DOGE in Kentucky? Lawmakers introduce bills to create new state efficiency task force
A bill that would establish Kentucky's equivalent to the federal Department of Government Efficiency recently formed by President Donald Trump has been introduced in the Kentucky Senate.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield introduced Senate Bill 256, which would create a government office called the "Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency," Tuesday, according to a news release from the Senate Majority Caucus. The new department would focus on eliminating waste and enhancing cost efficiency in state government.
"Kentuckians expect their government to operate efficiently and responsibly," Tichenor said in a statement. "This legislation will create a department focused on holding state agencies accountable, cutting waste and delivering real results for taxpayers."
The proposal calls for a system similar to DOGE, the new federal initiative led by tech-billionaire Elon Musk and greenlit by Trump. In the weeks since Trump took office, Musk and his team have scoured several federal agencies searching for ways to save money, eliminating hundreds of positions across the government and reviewing established contracts for "wasteful" spending.
The proposal suggests forming the "Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency" within the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts. Under the framework, the Auditor of Public Accounts would carry out performance audits and operational reviews of state agencies to look for inefficiencies, wasteful spending and opportunities to save, the news release said.
The office would develop best practices and recommendations based on findings and oversee the implementation of recommendations.
Meanwhile in the Kentucky House of Representatives, a separate proposal also aims to snuff out government inefficiencies.
Reps. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, and John F. Hodgson, R-Fisherville, introduced House Concurrent Resolution 50 Tuesday, which would create a Task Force called the "Kentucky Discipline of Government Efficiency."
The task force, which is described as a "companion measure" to the Senate bill, would include 10 members, Roberts said in a statement on social media. The House Speaker would appoint four members, the Senate President would nominate four members and the minority leaders from each chamber would each appoint one member.
"This initiative will review executive branch spending to enhance efficiency, cut waste and prioritize essential services, ensuring Kentuckians' tax dollars are used wisely in our 2026 budget. Building on our recent tax relief success, the Task Force will unite citizens, stakeholders, and lawmakers to create a more accountable government," Roberts said.
Contact reporter Killian Baarlaer at kbaarlaer@gannett.com or @bkillian72 on X.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky DOGE? Lawmakers file bills to create state equivalent
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