In the interim between legislative sessions, much of our work shifts to focused study and oversight through committees, panels, and task forces. I currently serve on eight such groups, including the Medicaid Review Panel and, notably, the newly formed Idaho DOGE Task Force — an effort aimed at improving transparency and efficiency across state government.

At first glance, I was skeptical. As a member of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC), I already spend considerable time evaluating agency budgets and looking for savings. Was DOGE going to be redundant?

I now believe it’s a worthwhile endeavor.

While JFAC works within the framework of the budget cycle, the DOGE Task Force gives legislators the chance to step back and examine government operations holistically and without the urgency of appropriations deadlines. In this setting, we can ask bigger-picture questions: Where are redundancies across agencies? Are we sending state employees on unnecessary travel? Are there outdated positions or systems that need restructuring? With the next DOGE meeting scheduled for Aug. 25, we have a chance to build on this momentum. I’m particularly interested in how tools like the State Controller’s “Transparent Idaho” platform.

I’m particularly interested in how new tools, like the Idaho State Controller’s “Transparent Idaho” system, can help us dig deeper into base budgets and identify inefficiencies that are otherwise easy to miss.

Let me be clear: While fiscal conservatism can sometimes mean reflexively voting no on spending, other times it means doing the hard work to find solutions by asking smarter questions and crafting better systems.

Idaho’s Constitution requires us to balance our budget each year and spend only what we bring in. We do that. But now we have the opportunity to go further — building a more accountable, streamlined state government that respects every taxpayer dollar.

If we stay focused and leave performative politics at the door, I believe the DOGE Task Force can deliver real results for Idahoans.

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Carl Bjerke is the state senator for District 5.