Brief Description: Improving government management, accountability, and performance.

Sponsors: Representatives P. Sullivan, Springer, Miloscia, Upthegrove, Morrell, Haigh, O'Brien, Linville and Takko; by request of Governor Gregoire.

Hearing Date: 2/25/05

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

A number of programs have been instituted to improve government efficiency and accountability.

Legislation was enacted in 1996 establishing a performance based budgeting system for state agencies. Agencies are expected to: (a) establish mission statements and set goals; (b) develop strategies to achieve goals; (c) set outcome based objectives; (d) provide continuous self-assessment of each program; (e) link budget proposals with their mission statements and goals; and (f) objectively determine the success in achieving goals.

The Governor issued Executive Order 97-03 in 1997 requiring all state agencies to develop and implement programs to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of public services they provide using quality improvement, business process redesign, employee involvement, and other quality improvement techniques.

The Productivity Board was established to administer the employee suggestion program and the teamwork incentive program. State agencies are authorized to make employee recognition awards.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) conducts performance audits. The State Auditor conducts performance audits if the Legislature appropriates moneys for specific performance audits in the state budget.

Executive Order 05-02 was recently issued instituting a government management, accountability and performance system (GMAP). Under GMAP, agencies are required to:

• develop clear, relevant and easy-to-understand performance measures;
• demonstrate how programs contribute to the priorities important to citizens;
• gather, monitor, and analyze program data;
• evaluate program effectiveness;
• hold regular problem-solving sessions;
• allocate resources based on strategies that work; and
• make regular reports on performance to the Governor.

Summary of Bill:

State agencies are required to develop and implement a management, accountability, and performance system. Managers and staff at all levels must be involved and training must provided.

Agencies shall ensure that its system:

• uses strategic business planning for the purpose of establishing goals, objectives, and activities consistent with the priorities of government;
• engages stakeholders and customers in establishing service requirements and improve service delivery systems;
• includes clear, relevant and understandable measures for each activity;
• gathers, monitors and analyzes activity data;
• uses data to evaluate program effectiveness;
• establishes performance goals and expectations for employees that reflect the agency's objectives
• uses activity measures to report progress in reaching agency objectives;
• holds regular problem-solving sessions to develop and implement plans for addressing gaps; and
• allocates resources based on strategies to improve performance.

   
Agencies are required to report quarterly to the Governor, and the Governor must report performance of state agency programs annually to the citizens of the state. The Governor's report must include progress made toward the priorities of government and improvements in agency management systems, fiscal efficiency, process efficiency, asset management, personnel management, statutory and regulatory compliance, and management of technology systems.

Agencies are directed to integrate all management, accountability, and performance systems undertaken through executive order or other authority

Beginning no later than 2008, agencies must apply at least once every three years to the Washington state quality award, or similar organization, for an independent assessment of its management, accountability, and performance system.

For purposes of the bill, "state agency" includes a state agency, department, office, officer, board, commission, bureau, division, institution, or institution of higher education, and all offices of executive branch state government-elected officials.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.