With Growth Comes Duplication

Growth in government inevitably leads to duplication.

I once served on a state legislative committee that asked the legislature's research arm to issue a report on all state programs that involve children. We received a report that showed duplicative programs through every agency--programs that shared the same goals such as achieving better nutritional outcomes for our children.

Each agency was unaware of the similar programs in the other. When pressed, an agency would defend its program as totally unique and more effective than the other program.

If that's occurring on a state level, you can imagine the scope of the problem at the federal level.

Actually, you don't need to imagine--Congress is about to receive a report from its research arm detailing billions of dollars in duplicative programs.

The goals of each program can still be met--but the programs can definitely be administered in a more efficient and effective manner.