Planet Money
The last time we shrank the federal workforce
Mar 12, 2025
Elaine Kamark, a Brookings Institution expert and former leader of the National Performance Review, dives into the challenges of shrinking the federal workforce. She reflects on past efforts under the Clinton administration, revealing that significant savings often come from reforming outdated practices rather than just cutting jobs. The discussion also highlights how job cuts could impact public safety and the overall efficiency of government operations, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in meaningful reform.
27:20
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Quick takeaways
- Federal workers play a vital role in public health safety by efficiently tracking biological threats and managing emergencies.
- The chaotic attempts to cut federal jobs during the Trump administration reveal the complexities and challenges of effective government reform.
Deep dives
The Role of Federal Workers in Health Crisis Management
Federal workers like Atir Cole are essential in tracking biological threats such as E. coli and anthrax to manage public health emergencies effectively. They utilize systems that integrate various data points, allowing quick identification of outbreaks and contamination sources. Cole's role, although under the U.S. Digital Service, directly connects with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to health crises efficiently. This coordination exemplifies how federal workers act as a crucial line of defense against biological dangers, showcasing their importance in public health safety.
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