Or a -- bringing Szilard Corbin education spending more. Or just about a 133 million dollars to move to new whipped through Odyssey company for standardized. Testing. A John -- -- and a state treasurer has a couple of questions about the show on -- should call. Thank you for having a problem. And more -- teller about liberals soon buddy John boy superintendent of education. Couldn't make sure he's traveling and we couldn't get anybody else from that represented -- -- a budget. Anybody in the audience to Sig zero wanted somebody wants to give the resume her apartment big occasions son of a -- or more than welcome. Nude and why. John why do you here. Obviously there -- completes. Has anybody who responded and said here's the reason we're doing. Com not really -- a personal -- I am short doctor white couldn't make it today. I know he's aware of the problem he's relatively new and I hope he won't fix it. This problem not just for the Department of Education but for all the other departments as. Been called to the attention of the legislature first by the streamlining the governor straight commission and our recommendation number 172. Which passed the governor's commission unanimously recommends that we eliminate 10% of our consulting contracts not just that the Department of Education but elsewhere. We had to build a -- at. Represented to reach shore which passed by. The Appropriations Committee in the house unanimously get past. The House of Representatives this year 94 to nothing unanimously. And it was killed. In the Senate Finance Committee. And it was blow up a bit ironic that the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee was also chairman of the streamlining commission. But obviously we've got a problem in the senate the governor testify against the bill must respect that had something to do it did the will be back next week or so half of the legislature's listing the other hand we're still trying to reach. Do you on the shooting -- commission I. Are you remember your quarters saying. Try to get the Education Department respond what information have got to had a big big stonewalling. To the cows come home. We had to. It's said that Dan and I think other members of the commission will. Will back me up on that we had a difficult. Time getting information from the department of education and for some of the agency east. The chairman and got some information Peru the back dole or from another legislate to orient you ask me. To take pick this issue one which had DN not from the Department of Education but through another legislative committee. We got some of the past contracts and and from two Alpert cup for for the years 2000 and to 2000. I counted 5400. In nineteen and consulting contracts. Not to bill but -- but these -- with consultants. It would 615. Million dollars. We're still looking into 2011. And -- We had many large contracts. Without state companies any in state companies that many small ones as well. We discovered for example. Three contracts with the University of Oregon. -- search we discovered a contract with Wellesley college. For re search. I'll be glad to to read you some of the other. If you would like yeah -- Ireland which are complaining about -- group got 94000. Dollar contract with the California company in -- teaching people children. How to play junior and I both -- Louisiana people children don't wanna play all the windows scrawled the shot train them. I mean they need at this don't think. Well you know not at the extent obviously understand the -- of your questions and not -- -- expand sort of love higher education and health care in coastal restoration and roads and it's not just the big ones Garland not. They're they're thousands of small contract. Re so. Well here's one with the hot to music company. It's for only 600 -- yeah actually. It's. That's the problem. The contractor provides a one hour keynote presentation that the general session of the conflict -- the here's one with the smiles and happiness foundation for 38500. Off. The here here's. 12. Assistant with the recruitment. Of Florida associate teachers from Belgium. Here is 1250000. Dollar contract. To contractor. Too bad that -- and reliable data to parentage to support informed school choices. Here's a 300000. Dollar contract but I'm reading news description now actually on the contract. The contractor will develop a CD and a workbook. To enhance students' cognitive and memory skills. In -- and -- calling mathematical skills. Through -- some music. And here's one for 341000. Dollar bridge. Which our region that that title create a public awareness campaign. Targeting multiple audiences in Louisiana. To establish a positive image. How school regional. Sickness -- pull my things you -- me up. He's something very important to me. Oh lord John furthermore -- of these things little -- -- -- -- -- -- as a stable person and he. You're sure Robinson. In Dublin is NCAA and interpublic is simply -- face -- until -- there and we needed another brain on the -- welcome. And I think John John John is our -- official -- He always -- to trying to scandals for the right. And he'll really care if he's not about party label I very