Capitol Report

By

Brad Lager

 

Thinking Outside the Box

 

One of the main reasons that the private sector does a better job of meeting society’s needs than the public sector is because of the private sector’s willingness to be innovative and solve problems by thinking outside the box.  While the private sector rapidly embraces innovation, government is often reluctant to do so.  All too often, when faced with challenges and adversity, government attempts to use antiquated ideas from the past to solve the challenges of the future. 

 

As citizens across this great nation work to manage record energy and fuel costs, we are starting to see some that innovation at work.  If working only within the box, companies would do nothing more than raise prices or slash workforce.  However, by thinking outside of the box, we are starting to see many companies adopt unique approaches aimed at reducing costs while providing their employees greater flexibility.  One such example is the implementation of a four-day workweek.  By simply extending the work day a few hours each day, companies have been able to achieve the same level of productivity in a shorter timeframe.  As a result, they have been able to eliminate energy costs and reduce transportation costs for their employees.  When properly implemented, this solution has the ability to benefit both the company and the employees.

 

Through innovative ideas and processes, we will create opportunities to solve challenges within government.  For example, with the appropriate statutory changes, the General Assembly could give local school boards the flexibility to adopt longer school days but a shorter school week.  Schools could save millions in transportation and energy costs, which could begin to restore some level of certainty to exploding budgets.  While the implementation of this concept is not simple and could not happen overnight, there is no reason to cast aside the idea just because it is different than how things have always been done.

 

While a four-day workweek is not the solution for all businesses or government bodies, it is an example of how a willingness to think outside the box is an incredible asset.  Those of us who live and work in the private sector understand what it means to do more with less.  We are quick to find new solutions to old problems and this trait is what gives us the ability to endure tough times.  Raising taxes and inflating budgets should never be the answer because there is always a new solution to our problems.  I believe government should embrace innovative ideas that come from outside the box rather than thinking that the only answer is higher taxes on Missouri ’s hard working citizens. 

 

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns.  The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building , Jefferson City , MO 65101 .