STATE REPRESENTATIVE JAMES ELDRIDGE ANNOUNCES 14TH ANNUAL BETTER GOVERNMENT COMPETITION 

ACTON – State Representative Jamie Eldridge is announcing that The Pioneer Institute, a non-profit research group, is sponsoring the 14th Better Government Competition. The competition seeks ideas from individuals about ways to improve the quality of government services and deliver them more efficiently. It will provide an opportunity for citizens across the Commonwealth to make an impact on public policy issues with which the legislature is currently dealing.

For 2005, entrants are asked to submit concrete, innovative ideas addressing four broad issues in public policy:

• Reducing the cost of state government services while continuing to meet core service needs
• Strengthening non-traditional adult learning opportunities
• Promoting entrepreneurship through market forces
• Protecting the environment through market-based mechanisms

One grand prize winner will receive $5000; up to three runners-up will receive $1000 each. Winners and runners-up will be selected by an independent panel of distinguished judges drawn from academia, business, government, and the media. The winners will be honored at an awards dinner in June 2005. Entries are due on March 14, 2005.

For more specific information about the competition, go to www.pioneerinstitute.org/bgc05, or contact Rep. Eldridge’s State House office at 617-722-2060.