Sharing States

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota think their neighboring states can work together to improve efficiency and save money.

BY: Tina Trenkner | April 1, 2009

Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin (left) and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota (right) think their neighboring states can work together to improve efficiency and save money, and a new report issued by the two governors offers something of a roadmap. The 130-page Wisconsin Minnesota Collaboration Report outlines more than 80 projects, their benefits and drawbacks, implementation timelines, and program contacts in the two states. Some of the projects include:
o Improving implementation of state umemployment insurance programs.
o Developing lagging IT systems and providing support.
o Coordinating efforts to fund a high-speed rail line connecting Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul via Madison and Milwaukee.
o Promoting both states by emphasizing shared regions in tourism campaigns.
o Creating reciprocal agreements in the areas of trucking, dairy and child welfare.
The report stems from executive orders Doyle and Pawlenty signed in January directing state agencies to work with their complements across the border to investigate additional potential partnerships. While the governors' joint release says that the two states already share a number of procurements, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the initiatives in this report could save each state about $10 million in one-time costs.

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