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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor
Timothy M. Kaine FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor January 3, 2007
Contact: Kevin Hall
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone: (804) 393-9406
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov
GOVERNOR KAINE LAUNCHES “VIRGINIA PERFORMS” WEB SITE TO ALLOW CITIZENS TO MONITOR STATE GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE
~ Also announces $3 million in grants for agencies that boost efficiency, productivity ~
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today launched an interactive Web site that allows citizens to review measurable performance targets for state agencies and institutions, and to monitor how the Commonwealth measures up from region to region and compared to other states. The Governor also announced creation of $3 million in grants to allow state agencies to act upon innovative ideas submitted by citizens and others for delivering low-cost, efficient government services.
“This transparency provides our citizens with useful information and encourages our state agencies to remain focused on measurable results,” Governor Kaine said. “This should reassure Virginians that their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, allowing individuals to review our challenges at a regional level, learn which state agencies are working to address those challenges, and then having easy access to information on how well these agencies are performing.”
The site www.VAperforms.virginia.gov focuses on seven key areas and outlines the state’s long-term goals for each: Economy, Education, Health and Family, Public Safety, Natural Resources, Government and Citizens, and Transportation. Within each area, selected societal indicators are used to help answer the question “How is Virginia doing?” Approximately 50 indicators are used, ranging from third grade reading scores to cancer incidence. Where available, data is used to compare Virginia to nearby states and national rates.
In addition, users can get a detailed demographic profile at the state, regional or locality level. A mapping feature allows users to create custom reports on dozens of measures at the local or regional level.
The Web site was developed in partnership with the Council on Virginia’s Future, established in 2003 and charged with creating a vision of Virginia’s future and a system for state government that supports that vision. The Governor chairs the Council, and its membership is a unique public/private partnership, comprising representatives from the General Assembly, the Governor’s Cabinet, business leaders, and citizens.
“As one of the best managed states in the country, the Commonwealth is in a strong position to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of government, and I appreciate Governor Kaine’s leadership on this issue,” [Council Vice-Chair John “Dubby” Wynne] said. “Citizens can help their government identify and select areas for improvement. With the initial pool of capital available through the productivity grants, I am confident the Commonwealth will make great strides towards building a culture of continuous performance improvement.”
For more information on the www.VAperforms.virginia.gov site, please contact Nancy Roberts qt the Council on Virginia’s Future at (804) 371-2346, or via email at COVF@virginia.edu.
The $3 million Productivity Investment Fund will provide seed money to state agencies to lower operating costs, reduce constituent service transaction times, and advance key performance goals as published on the Virginia Performs website.
Ideas for improvement projects will be solicited from state agencies, private sector firms, academic leaders, and citizens. Recipients will be limited to state agencies but public-private partnerships are encouraged.
For more information on the Fund, please visit www.innovations.vi.virginia.gov. For specific questions, please contact Assistant Secretary of Technology Thomas Gates at (804) 692-2580, or via email at thomas.gates@governor.virginia.gov.
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