Executive Order by Governor Jim Gibbons Establishing the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission

WHEREAS, Nevada continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation, resulting in dramatic increases in government expenditures over the past thirty years. Specifically, the total state budget has increased by 35.3% (per capita, adjusted for inflation) since 1979; and

WHEREAS, it is incumbent on any responsible government to ensure that its expenditures are reasonable, responsible, and prudent, particularly when a state continues to experience rapid population growth with a corresponding increase in government expenditures; and

WHEREAS, the wise and responsible use of taxpayer dollars is a goal that all public officials should support and strive for; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that state government maintain a low tax burden on its citizens while still providing essential state services; and

WHEREAS, a careful examination of state expenditures by an objective, neutral and bi-partisan body will help provide increased government efficiency and accountability and ensure that state government operates within its means and in a responsible manner; and

WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides that “The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Gibbons, Governor of the State of Nevada, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada do hereby order and create the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (“SAGE Commission”). I further order as follows:

  1. Mission Statement: The SAGE Commission shall make recommendations that will: identify areas of government spending where savings can be found; identify areas where increased efficiencies in state government operations can be found; and identify means to improve state governmental services to citizens. The specific areas of state government reviewed shall be within the discretion of the SAGE Commission.
  2. Appointees: The SAGE Commission shall consist of twelve members appointed as follows:
    1. Six members appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall serve as chair of the SAGE Commission; and
    2. Two members appointed by the Governor from a list of six recommendations provided by the Senate Majority leader; and
    3. Two members appointed by the Governor from a list of six recommendations provided by the Speaker of the Assembly; and
    4. One member appointed by the Governor from a list of three recommendations provided by the Senate Minority leader; and
    5. One member appointed by the Governor from a list of three recommendations provided by the Assembly Minority leader.
  3. Members: The members of the SAGE Commission shall be recognized, established business leaders, either active or retired, with the expertise and experience required to carry out the mission of the SAGE Commission. No member should have a personal or professional conflict of interest that would prevent such a member from fully andobjectively discharging his or her duties. No member should derive a financial benefit from the work of the SAGE Commission, other than the general financial benefit received by all citizens from increased governmental efficiency.
  4. Terms of Office: Members serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Members should be willing to commit an average of 20-30 hours per month, over a 2 year period, towards the work of the SAGE Commission.
  5. Compensation and Reimbursement: Members shall receive no compensation in any form and shall bear their own expenses.
  6. Open Meeting Law: The SAGE Commission shall comply with Nevada’s Open Meeting Law.
  7. Staff and Resources: The SAGE Commission shall be responsible for its own staffing and resources.
  8. Committees: The SAGE Commission is authorized to create committees or subcommittees to carry out its mission. Committee or subcommittee members may include both members of the SAGE Commission and non-members.
  9. Recommendations: The SAGE Commission shall provide recommendations, or in the absence of any recommendations a status report, to the Governor every 90 days beginning on September 1, 2008. The SAGE Commission shall present its final report and recommendations on or before June 30, 2010.

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