washington business
Gov. Gregoire announced a series of reform measures at the end of last year, including one to expand Lean
process improvements throughout state government with the help of private-sector employers, including Boeing,
Virginia Mason, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Group Health Cooperative.
The governor has been less successful, though, at getting state employees to pay more of the cost of their health
care, negotiating an increase in premium contributions from 12 percent to 15 percent.
True reform requires bringing the employee’s premium contribution in line with the private sector, meaning 20
percent to 25 percent.
efficiencies first, then revenue
Early in the recession, Gregoire said she was determined to not let the crisis go to waste. Now, as the economy
struggles to recover, there are at least a few signs that significant government reform may indeed be one of its legacies.
Close on the heels of voter approval of a privatized state liquor system, Gregoire has floated the idea of privatizing
the state lottery.
And the moderate Democrats who count themselves among the “Roadkill Caucus” are
continuing to flex their newfound power in the Legislature, insisting that officials reform
Office of Financial Management:
state government before going to voters with Gregoire’s half-cent sales tax proposal.
www.ofm.wa.gov
There are plenty more ways government can become more efficient, including reducing
overlap among regulatory agencies. The Lean concepts that Gregoire is embracing will
Washington State Legislature:
help in that regard.
www.leg.wa.gov
Ultimately, though, lawmakers simply need to be honest with voters — and
themselves — about how much money the state has to spend.
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