Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush writes in a USA Today commentary about the missed opportunities for innovation at the state level as we’ve become a Washington-centered society.

The much admired welfare reforms passed by aRepublican Congress and signed into law by President Clinton were possible because of preceding reforms by innovative leaders in the states.

States are coming up with innovative programs for veterans, such as the College Credit for Heroes program that gives Texas veterans college credits for military training.

In Florida, state and local governments are working with universities to spur medical research centers, high-tech corridors and private space industries that promise to diversify and remake the economy.

Here in North Carolina, there are many ways to innovate and become more efficient in delivering services. Options include selling assets, contracting out, public-private partnerships, and competitive sourcing. You can read about these ideas and innovations here, as part of JLF’s Agenda 2012.