A bill sponsored by state Senators Raj Mukherji (D-32) and Angela McKnight (D-31) they deemed the “Ease of Doing Government Business Act” cleared the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee yesterday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Government agencies are notoriously bad at customer service. While government may not be in the business of turning a profit, it absolutely should be in the business of delivering value,” Mukherji said in a statement.
“When New Jersey residents need to transact with a local or state government agency or obtain a license, permit, or certification, they deserve a process that is simple, efficient, and fast. This bill is about respecting taxpayers’ time, as well as their needs, and requiring that every level of government reviews, streamlines, and ensures the efficiency of their technologies and automated processes.”
Bill S-3833 stipulates that once each calendar year all state and local entities providing direct services to the public be required to review all transactions to determine any steps that might be taken to simplify, streamline, and expedite the delivery of such services in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces wait time to complete such transactions.
Under the bill, government departments would be required, whenever possible, to implement or expand online resources, automated services, or any other technologies that may make the delivery of government services more efficient and responsive to residents.
“It can be frustrating when a state resident seeks to obtain a needed license or record and finds themself caught in the runaround of bureaucracy for making what should be a routine or reasonable request,” McKnight said in a statement.
“Government services on every level can stand to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that residents receive resources and services as efficiently as possible.”
The bill was released from committee by a unanimous vote (5-0).
