The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis [Paperback]

David Osborne (Author), Peter Hutchinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2006

Government is broke. The 2004 federal deficit is the highest in U.S. history. The states have suffered three years of record shortfalls. Cities, counties, and school districts are laying off policemen and teachers, closing schools, and cutting services. But the fiscal pain won’t go away, and the bankrupt ideologies of left and right offer little guidance.The Price of Government presents a radically different approach to budgeting—one that focuses on buying results for citizens rather than cutting or adding to last year’s spending programs. It advocates consolidation, competition, customer choice, and a relentless focus on results to save millions while improving public services.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The current budget deficit reflects a permanent fiscal crisis that requires profound changes in the way government functions, according to Osborne and Hutchinson in this follow-up to Reinventing Government (1992). A fiscal crisis is looming at a time of rising demand for public school funding, internal security, and health insurance. With the government at a standstill and using accounting gimmicks to avoid making real decisions, the authors offer sound advice: reverse the budget process so it starts with "results we demand and the price we are willing to pay"; cut government through strategic reviews; increase accountability; and use technology. Citing their own experiences (Hutchinson as former Minnesota commissioner of finance, Osborne from work with former vice-president Gore on the National Performance Review) and examples of initiatives from hundreds of localities, the authors look at what works and what doesn't and how government at all levels can make changes to increase the effectiveness of its programs, reduce costs, and deliver services. This is a highly accessible look at government and finance for readers of all political perspectives. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A how-to manual for a local or state government that wants to redesign its budget to emphasize and maximize results." -- Minneapolis Star-Tribune

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (February 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465053645
• ISBN-13: 978-0465053643
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting concept- Too bad it does not work, October 9, 2005

By 

Philip J. Moore (Alma, MI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Price Of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis (Hardcover)

I enjoyed reading this book even though it is very very repetitive. I thought the book contained some great data on the price of government. It also had good analysis and explanations on why the price of government varies between states. The analysis on why government is in the fix it is quite good. The book is weak on the solution part. Their concept has never been successfully implemented. Those with budgeting experience will understand why once they read the book. For managers on a local level the book does really appreciate the effect state and federal mandates have on government operations.

The book was successful in provoking some thought about basic budgeting assumptions. The book is a worthwhile read provided you don't expect it to offer a workable process to solve budget problems.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A blueprint for better government, April 19, 2004

By 

"babak77" (St. Paul, Minnesota USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Price Of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis (Hardcover)

This book is about our future--the one we can have if we choose the difficult path of dramatic change. The authors present a convincing argument that we don't have to choose between higher taxes or service cuts. There are great opportunities for getting more from government services with the taxes we are willing to pay. The authors lay out a blueprint for pursuing those opportunities starting by radically changing the way governments do budgeting. The success stories are compelling. This is stimulating reading to anyone interested in getting better results for the dollar. I loved the chapter on politics and the argument for leading from the radical center.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Valuable, Depth, Practical, June 6, 2004

By 

Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Price Of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of Permanent Fiscal Crisis (Hardcover)

There is no question today that governments-at all levels-are in dire fiscal straits. Years of political maneuvering, wasteful spending, mismanagement, and an economic roller-coaster have taken their toll. While wonderful innovation has been seen in a number of government agencies at the federal, state, and local level, most have a very long way to go. The resistance to change must be overcome if we are to avoid widespread bankruptcy of the very organizations that we, as taxpayers and citizens, rely on for shared services and support. Change is a community effort, not just something to be delegated to a few elected or appointed officials. But the work to be done is akin to hugging a hippopotamus...especially if the animal doesn't want to be hugged!

The authors are consultants-which could be considered good news or bad news. In this case, it's good news. They are founder and senior partner of Public Strategies Group, a firm specializing in the field of improving government. Osborne is author of the best-seller, "Reinventing Government." These authors have the credentials that cry out how valuable their book might be.

The five sections of the book organize their huge volume of information, commentary, and advice: Smarter Budgeting, Smarter Sizing, Smarter Spending, Smarter Management, and Smarter Leadership. Through fifteen chapters the authors describe what's been happening, the impact, what changes could-or should-be made, and what benefits will result. There are no illustrations in this book-a few charts; it's straight text in page after intriguing page. Tremendous content that can be absorbed in a straight-through read or studied in a reference book fashion.

Community leaders will find an incredible amount of material to work with in these pages. The question is how many communities will have sufficiently strong and committed leadership-political and apolitical-to overcome the resistance of tradition and self-serving turf protection in order to bring about critically needed change. If you can build the community resources to make the needed improvements, this book will be a real treasure for exploring opportunities and finding wise solutions.