Jefferson City, MO - State Senator John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, today announced formation of a weekly program "awarding" state agencies for particularly galling or egregious instances of waste or inefficiency.

"Look, this is a humorous approach to a serious problem," Cauthorn said. "I'm not out to humiliate anyone, but if we're able to cut state waste by making a few people a little uncomfortable, I'd say the taxpayers would appreciate the effort - especially during these tight budget times."

Cauthorn, who, appropriately enough, chairs the Senate's Government Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee, got the idea for his award program from former U.S. Senator William Proxmire. From the 1970s through the 1980s, Proxmire regularly handed out "Golden Fleece" awards to various federal government entities displaying less-than-frugal management capabilities.

"The Golden Fleece was pretty darn effective," Cauthorn said. "The awards helped save millions of dollars by causing targeted programs to be curtailed, modified or canceled, and by putting government officials on notice to prevent future waste."

Cauthorn has yet to name his award program and has put a call out to fellow lawmakers and all Missourians for suggestions. Cauthorn said he would take all ideas into consideration and choose one in the near future. You can contact Senator Cauthorn's office by phone at (573) 751-6858, e-mail at john_cauthorn@senate.mo.gov or by mail to Government Waste Award Contest c/o Senator John Cauthorn, State Capital, Room 426, Jefferson City, MO 65101