OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire has set an ambitious government reform agenda. She wants to consolidate state agencies down from 21 to nine.
Lawmakers have been considering bills based on her plans to consolidate state functions for natural resources, education, civil rights and back-office services. But most of the proposals have faced tough opposition and substantial amendments since being introduced.
Gregoire estimated the consolidations could save the state about $22 million over two years, but as the bills stand halfway through the legislative session, the savings would likely be more like $15 million for the next biennium.
The state’s budget shortfall for the next two-year cycle is about $4.6 billion.
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Information from: The News Tribune, http://www.thenewstribune.com
