MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley Tuesday signed Executive Order No. 4 creating the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government. The duty of the commission is to analyze and explore new ways to reduce government spending with minimal or no reduction in state services.

Under the new executive order, state agencies, departments and commissions are required to conduct a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the effectiveness and need for their current level of spending. Duplicated, outdated, unnecessary and ineffective services will be eliminated and funds used for that service will be re-directed and spent on more essential functions of state government.

A preliminary report of recommendations by the Commission will be delivered to Bentley by June 1, 2011.