Nearly half of states have recently created efficiency groups, had legislation proposed to make one, or were already well into the midst of their own efficiency analysis when President Donald Trump took office, and the federal reform group, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), started its work.
Through deep analysis, Government Technology found at least 16 instances of states who have created their own work groups or initiatives in 2025 inspired by federal action. However, those groups only tell part of the story of statewide government efficiency work, as similar efforts in a few states were actively underway well before Trump returned to office.
In some cases, the programs don’t appear to be a clear copy of the federal movement. For instance, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a new office, the State Office of Innovation and Efficiency in January, aimed at advancing a series of reforms designed to make sure that the New York state government delivers on the infrastructure projects that change and improve lives.
The following map tracks the movements of statewide efficiency efforts, including failed attempts by some states to get legislation passed. Explore the Government Technology tracker and check back for updates as the landscape continues to evolve.
ACTIVE STATE EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS INSPIRED BY FEDERAL DOGE
Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis established the Florida Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, named after the federal group, through executive order. The task force is on a one-year mission to overhaul state government operations, driven by a strong emphasis on cost reduction and technological innovation. There’s a focus on aggressive deregulation, advanced technology use and stringent financial oversight.
The stated plan is to abolish 70 boards and commissions this year, using AI to supplement ongoing efforts to review operations and identify more ways to cut unnecessary spending and eliminate bureaucracy.
However, government efficiency isn’t new for the state. Florida voters approved a Government Efficiency Task Force in 2006, which has been required to meet every four years to develop recommendations to improve government operations and reduce costs. The task force, which includes state officials and private-sector representatives convened recently, with a new working group appointed in June 2024.
Iowa
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Iowa DOGE task force through an executive order, with the primary goals of maximizing return on investment for taxpayers, refining workforce and job training programs, and leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence.
The task force, composed of 15 members, will explore AI, automation and advanced technologies to identify cost-saving opportunities across state, local and federal government levels. Public engagement is encouraged through a dedicated online portal and social media presence.
Iowa also recently underwent a major statewide agency reorganization, consolidating 37 state cabinets down to 16.
Kansas
In Kansas, the state Legislature has opened a Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, named COGE, which “invites the public to submit ideas on how the state government can better serve the residents of Kansas,” via public comment portal.
There are currently two bills in committee, one would enact a back-to-work act to require all full-time state employees back to the office with some exceptions.
Missouri
The Missouri Senate Government Efficiency Committee (MODOGE) has asked the public to report instances of government duplication, waste or inefficiencies with an online portal open to the public.
The committee is also surveying school districts and shaping return-to-work policies for state employees.
New Hampshire
Gov. Kelly Ayotte created the Governor’s Commission on Government Efficiency with an executive order to provide recommendations to streamline government and cut spending.
The New Hampshire Committee on Government Efficiency (COGE) convened its first meeting, focusing on interagency collaboration and identifying potential cost-saving measures, particularly through technology consolidation and improved permitting processes. Members discussed departmental meetings and emphasized the need for better communication and training.
North Carolina
The House Select Committee on Government Efficiency has been formed, aimed at examining state and local government operations for inefficiencies, waste and constitutional violations.
The committee held a set of hearings Feb. 27, focused on agency accountability measures.
Texas
The Texas House of Representatives established the Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to tackle inefficiencies in government services; review agency regulations; and oversee cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Inspired by the federal DOGE, the Texas DOGE committee aims to improve government efficiency through emerging technologies such as AI, modernizing existing processes while both innovating and saving.
Oklahoma
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued Executive Order 2025-04 on Feb. 3, creating the Division of Government Efficiency (DOGE-OK) within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).
The new division will build upon past efficiency initiatives and focus on "eliminating wasteful government spending, improving efficiency and ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively across state government."
Wisconsin
An Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability and Transparency has been formed with a goal of exposing and addressing inefficiency in government.
While the Wisconsin committee was created by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, three of its nine members are Democrats. The committee does not have the power to fire state workers or slash government spending without action by the full Legislature, as well as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
INDEPENDENT STATE EFFICIENCY EFFORTS
Alabama
By executive order on Jan. 17, 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey created the Governor’s Study Group on Efficiency in State Government.
