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Lawmakers weigh Armstrong
proposal to cut middle management
Feb. 25, 2005 -
(Olympia) - A measure that would limit middle management positions in
state agencies so resources can be focused on positions that directly
serve citizens was considered today before the House State Government
Committee. House Bill 1877, prime sponsored by
Rep. Mike
Armstrong,
R-Wenatchee, would limit the types of employees covered under the
Washington Management System, a separate personnel system for management
positions within the executive branch of state government.
“This system has grown
significantly in the last 12 years and has siphoned away resources from
front-line positions that are needed to deliver services to citizens,”
Armstrong explained. “As we look to solve our budget challenges while
protecting core services, this could be an important step that will help
us stretch our taxpayer dollars.”
For employees to be covered under WMS, HB 1877 requires that they meet
specific criteria. They must be in a position that directs the work of
an agency or agency subdivision, administers at least one state-wide
policy or program, and must have substantial personnel, legislative,
public information, or budget responsibilities. No more than 7 percent
of an agency's state-funded work force may be in the WMS under
Armstrong’s bill.
“These employees ought to
be managing something before we pay them and treat them as managers,”
Armstrong said. “This program was intended to give state agencies
flexibility in managing personnel. Instead, it’s turned into a place to
hide new full-time employees outside the civil service system.”
A study by a joint legislative audit committee showed WMS positions
increased 38 percent over a three-year period from 1998 to 2001. Nearly
half were new positions, not FTEs converted from the civil service
system. Since its inception in 1993, WMS has grown from 400 managerial
positions to covering approximately 5,500 positions in state agencies.
“I don’t see how this kind
of growth in middle management is helping us better serve the people of
our state.” Armstrong said.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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