X-Prize reward moves forward to Senate committee

A cash prize of up to $25,000 for some good thinking and ideas that solve problems, innovates a process or streamlines a system within a government agency took another step this week toward being offered to the public.

Dubbed the X-Prize, the reward passed the State Senate’s Committee on Governmental Organization by a 7-1 vote and now heads to a senate appropriations committee.

The prize was developed by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake).

“Many people are frustrated with the inefficiencies of government and know exactly how to improve a system or process,” he said in a statement. “Imagine a young Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or other Silicon Valley prodigy just waiting for the opportunity to demonstrate their incredible knowledge and skill. They could earn $25,000 and a lifetime of renown, while helping California to save potentially millions of dollars and making the state more efficient and accessible.”

Cash-based incentive programs have been used in the past, notably in 2011 when a blue-collar worker came up with blueprints for a new combat-support vehicle for the Federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
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Follow Arin Mikailian on Twitter: @ArinMikailian.

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