A Spending Boost We Don’t Need

Here are a couple of items in the Governor’s proposed budget that the Commonwealth could do without.  Both are in the Office of the Governor, each with a budget request of $599,192 for each year. That is a total of $2.4 million for the biennium. The description of the purpose of each budget amendment comes from the Budget Document, prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Office of Chief Diversity Officer. “This office promotes inclusive practices across Virginia state government; implements a strategic plan to address systemic inequities in state government practices; and facilitates ways to turn feedback from state employees, external stakeholders, and community leaders into concrete equity policy.”

From my Soapbox: This is a classic bureaucratic statement that says nothing.  This sounds like a make-work position.  To top it off, the office is to have three employee positions: the director and two others.

Office of Chief Workforce Advisor. “This office connects Virginians to the skills, training, and opportunities they need to thrive in the 21st century economy. The office partners with government offices and the labor and business communities to identify and fill vacant jobs in high demand sectors.”

From my Soapbox: I thought the state already had someone whose duties fit this description. The title of that person is Commissioner, Virginia Employment Commission. However, it seems that the Governor’s office already includes a Chief Workforce Advisor, Megan Healy, who is shown as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. If I were a member of one of the money committees or staff to one of them, I would be asking the following questions: Why does the state need two senior officials to connect employers with potential employees? Since there is already a Chief Workforce Advisor, who has been on the job for awhile, why does she need an additional $600,000 annually? What will that $1.2 million over the biennium buy? Will her salary come out of that amount? If so, what does the Governor plan to do with the money in his budget that is being used to pay her salary now?