much appreciate John and expertise to -- trying to do it. It's our leader and it. He's absolutely right I mean this it's the tip of the iceberg. These guys right now and the arts -- And it's 1000000008 -- there's spending on the first 400 million. Only 7% of the construction dollars went to Louisiana -- It's Jacobs number that's not my number I didn't make this number out. In this situation and how we educate children. And not let them see their parents their uncles there on your businesses participating. Apart from the racial issue. Of exclusion I'm part of Louisiana businesses generally. Now we have -- -- On that we devices we can use what it's designed built. The other is on CM at risk. Which could allow war. On decision making. A part -- its lowest did. And then what these guys peculiar in such away that eight bit that there -- make it a little bit who would do it hundred billion change orders. To -- it to where -- real it is peninsula these big companies are dual. So it's we have design build we can have firm pricing we have local people participating we can make it happen which on pushing. All all all that's the approach is not particularly focused right now. On the need to work on it this contract didn't think straight a local companies and not just arms so by people -- -- local companies get war. But -- -- -- and how we do that unconvinced. That John tortures casts. Because you've been you've been talking all of this for all these years. And this year for just the first salute you good sun -- There was some house members who -- -- That makes sense and I don't CAA evidences so untrue and they get crushed. Them when John and -- of the board what are the chances you bring it to light what are the chances again in the future. What it's it's very easy check in on the same acting governor sanctions that what I've been talking about is inconsistent. With his effort at privatization. And and it truly two different things. I'm talking about. Not issuing contracts. Their that are not pro are the champs ought to be. Have a stake out firm or an in state -- attention -- is this consulting contract. It's important or more important. Than teachers. Universe -- Rumors. Coastal restoration. Now -- on the person on the answer will be yes at least equally important but for me. The answer will be no end in the way you stop the years first the governor could stop it with an executive order but failing bad. All the legislature would have to do it would be to require transpires they would have to saying look from now all one. Every contract. -- to be submitted. To the joint legislative committee on the budget. And when I raise that they say oh we you'll overwhelm us with -- know. You just give a list every month. Of all of the contracts. If you don't ask for hearing the contract is approved. But the ones for example. With a hot to a music company someone is going to say now wait a minute. Why are we contract with the hot to the music company. And in many cases those -- one will choose to give up their contract because they know there's they can't stadiums -- Little reborn -- white suit does superintendent of education. I mean. Syria and his comments. All the contracts comply with -- Jim good loan which would require. The -- trying to route 50000 dollars be sent out for bid. There or laws -- the -- boarding procurement. That ensures that -- fears again in the best of value of the dollar. It is no one's individual decision. Crude to enter into a contract we're at it do for reflection of the law is that the suggestion that hey. The people that provide this service best. Or out of state. That's not that's not accurate though what what doctor why these saint. There -- many exceptions many of these are words -- called sole source. Where where they're not get out. And -- -- -- and number two here. There is no one reviewing these contracts we heard testimony from the office of contractual reviewed the disposed to review them. And they're nice people but they testified very candidly to us streamlining. We don't check these contracts for policy would just make sure the signature issue that I'm sorry I interrupted you and I didn't mean to but I just wanted. I didn't wanna leave doctor white's comments on correct -- public. I'm glad it's you said that BP you're actually right they have. Designed -- provision they have all kinds had negotiated contract provisions for what the government calls that value. We gave me an example. Of it's silly it. Or university under tremendous pressure we have all faculties they consult. And as on even institutes and groups -- consultant -- no reason in the world. Why the center of -- example better bring energy and environmental studies. As southern which happens to be -- program manager at the issue why they wouldn't be doing. Energy sustainability. While writing this spec -- -- sector but the school. And shaping up a boatload of money on the operating cost to go to school a lot of employees. Infrastructure. In the public domain. Can be applied to solving problems. You don't have to go out the third already consulted. Of any kind and it supports my mother waited. Take it made sure -- -- Creating work for in