ST. PAUL, MN - More than 50 state employees, who worked on ten different reform projects, were honored yesterday for their efforts to improve state government. These initiatives were selected for making government work better for Minnesotans, while also saving time and taxpayer dollars. As part of Governor Dayton's ongoing initiative to make government work better for Minnesotans, state agencies have been asked to find innovative ways to deliver better services and implement efficiencies.

The Governor's Continuous Improvement Awards celebrate individual and organizational achievements that have increased the productivity and efficiency of state government services, while improving the delivery and responsiveness of customer service. Thirty-three teams from across the administration were nominated for this year's awards. These projects already have saved Minnesota taxpayers more than $1 million.

The Minnesota Department of Health received an Agency Achievement Award based on the strength of their many nominated projects, including faster flu testing, enforcement, identifying birth defects, and reductions in reporting times. The other six reform initiatives that were recognized on Tuesday came from across Minnesota state government:

Approving Road Construction Projects 62 Percent Sooner
Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, Federal Highway Administration

When state and local construction projects with federal funding in the metro region have changes to cost or scope prior to selection of a construction contractor, a request for the changes must be approved by the Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, and the Federal Highway Administration. Previously, the approval process could take three to four months - often causing costly delays.

Working together, the agencies reduced the amount of paperwork and the length of wait times to streamline the approval process. Thanks to the reforms, project changes are being approved 62 percent faster - saving taxpayer's money and getting projects finished more quickly.

Issuing Job Creating Permits at the Speed of Business
Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency

Permitting efficiency and reporting efforts provide more certainty for businesses wanting to expand and create jobs here in Minnesota, while continuing our state's strong environmental protections. Thanks to reforms directed by Governor Dayton, the Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency are issuing approximately 99 percent of environmental permitting decisions within 150 days of when an application is completed. These reforms are creating an accountable, transparent and predictable permitting system that supports job growth, while protecting the environment.

Improving Health at the Luverne Veterans Home
Department of Veterans Affairs

Previously, residents at the Luverne Veterans Home were struggling with nutritional needs and undesired weight loss. The facility also was wasting food that went uneaten. This year, the Luverne Veterans Home began providing residents more meal choices and began allowing them to order meals not on the planned menu. These changes have increased how much residents are eating - alleviating many weight and nutritional issues, and reducing food waste. Overall, monthly surveys show resident satisfaction with their meals has reached a new high, with an average rating of 4.72 out of 5.00.

Humans Rights Case Backlog Reduced 50 Percent
Department of Human Rights - Enforcement Unit and Administrative Staff

Before the Department of Human Rights improved its investigative process, the agency was unable to examine all discrimination complaints in a timely manner - to the detriment of Minnesotans. Then in 2011, the department began reforming the way it investigates discrimination complaints. Thanks to these efforts, the agency is on pace to complete 875 investigations this year. In 2010, the department was only able to complete 225 cases. This initiative also has reduced the backlog of cases more than year old from 159 to 85.

Streamlining State and Federal Education Programs
Department of Education - State Library Services

Since 2013, the Department of Education's State Library Services has reformed the way it delivers state and federally-funded programs. The agency team has improved applications to make them easier to understand and clarify program requirements. These improvements have led to better customer service, including fewer questions related to procedures, payment amounts, and timing. The reform initiative also has freed up staff time - allowing an additional employee to work with Minnesota libraries to help improve early learning experiences and close achievement gaps.

Simplifying Tax Paperwork Using Plain Language
Department of Revenue

The Department of Revenue's "Saying it Simply" initiative has helped the agency simplify their various tax forms and other written materials. The changes have made it easier for Minnesotans to complete paperwork, find resources, and understand letters and websites. For example, usability testing shows that the time it takes Minnesotans to find information about paying their taxes went from 42 seconds to 13 seconds. The plain language initiative also has contributed to a 65 percent decrease in the number of call center messages and a 10 percent increase in the number of customers who direct deposited their refunds.