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December 14, 2010 in City
Gregoire proposes consolidating state agencies
OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced a plan that would consolidate several state agencies and eliminate three dozen boards and commissions, a move she says will save the state nearly $30 million over the next two years.
Gregoire said her proposal would reduce the number of state agencies from 21 to nine, saving the state $22 million. The Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Recreation and Conservation Office and the law enforcement unit of the Department of Natural Resources would be consolidated into a new Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Gregoire also wants to create an Office of Civil Rights, which would encompass the consolidation of the state’s 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.
Other areas that would be consolidated under Gregoire’s proposal:
— The work of the Columbia River Gorge Commission, the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency and the Department of Health’s reclaimed water program moves to the Department of Ecology.
• The state Conservation Commission is merged into the Department of Agriculture
• The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is consolidated into the Department of Natural Resources
• The Departments of General Administration, Personnel, Printing, and portions of the Department of Information Services and the Office of Financial Management would merge into a new Department of Enterprise Services.
Gregoire said she also wants to eliminate more boards and commissions. More than 140 of the state’s boards and commissions were either eliminated or consolidated in past years. The move to eliminate an additional 36 would save the state an estimated $7.4 million, Gregoire’s office said.
Gregoire said she also wants to look for savings in corrections services, including opportunities to coordinate use of state prisons and local jails.
She said the Department of Corrections is working with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to discuss options.
A policy paper issued by the governor’s office today says that one of the ideas being discussed is how to control health care costs, as well as how better to use jail space in the state instead of building new facilities or sending inmates out of state.
The ideas are a piece of the governor’s two-year budget proposal for 2011-2013. Her entire budget proposal will be released Wednesday.
© Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Northwest wheat 
Bob_Knows on December 14 at 11:31 a.m.
That would be a start. Eliminating boards and commissions is a step toward getting the government off the backs of the people.
A long time ago in a land far, far away there once were free men. Then they invented boards and commissions.
berrybestfarm on December 14 at 11:32 a.m.
It’s long past time we reduced the bloated ranks of bureaucrats!!! Better late than never. Next up needs to be reduction in the amount and breadth of agency rules that have erroded our rights.
papanono on December 14 at 11:49 a.m.
Gov. Chris Gregoire has cut medical for people, raised taxes, taken away privacy, and cost this state more than she will ever save. I used to love this state, I’m sorry, but she has done way more harm than good.
We need a decent governor, not another Nancy Palosi.
papanono on December 14 at 11:55 a.m.
She has taken away money, rights, and privileges. Yes, eliminating boards and commissions is good, but soon there will be one person at the top..a dictator you might say…Chris Gregoire.
Dazzeetrader11 on December 14 at 11:59 a.m.
Papa she’s not worthy of being governor. Verner shouldn’t
be a mayor. Obama shouldn’t be president. Each will play a shell game, mislead by ommission and hide money until they’re gone.
Gregoire in particular has done a terrible job because of her spending. She honestly thought Obama would bail her out. He won’t. He can’t because he’s done the same thing..and now he’s broke too.
Verner…same thing. She’s invisible for a reason. Any topic that might come up is then open to scrutiny. She cannot afford a detailed look at her financial situation. She hides the ball very well hoping that nobody gets a look till her next election run. Whoever runs should be filing ROI’s right now because Verner will block and obfuscate any attempt to REALLY see how her spending went. Worst Mayor in Spokane’s history.
Worst Governor is Wa St history and Obama..well…he’s beyond words.
4justsaying on December 14 at 11:59 a.m.
Pap, define rights; what you are complaining about are PRIVILEGES, not rights. Got your hand out?
hawken on December 14 at 12:06 p.m.
Yes… consolidate and cut. This kind of move will also downsize top heavy administrators and staff.
Let’s the keep the downsize moving forward.
scaleram on December 14 at 12:55 p.m.
The first question would be; why do we have all those agencies and commissions at all? There only purpose is to soak up taxpayer’s money and they do a darn good job of it. I say we line up every bureaucrat in government and give every other one a pink slip. We could probably elimnate two out of three but I am being compassionate.
hawken on December 14 at 1:05 p.m.
Mike:
Your question is well put.
The foundational, world view of socialists, liberals and Democrats is to grow government at every opportunity.
Ronald Reagan:
Government does not tax to get the money it needs; government always finds a need for the money it gets.
liarsinnews on December 14 at 1:28 p.m.
I`ll just say that Gregoire is the worst spend thrift I`ve ever seen in my life.
MrNatural on December 14 at 1:44 p.m.
“It’s Duck Season…No it’s Wabbit Season…Duck Season…Wabbit Season…
Nope!…it’s any person that works for the government season……..
dukkandpooh on December 14 at 2:03 p.m.
Love it, Natural! And so true!
Incidentally, have you read John Avlon’s “Wingnuts: How the Lunatic Fringe is Hijacking America”
A great read!
MrNatural on December 14 at 2:42 p.m.
…Wingnuts…I think I saw a promo on The Daily Show or something of the sort….sounds like a good read for the holidays
MrDavis on December 14 at 2:46 p.m.
