By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-878080.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Governor Granholm has issued executive orders combining two more state departments. It's part of a plan to shrink the size of state government during tight budget times.
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The governor says the goal is to make state government smaller and more efficient as Michigan struggles economically. The state Department of Internet Technology will be folded into the Department of Management and Budget as of March 21.
Earlier this year, the governor eliminated the Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. Responsibilities for museums, archives and cultural tourism were disbursed among other departments. The governor has also ordered the Department of Natural Resources to combine with the Department of Environmental Quality.
She is also waiting on recommendations from Lieutenant Governor John Cherry on cutting the number of departments down to 10 - half the number when she took office in 2003.