eight people that. Building our economy even steam -- understand. In the GSA audit. That one of the big problems what's -- recovery. Did they did not take into concert the idea. On rebuilding the economy and he John and so we focused on that and we are always open contact. Wish bush spending about. Seven billion dollars a year. All across state government not just is part of education. That's a lot of money and obviously Pete king and you would like to see it stayed we GM. For the Department of Education contracts with the universe you Morgan as they have done. Wellesley college. And they have done to find schools. We got some fund schools here. Meanwhile on another. Why not you about why not relish it or not numerous. And I think those are fair questions to ask but because these things on under the radar. In the legislature. At least the senate has refused to look -- launched both the senate won't. These things can be done it taxpayers never found out about -- We're we're we're gonna take a break condition little -- Hugh -- here you know the quote. This is room at any member of the the Department of Education tests or required to. While the Louisiana legislature to be administered by do you we. Good laws ensure taxpayers get the best value of the dollar political smoothly to administer these tests -- -- common sense. Testing is also report by the federal government to qualified. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- That's no that's separate statement I agree with that but that's not the issue. How big the the issue is who would you contract it we have what is their experts teach. We sure we got the right -- -- Beach transparency. And there is no transparency. Here there's no. Joseph -- of picked him we hold your bit longer we have sharing for a -- number of people that talked to. I gotta tell you does take keepsake exception -- you own the music thing you know when the pedal. Seems like we keep the contract. -- if you -- a contract when we get a map we give -- -- harsher rebuke reback -- that you've yeah I don't. Think I need help. Good news I got both be back -- -- and and I got witnesses aren't -- come -- about it now merger Robinson thank you so much for the call. -- to these they would this James want to tell you that wants to talk with the coming right. Industry reports out of the -- region -- Department of Education. Is that almost a 133 million dollars or being spent. Width two -- companies for standardized. Testing. Department is 770. Current contract worth more than one billion dollars each. It's -- 2282. Million more than half which goes to contractors. Outside of Louisiana where John Kennedy with the city treasurer asking why. And we invite John -- superintendent of education. He could make patrol show he was traveling. -- if you don't mind a number of our callers wanted to talk to you on -- -- Let's go to our James and murdering your -- -- John Kennedy. Well thank you very much -- have a critical. -- mr. secretary. And afternoon a question. Mr. Rainwater Paul Rainwater in other Bobby Jindal. Apologists. -- -- to talk about other governor has reduced the state. Workforce so my question I I guess that's the fact that you can give us the numbers that. Let me ask you this if we have let's say we have a state function that employs a hundred. State employees. They think they do various functions. And they reduce that workforce and let's say a hundred down just six feet. And the forty who were doing a certain function. But they didn't contract out. To date they outsource it they can countries give a contract to the private sector to do the same function. Does that happen in Indian state government other words they can brag about reducing the number of state employees. But. Money and would pull out of this state treasury. Into the private sector to do the same darned function it's just a matter of smoke and mirrors that does that happen very often. Well I suspect it does -- and let me just say you mentioned Paul Ryan Moore -- about -- very. He's a good person and he's got a job to do and he doesn't but let me. Did you question when he read you I just it's short. I got this letter from a retired state employee. And DO TD you know I promised I'd never use your name but this is what she says there was a time when a small fraction of work -- contract that helped. Usually to consultants for capped well like projects and -- the status paying. Three or four times and -- aberration for work that we could've completed it could could have been completed by existing state employees. Yes were saving -- benefits but we're paying way too much. To have existing employees train and checked the work of contractual workers when our own employees could have done the work in the first place at a fraction of the cost. No wonder why so many state employees go to work for these companies. They can do the same work they did. During state employment -- at but be paid or caps the amount. So you do have to be very careful. And you didn't need benchmarks set out immediately transparency. And somebody to look at these contracts in -- first. Why are we doing yes if he isn't really a party and second before going to do it. How