From: Governor Christine Gregoire [mailto:Governor.ChristineGregoire@GOVERNOR.WA.GOV]
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 12:52 PM
To: ALL-STATE-EMPLOYEES@LISTSERV.WA.GOV
Subject: Consolidating State Agencies



Dear Colleague:



Today I will announce further efforts to streamline government and continue to make it more efficient and lean. It is clear, with the $4.6 billion shortfall we face, that business as usual is no longer a way we can operate. We must continue to innovate, transform, and build a 21st century government that meets the needs of this new economy. Making common sense changes that better align some of our agencies and commissions will free vital resources that must go to the essential services we need to preserve: education, health care, social services and public safety.



The ideas came from several of you as well as our Transforming Washington’s Budget Committee. Those of you on the front-line of service and delivery know where efficiencies can be achieved and missions can be maximized. I appreciate your candor and your suggestions.



We currently operate 11 agencies with a role in managing natural resources. This organizational structure is needlessly complex, not always efficient and confusing to the public. In this proposal, we will consolidate 11 agencies into five function-based organizations: fish/wildlife/parks, ecology, agriculture, natural resources and Puget Sound restoration. This effort saves $2.5 million and has a clear purpose of managing and conserving our natural resources in a period of high expectations and limited revenue. It creates a simpler, more accountable structure and not only saves money now, but also sets up these agencies for better long term financial stability.



I am also proposing that we consolidate the state’s five central service agencies into two agencies. Under this plan the Department of General Administration, Office of Financial Management, Department of Personnel, the State Printer, and portions of the Department of Information Services will be merged into two agencies.



The new Department of Enterprise Services will handle facilities and lease management, fleet management, purchasing and contracts, information systems, printing, accounting and human resources—all central services provided to all state agencies. The Office of Financial Management will continue to handle policy, budget, forecasting and labor relations. This measure will save $18.3 million.



In some areas we have had to cut so deeply that entire missions are jeopardized. That is the case for our commissions focused on diversity. Further cuts to those agencies will stop their ability to be effective. Through the new Office of Civil Rights we will consolidate five smaller agencies: the Human Rights Commission, Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise, Commission on African Affairs, Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. By doing this we can eliminate administrative overhead and other duplicative expenses with a savings of $1.4 million.



I am aware that with these consolidations there will be a learning curve and uncertainty. I am also aware that in each of these consolidations we will reduce positions. All told, through these efforts, up to 125 positions will be eliminated in both management and line staff. However, as I’ve said before, if we don’t change government, the public will change it for us—and the results could be much different than the ones I’m proposing. The only way to move beyond this uncertainty is to create a model that we know is efficient and effective and can provide maximum benefit while preserving sacred dollars for the areas we’ve cut the hardest: education, health care, social services and public safety.



More information on the proposals can be found here.



Tomorrow we will release the proposed 2011-13 biennial budget to address our $4.6 billion shortfall. I will send more information on that in the morning. Together we will get through this fiscal crisis.



Thanks,

Chris



As always, I welcome your response, feedback, and suggestions.