Governor Walker announces lean reorganization at the Department of Safety and Professional Services
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MADISON – Governor Scott Walker says over $1 million in taxpayer dollars will be saved through the reorganization of the Department of Safety and Professional Services. The agency reform results in the delivery of services in a more effective, efficient and responsive manner.
Part of the move is the culmination of Governor Walker’s vision for the merger of two former cabinet agencies into the DSPS. The Division of Safety and Buildings merges with the Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services to create the new Division of Industry Services. Efficiencies created under the plan will allow the revamped Division to relocate from its current location in the Tommy G. Thompson Commerce Center to the existing DSPS footprint at 1400 E. Washington Avenue.
Updating the new Division’s management structure will save taxpayers $1.3 million per year, while vacating the Tommy G. Thompson Center will save approximately $27,000/month in leasing costs.
“When we merged two cabinet agencies to create the DSPS, we knew there were administrative efficiencies to be found while maintaining the quality of the services our stakeholders have come to expect,” said Governor Walker. “I would like to thank Secretary Ross and the DSPS staff for achieving this victory by using cutting-edge lean government principles.”
Another part of the DSPS reorganization brings all legal services provided by the Department under single management in the new Division of Legal Services and Compliance (DLSC), formerly the Division of Enforcement and the Division of Board Services. All Department attorneys have been moved to DLSC and structured into legal practice teams run by a team leader under the general supervision of a legal manager.
“This lean model eliminates management redundancies that were previously created by housing legal services under two separate DSPS divisions,” said Governor Walker. “Further, it organizes the flow of accurate, consistent and legally sound information to professional Boards so they can make well-informed decisions.
“In Wisconsin, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers while improving our customer service. Analyzing our processes and operations using lean government principles isn’t just a good idea, it has already resulted in millions of dollars in savings at the DSPS.”