Our nation was founded on the principle of “no taxation without representation,” yet today, you and I continue to fund a government that increasingly dictates what we can’t do while burdening us with inefficiencies and unnecessary costs. This situation must change.
The time has come for a comprehensive turnaround in how the government operates. By applying the private sector’s efficiency, innovation, and accountability to public sector operations, we can transform a currently outdated and costly system into one that is agile, effective, and responsive to citizen needs.
Throughout my career, I have been at the forefront of challenging and streamlining processes—starting in the Reagan Administration, where I advocated for the privatization of student loans, to leading the first fully privatized U.S. engagement at the 2005 World Expo. In each case, I witnessed firsthand the power of private sector principles to tackle inefficiencies and drive large-scale initiatives with measurable success.
Take, for example, the $32 million privately funded U.S. pavilion operation I led in Japan on behalf of the US Department of State. With just 72 employees, we achieved an outcome that exceeded expectations, drove millions of dollars in foreign direct investment, and created jobs at home. This success demonstrated that private sector efficiency can outperform traditional government operations, delivering better outcomes at a lower cost.
Lessons Government Can Learn from the Private Sector
The private sector’s success hinges on three key elements: innovation, accountability, and streamlined processes—values that are often lacking in bureaucratic government operations. During my time in the Reagan Administration, a statement I heard has stuck with me ever since: “Our jobs don’t need to exist for a [a citizen in need] to receive their money.” This simple but powerful observation illustrates the inefficiencies in many government programs. Today, taxpayers are still footing the bill for outdated systems that don’t prioritize delivering results but rather maintain the status quo.
Imagine if someone with an efficiency-driven mindset—like Elon Musk—were to take on the challenge of revamping how the government operates. By leveraging the power of AI, thought leadership, and innovative approaches to problem-solving, the government could adopt a private-sector model that focuses on four key areas:
- Efficiency – Streamlining government processes to reduce waste and maximize impact.
- Innovation – Cutting through bureaucratic red tape that stifles creativity and progress.
- Transparency – Ensuring clear oversight of government operations to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse.
- Error Rate Reduction – Implementing systems that minimize mistakes, which can lead to costly delays and poor outcomes for citizens.
Countries like Estonia have already proven that this is possible. With 99% of its government operations digital, Estonia has streamlined governance and enhanced its ability to serve citizens efficiently. With its vast resources and talent, the U.S. government can learn from such models and prioritize innovation, focusing on delivering results for taxpayers.
The Need for Modernization
Operational inefficiency isn’t the only challenge. Outdated regulations, built before modern technologies, stifle innovation in critical industries. For example, small modular reactors (SMRs), crucial for reducing carbon emissions, face regulatory roadblocks. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) hasn’t approved a new reactor in 47 years, signaling investor risk by applying outdated standards. This stagnation lets other countries advance while the U.S. lags in vital sectors.
Our commitment to cutting carbon emissions means little if we can’t remove these obstacles. Simultaneously, extensive compliance requirements, like the SEC’s 500+ page ESG framework, impose high costs on businesses without delivering the intended outcomes. Instead of fostering growth, our regulatory system often adds complexity and drives up costs for companies and consumers.
Burden on the Middle Class: The Ripple Effect of Inefficiency
The growing economic burden on middle-class taxpayers, small businesses, and everyday citizens is at the heart of these inefficiencies. Inefficient government processes and outdated regulations don’t just create administrative hurdles—they drive up costs. The ripple effect is significant whether it’s a small business trying to comply with convoluted labor regulations or a manufacturer facing delays due to sluggish government approval processes.
By streamlining government operations and modernizing regulatory frameworks, we can reduce the costs that are ultimately passed on to the consumer. Government processes should be designed with outcomes in mind, much like private-sector organizations that measure success by effectively meeting customer needs. If we could apply that same results-driven framework to government, we’d see improvements in efficiency and economic opportunity for the average taxpayer.
The Turnaround We Need
The private sector thrives on innovation, efficiency, and accountability—principles our government must embrace. We can unlock the public sector’s true potential by reforming regulations, cutting inefficiencies, and focusing on results.
We cannot afford a government that becomes outdated and costly while burdening taxpayers. It’s time for a turnaround.
Written by Lisa Gable.
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