It was assigned the responsibility to “produce detailed and accurate findings to allow the Legislature to make informed decisions concerning the need for consolidation or elimination of state executive-branch entities and the need for improvements in the way the state recruits, retains, compensates and supervises its employees.”
Arkansas
An "Arkansas Forward" initiative takes a comprehensive look at government efficiency across state agencies to identify potential ways to save taxpayer money and improve services. The report outlined a vision and action plan to leverage AI for improving government efficiency.
According to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a proposed pay plan that has stemmed from the initiative would clarify the promotion ladders in each state agency and consolidate about 2,200 job titles into 800 without reducing the number of available jobs.
Maryland
Maryland authorized a Government Efficiency Commission in July 2024. The group is tasked with a focused mission: to streamline the state's permitting and licensing processes. This initiative centers on enhancing efficiency and removing barriers for individuals and businesses seeking necessary approvals.
The commission filed a report with the state in December of 2024.
Louisiana
A Fiscal Responsibility Program, established by a December 2024 executive order, aims to eliminate wasteful spending, improve government efficiency and create a state budget that prioritizes the needs of citizens. It includes evaluating staffing levels, large acquisitions and opportunities for using technology to expedite services and reduce costs.
New York
In January 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a new office, the State Office of Innovation and Efficiency, which would advance a series of reforms designed to make sure that the New York state government "delivers on the infrastructure projects that change and improve lives."
According to reporting from the Albany Times Union, the office will be housed in the state Office of General Services, with an extra $1.4 million added to that agency’s operating budget to bring the initiative to life.
EFFICIENCY LEGISLATION: PENDING AND FAILED STATE ACTIONS
North Dakota
A North Dakota bill would establish a legislative task force on government efficiency, aiming to streamline state operations, cut costs and eliminate redundancies by reviewing budgets, regulations and programs across executive agencies and the judiciary, with a focus on data-driven evaluations and private-sector partnerships.
The task force, as mentioned in session, would be the first of its kind in North Dakota in an estimated 40 years.
Georgia
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced a priority for the 2025 legislative session, a state-level DOGE, the Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025.
The initiative "builds on the work done during the 2024 session to cut government regulation, boost small businesses and expand economic opportunities throughout Georgia." The bill would require all state agencies to complete a top-to-bottom review of all agency rules and regulations every four years.
Hawaii
On March 7, as part of the 2025 regular session, legislation was introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature to establish a State Department of Government Efficiency.
The Republican-backed legislation urges the creation of a State Department of Government Efficiency. The resolution highlights concerns about inefficient use of taxpayer funds and advocates for a dedicated department to investigate and eliminate wasteful spending across state projects.
Kentucky
A Kentucky bill would establish an Office of Government Efficiency within the Auditor of Public Accounts, focused on performance audits and recommending best practices to streamline state agency operations and identify cost savings. It emphasizes data-driven reviews, efficiency improvements and increased accountability through mandated reporting to the governor and legislature.
South Carolina
In February 2025, a Republican-backed resolution was introduced to establish the Commission on Fiscal Restraint and Government Efficiency. House Joint Resolution 3926 proposes a "survey of the structure and funding of state government to determine how to modernize it so that state government is less costly and more efficient for our state's taxpayers."
Mississippi
Legislation was introduced in January of 2025 to create a Mississippi Health and Welfare Efficiency Task Force to review state agency operations, streamline service delivery and eliminate redundant regulations in health and welfare agencies such as Medicaid, Human Services and Child Protection Services.
The act died in committee on March 4, 2025.
Colorado
Republican Sen. John Carson and Republican Rep. Max Brooks introduced Senate Bill 25-135, which would have established the Colorado Government Efficiency Authority, tasked with scrutinizing state agency operations to identify cost-saving and service-improving efficiencies. While the bill was formally introduced, it did not advance beyond the initial committee stage in the Colorado Senate.
Meanwhile, Gov. Jared Polis has openly criticized Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, questioning how the government can create efficient systems for the least amount of money and do it from the ground up.
Colorado faces a substantial budget shortfall for the 2025-26 fiscal year, estimated at more than $1 billion.