Our governess, uberfrau Gregoire, is indeed desperate when she resorts to common sense solutions to the state’s deficit. Note, however, that increasing efficiency and streamilining were obviously way down her list of options, below raising taxes. Maybe the vote in November communicated the idea to her that state government is hurting because WE are hurting.
MrNatural on December 14 at 3:01 p.m.
Well I’m going to go out on a limb here and consider analogous streamlining. Say next time I go to a restaurant to save money I would want the Chef, Waiter, and Dishwasher to be the same guy…just speculating mind you…Oh and I would want my Surgeon to also bring me my meds, change my sheets and mop the floors…might be able to save on medical costs that way…again just speculating…Granted I believe a bit of consolidation might be in order
fire away…
west on December 14 at 3:43 p.m.
Probably means just new depts and commissions under another name. No employees let go, just re -shuffled into other departments…shell game.
papanono on December 14 at 4:11 p.m.
I agree with daisy, but no , 4justsaying, my hand isn’t out, I paid my taxes, i was born here and yes., I have RIGHTS. TYVM.
I take it you’re one of those failed democrats … ^_^
I’ve lived in this state since birth 64 years ago, and no, I’ve never seen a more money wasting governor. Gregoire is abandoning her usual, and jumping on the bandwagon to save her career.
There is a high percentage of people in this state that need the medical she ended.
dukkandpooh on December 14 at 4:22 p.m.
papanono, you do realize that any governor with a name followed by an (R) would have made Medicaid cuts a long, LONG time ago?
Elkay on December 14 at 4:51 p.m.
Hmmmm. I didn’t see how many bureaucrats will be out on the street after these ‘cuts’. But I’ll tune up my violin for them.
PlanB on December 14 at 5:26 p.m.
This is a good start. Now start focusing on eliminating worthless laws, rules, and regulations.
Elkay on December 14 at 6:35 p.m.
But PlanB, who do you think thought up these worthless laws, rules, and regs?
I was astounded — literally — when I had to DISPLAY my certificate for my company’s outdoor signage to the bureaucrat who showed up and signed off on my compliance.
I didn’t dare ask if he counted paper clips during his slow times. Talk about Tin Soldiers … he won the prize as an officious expert. Gah.
Scoutster on December 14 at 7:29 p.m.
Amen, Elkay…
The regulations and compliance issues are nonsense.
It’s also good to remember the Woodchuck Commission started because a bunch of Woodchuck lovers promised votes or money to some legislator who wrote a law that passed both houses and was signed by some governor to create the Dept of Woodchucks.
The Woodchuck Commission came from US, not strangers or aliens or conservatives or liberals or whoever. It came from Woodchuck lovers who were all of those things.
Dumb? Yes! But that’s how it works. Its good to clean out the closet, but remember you once loved that purple leisure suit.
eagleproducer on December 14 at 7:34 p.m.
Every economist agrees low demand is prolonging the recession. Can one reasonable person explain to me how further depressing demand is a good idea?
All you had to do was vote yes last November to tax the top 1% earners in Washington to keep funding at current levels. Of the 99% who would actually benefit from that income tax, 60% voted against their best interests. Do you care to explain why the reasonable 40% should have to suffer your ignorance?
This should be good.
Scoutster on December 14 at 7:45 p.m.
I think for many people it was the Camel’s nose argument that it was opening the door to a general state income tax. That certainly seemed the most common theme I heard among those who voted against it.
Dazzeetrader11 on December 14 at 7:55 p.m.
Sorry Tucky..ur post has no bearing. Mike is correct and does ask a pertinent question unlike you Tucks.
All these commissions, jobs, depts, buildings purchased, etc occurred and now must be resolved because gregoire MADE them exist. Her union were rewarded too.
She did it and now she must undo it. There’s not reason she did it xcept she’s in with and in a liberal Dem socialist.
She woulnd’t be cleaning it if she didn’t want the job again. SHe’s got no experience outside of government NOR has she ever had a job the taxpayer didn’t fund.
Same with Obama and same with Verner in Spokane.
ALL are liberal greenie Democrats that protect themselves while spending other people’s money.
She’s running for he rpolitical life. She could wipe out half her debt with a quick bankruptcy. It likely would be best for the state since it voids all contracts. She wouldn’t be elected if she admits failure…just like Obama and Verner. SO they must cut. Cut everything or their careers are over. Ever met a politician who gave his own job or career up to better his state or constituency? Don’t look far and wide…..they don’t exist. Murray should have been fired as well. Never hire a politician who needs a job or has no private experience. Never works out. They don’t do the right thing..they do what gets them elected.
papanono on December 15 at 1:29 a.m.
Daisy Minken, you never cease to amaze me, you should run for something… *smiles*
jwc928 on January 27 at 9:59 p.m.
The vitriol is unbelievable. Do you realize someone in a place far away could read this and go crazy and assault someone with a spatula! Being from the anti-spatula group we need these groups/commissions/Departments/Anti-something folks may have relatives who need a high paying job to pay for their political contributions. Stop IT.
neokistomi on October 21 at 5:17 p.m.
The government only consolidates when times are rough. We need someone who will balance things all the time. That would require cutting graft and not going to Paris, and not hiring your family and friends.