Feb. 11, 2009

Armstrong measure seeks to eliminate DSHS
Super agency would be broken into smaller, more responsive departments

The state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) would be abolished and new, smaller departments would be created to take over its functions under a bill introduced today in the Washington House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Armstrong.

The measure was co-sponsored by nearly 30 House members, Republican and Democrat.

Armstrong said the public is frustrated with a costly, broken-down system that has become so large it can no longer function effectively.

"The department has become too large and unwieldy, and it's just not adequately serving the public's needs," said Armstrong, R-Wenatchee. "The problem is that the state has tried to put too many governmental functions into one super agency, and it has not worked. It's difficult to administer, costly, and it's very hard to measure whether the agency is actually meeting its goals and responsibilities. It's time that we reorganize this agency into smaller departments which would better serve our citizens."

Under House Bill 2197, DSHS would be eliminated by July 1, 2011, and its powers, duties and functions would be transferred to four new smaller agencies, including the Department of Economic Services, Department of Medical Assistance, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and the Department of Children's Services.

"More than 34 percent of the state's operating budget is directed to the administration of DSHS. That's a tremendous amount of money. At a time when we're looking to close a state budget gap of nearly seven billion dollars, we should strip away these different layers of bureaucracy, and at the same time, become more efficient in delivery of services," said Armstrong, ranking Republican on the House State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee. "This measure would help the state to focus on critical functions, reduce the red tape involved in working with DSHS, and provide for more efficiency in government."

Although Armstrong acknowledged similar proposals in past years have fallen short in the Legislature, he says this year the measure has strong bipartisan support.

"This idea of putting everything under one roof is not working. That's why Republicans and Democrats are seeking change. People want government to stretch tax dollars during this tight economy. Businesses are downsizing. Citizens expect government to do the same," said Armstrong. "DSHS is a prime example of a department that has grown so large it cannot adequately serve the public. This legislation would help to restore efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better service to the public."

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For more information, contact: John Sattgast, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7257