FINANCIALLY it would reduce building operation cost an average of $0.10 per square foot in existing buildings. It would help rejuvenate old system preventing or eliminating retrofitting allowing for retention of historical equipment as well as costly replacements. By incorporating the use of the Evolu-Tech Catalyzer during initial construction in new buildings and facilities, it would reduce cost of operation by eliminating chemical usage, increase energy transfer and maintain as new operation in new systems and reduced maintenance frequencies. It has been calculated that after installation of the Evolu-Tech Catalyzer average savings add up to $0.10 cents per sq. ft. resulting in millions of dollars in immediate savings. This savings are adjusted depending on building age. ENVIRONMENTALLY the Evolu-Tech Catalyzer would preserve and improve our environment by removing the use of harmful chemicals which are employed in the operation of closed loop heating and cooling systems. These chemicals are drained in our sewer systems every year as we conduct maintenance or winterization of said systems. With the Evolu-Tech Catalyzer this water can be used in secondary irrigation systems. Also with the Evolu-Tech Catalyzer water consumption levels are reduced in cooling towers, utilizing less of our natural resources for operation. When we add all the water used throughout the state for the operation of cooling towers and the waste, we can save millions of gallons of our most valuable resource, while not harming it by the disposal of chemicals in it. This adds up as a tremendous economical and environmental benefit to our State and Nation. JOB CREATION Evolu-Tech Int. has plans to locate its manufacturing plant in Ennis that will service the entire country with an initial employment of five local residents and provide competitive wages. This will help kick start our local economy during the construction of the manufacturing plant spurring economic activity as new money is pour into our community, and after completion with the addition of permanent full time employment with the opportunity to continue adding jobs as Evolu-Tech becomes widely used throughout the country. For supporting documentation please refer to the package that was mailed. Thank you for your consideration.

Submission ID :	1059
Submission Date :	3/28/2010
Categories :	Other
Suggestion :	I am including several ideas in this post that individually may have small savings, but cumulatively may have a positive impact. Having worked for state govt for 20 years, I can remember times of voluntary leave without pay. It worked very well allowing those that have the ability to make the choice wether would be able to take time off. Some folks would not be able to financially make that commitment, but those that would may provide some savings that will prevent any permanent reduction in hours across the board. It is particularly desirable for those that have children that can afford the reduction in pay to have that valuable time with the kids that goes by much too quickly anyway. Road and interpretive signs are replaced when vandalized by paint balls, shooting, spraypaint. There may be significant savings by using a "sticker" of the info and just placing over the defaced sign. Rather than printing out new metal or wood signs, as long as the sign structure was fine, could have a new sticker placed on the sign with the 55 MPH or FWP Park or FAS signage that for some reason is prone to vandalism. I noticed that most state agencies don't advertise in the newspaper for jobs anymore due to the cost, however I see the school districts regularly paying for large ads for teachers and principals. Since the schools are state funded they should also follow the guidelines of state agencies to post for free at job service and those types of job seekers know to go to job service and their own website or search on state job listing. I see the newspaper ads for these positions as a waste of taxpayer money. Remove from the OCHE budget the amount of the pay differental awarded to the retiring president of UM. In these economic times, that pay raise was a thumb in our face. Thanks for your consideration.

Submission ID :	1058
Submission Date :	3/26/2010
Categories :	Health Care
Suggestion :	Eliminate the asset test for adults applying for Family Medicaid. Montana is one of only a handful of states requiring families to prove the value of resources. Adults applying for Family Medicaid are required to prove they do not own assets totaling more than $3,000. Documents applicants must supply include but are not limited to: Bank statements for checking and savings accounts; financial statements for certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds; income tax returns; life insurance and burial policies; statements of loans and gifts; auto or equipment loan statements; vehicle registrations and titles. Workers in DPHHS Offices of Public Assistance spend an extraordinary amount of time collecting and analyzing the myriad of documents needed to determine the value of a family?s assets. Ascertaining the cash value of assets is complex and the process may need to be repeated during annual eligibility redeterminations. Eliminating the asset test for adults applying for Family Medicaid would expedite the time to process applications and ease the workload of the more than 400 Public Assistance workers across the state who are struggling to keep up with an increase in applications for public assistance programs due to the downturn in the economy and the expansion of children?s health care programs. A new Medicaid eligibility determination system has increased the time needed to process applications for Medicaid. If Public Assistance workers do not need to spend time collecting and analyzing documents related to family assets, they will have more time to spend on applications for other programs. Their workload will be reduced and the need for more workers will decrease along with the need for more office space and equipment. In addition, providing 12 months? continuous coverage for adults with Family Medicaid will eliminate the need for Public Assistance workers to analyze changes now required to be reported within 10 days of the change. All children covered by Medicaid/Healthy Montana Kids have 12 months? coverage; allowing their parents to have the same coverage will provide continuity of care and decrease monthly reporting burdens on families and Public Assistance workers. State law change is not needed for either of these initiatives, only changes to Administrative Rules and the Medicaid State Plan. Adults eligible for Family Medicaid are relatively inexpensive to insure. The 32,455 adults covered by Family Medicaid in State Fiscal Year 2009 cost an average of $2,128 per person in medical costs. Premiums to insure a state employee in the current year are $7,704 a year before a single health care claim is paid. The passage of health care reform at the federal level provides the ability for states to offer Medicaid to all low income adults. Now is the time to ease the burden on Public Assistance workers and families, eliminate the asset test for Family Medicaid, and provide 12 months? coverage in preparation of increased Medicaid caseloads in the future.