Scope of the Privatization Study:

 
The purpose of this study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the private sector.  It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good.

 

Pro: Advocates of privatization believe that private firms have better incentives to control costs and respond more effectively to competition.

Con: Those concerned with the public policy of privatization say that the private sector mandate to make a profit can endanger public safety and reduce services available to the general public (particularly in poor and rural areas). 

The League's study looks at both sides of the issue, investigating how outsourcing of services has been used throughout the U.S. in prisons, public libraries, education, and other critical services.

It also looks at laws addressing privatization in various states and considers what are the best practices for approaching public-private partnerships and contracts.

  Public Forum on Privatization

April 2, 2012, 7 pm

Genecov Room, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

This is a good time to take measure of privatization's impact on our citizenry: what is working and what is not. The United States has more than 30 years of privatization efforts to evaluate. It is important to think about the lessons learned within the greater framework of this public policy debate.

This panel will consider both pros and cons of outsourcing, contracting, and privatizing government services, as well as the broader question of the role of government.