Government Reform Ideas

In her second inaugural address in January 2009, Governor Gregoire introduced a package of reforms for the Legislature to consider during the 2009 session. The package was the result of several months of work soliciting, researching, evaluating and prioritizing potential government reform ideas.

The Governor partnered with citizens, business and labor, state employees and the legislature to develop her reform proposals. Some of the reforms were within the Governor’s purview to initiate immediately (Executive Order on eliminating certain boards and committees, Directive on shared services). Others required further action, such as legislative approval to eliminate additional boards and commissions. Please click here for more information on the Governor’s initiative.

State Auditor’s work

In her inaugural address, the Governor asked the State Auditor for his help in figuring out ways to sunset boards and commissions and establishing a 21st century way of doing business.  At the Governor’s request, the Auditor’s Office is assisting with implementation of shared services by providing specific technical assistance.  Independently, the Auditor decided to evaluate other ideas for reforming government and plans on issuing a report to the Governor and Legislature on the results of his work.

How agencies will be involved

The Auditor’s Office has selected the following ideas for further evaluation. Agency staff will be asked to provide related information for these questions.

Tax amnesty

Would administering a statewide tax amnesty program increase Washington’s collection of delinquent state debt, and if so, by how much?

Agencies:

Department of Revenue, Employment Security Department, Department of Labor & Industries

U.S. Treasury Offset Program

Would participating in the federal/state Reciprocal Agreement Program increase Washington’s collection of delinquent state debt, and if so, by how much?

Agencies:

Department of Revenue, Employment Security Department, Department of Labor & Industries

Liquor sales and distribution

Are there more effective, efficient, or economical options to sell and distribute liquor in Washington state?

Agencies:

Department of Revenue, Liquor Control Board

Printing

Are there more effective, efficient, and economical options for printing services?

Agency:

State Printer

Recovering Medicaid overpayments

Would increasing audits in pharmaceutical claims at the Department of Social and Health Services recover more Medicaid overpayment money for the State of Washington, and if so, by how much?

Agency:

Department of Social and Health Services

Competitive ferry procurement

Are there opportunities for Washington State to lower procurement costs by increasing competition for ferry vessel construction?

Agency:

Department of Transportation

Studded snow tire use

Are there options for Washington to reduce the cost of road damage associated with studded tires?

Agency:

Department of Transportation

Additional information

Contacts

  • For questions about the Governor’s reform efforts, please contact Robin Arnold-Williams, Executive Policy Director, (360) 902-0640.

  • For questions about the State Auditor’s efforts, please contact Larisa Benson, State Auditor’s Office, (360) 725-9720 or Kimberly Cregeur, Governor’s Liaison on Performance Audits & Review, (360) 902-0888.