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A government watchdog group is asking state lawmakers to make some bold choices to balance the budget and reduce government waste. Florida TaxWatch released 88 cost savings recommendations that would save the state 3.5 billion dollars. The ideas range from turning off computers, to lightening the penalties on people caught with a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. TaxWatch Chairman David Smith says the recommendations could be implemented this year.

“Here’s an example that’s simple; 200 million in savings by just increasing the number of state term contracts. Another 125 million by reducing what’s exempted by competitive bidding,” said Smith.

Other recommendations include four day work weeks for some state employees and requiring people on the state’s payroll to cough up more cash for their health insurance and retirement plans.