There's a lot of talk in St. Paul this year is about streamlining the state's permitting process. They passed a bill this week. But I am not sure that lawmakers read it before they voted.
I thought legislative leaders wanted to make the process cheaper and faster. But, the fiscal note attached to the legislation passed Thursday says it will require 19 more state workers and cost an additional $1,833,000 in 2012-13. Well … so much for cheaper.
I bet you're thinking "wow, if we are going to spend all that extra money, I bet these permits will be completed a lot faster and that it will really help businesses." Sorry. The same fiscal note says the legislation "would result in a slightly longer response time for all permits".
Are you as confused as I am?
In the dictionary, the word streamline means to make something "more efficient and simple." At the capitol, it apparently means something else.
I Thought You Said "Streamline"
In the dictionary, the word streamline means to make something "more efficient and simple". At the capitol, it apparently means something else.
February 26, 2011 at 2:14AM
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