do we make certain that the taxpayers are getting the best value furthered furthered -- And and the process we have right now. He would it it it predated Bobbie I'm not saying it's his fault but it it just -- it's not they're there is no transparency. They're introducing. Rob -- when John Kennedy. -- sexy girl I just wanted to say that this is not only a problem in Louisiana but that's a problem match. I mean this transition a -- a principal sister contender and I'm amazed at all and so you get abided to and many consultants bombard you with services that are they anywhere from three -- album dollars a day. But absolutely zero accountability on their services to whether or not there's certain person won't even be better show. It's sort of made it didn't know what the education has become quite hospitable -- private sector. And superintendent and our district there's employee who goes to these conferences they have money that they are the span -- -- And they had to get it's bad typically let him go out there are these consultants the comment has very little oversight very little control. Over what these consultants provide they come and they make -- Murray signed the contract you -- it may -- That worked or what they gave years' worth anything -- -- you -- to our. And but once you sign -- contract yet the -- It's and they didn't turn out all the states. Particular not something that definitely oversight. I see it in our Department of Education. You may compared to -- our region for example their funders of the type types of contracts and about to read -- one for. 141400. Dollar urged. To -- quote deliver keynote address -- conduct a one half day professional development workshop. I meet and there are hundreds of those types of smaller contracts 141000 dollars per day -- work in the bank that. And the potential to be it changed to may be an additional what I should previously. -- why why are we spending this money in the country. I mean what. How is this helping our students -- I've got another one here a contract for 7500. Dollar. Here's a description contractor. We'll have comprehensive curriculum documents that are dramatically and technically correct about having the improved. I person proficient at least keeps. They have approved freak. 3% -- 500 factory did school teacher in the I think so -- -- and not about money being spent a clash between -- bring your own John Kennedy. I about mr. Kennedy has won two you know this one thing do you want a picture of -- -- the ball back. I have no one -- -- -- to about a put a where you Brigham comedians out there any other better systems. Around the country. And they -- the demand look at that we can copy. Com I suspect that. I think North Carolina and my opinions that does sort of they're not they don't to a perfect job they do pretty good job of trying to keep to money in the classroom. And I'm sure their other states I don't think this problem is is unique to Louisiana. When you're spending and 111000. Dollars. Her public school student and that's what we're spending and state federal and local money. And and you've got hundreds of thousands of students that's a lot of money and that's going to bring out. Folks who really do and can't help Cuba it's also going to bring out some folks would just trying to make a quick buck. And the best way I have ever seen in government. To stop that is with it initially sunlight. In and talking about it and ending it reported in talks a battle talk show position. BP did that. Eat eat eat eat you can help to process but it -- -- under the radar is our contracts do NN I'm church drew another -- There's going to be some of the issue and when you're spending seven billion a year. If we -- just reduced so that Matt 10%. At 7400. Million dollars every year. Period and every jungle for a lose your and I'm obviously -- and -- -- really ask about this could reduce popped up on my radar. You may have no knowledge torturer rebut -- -- was attracted to -- at the report. -- New car buyers here Louisiana. Or -- reaping really big tax credits from -- so alternative fuel tax credit. And what they're planning to you get several legislative teachers saying they just found out about it and that it could wreck. The state budget because people can go back to these. Fuel tax breaks all the way back to 200920102011. You have any idea what that's about. Very little I saw it come across the wire probably when you -- -- about an hour ago business partner revenues is is under via the governor not to treasurer but. Based on what I grid so far they are. They -- to depart heredity just put that there's new list of a 112 automobile wished. This if you purchased one all the way back to 2000 man. You get. A 10% tax credit which I'm so mean Bloomberg be roughly 3000 -- Now that their -- -- well yeah I mean it can be several hundred million dollars and I'm I'm I'm sure that. The governor's folks are looking into this right now will also midyear shortfall so look at you know. Her sure in the think -- John is always in Britain have been here against an acute feeling we'd never hear about it -- think from time thing for people you're doing. Thank you John -- signature.
