Open Government

WPC's Center for Government Reform's mission is to partner with stakeholders and citizens to work toward a government focused on its core functions while improving its transparency, accountability, performance, and effectiveness for taxpayers.

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Open Government Blog

Impact of the pension reform deal

April 18, 2012 in Blog

One of the most contentious proposals the Legislature considered this year was the plan to reform the state's pension system. The compromise bill ultimately agreed to (SB 6378) was adopted by a vote of 56-42 in the House and 27-22 in the Senate.

GMAP fireworks

April 18, 2012 in Blog

This morning's GMAP (Government Management Accountability and Performance) meeting was a good example of why I love this process. The hands-on executive management takes government off auto-pilot and forces agencies to be reflective and responsive to the performance expectations of the Governor. My hope is that the next Governor will continue GMAP and not let this management tool fall by the wayside.

From near last to almost first on state balanced budget requirement

April 17, 2012 in Blog

Starting with the 2017-19 budget, Washington will have one of the toughest balanced budget requirements in the country, assuming lawmakers don't amend or repeal the statutory protections created by SB 6636.

Editorial wrap up of budget agreement

April 16, 2012 in Blog

Here is a snap shot of how the state budget agreement is playing across the state:

Transparency

You Don’t Need to Wear Shades for Washington’s Economic Future

April 16, 2012 in Blog

A new report by the nonpartisan American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) ranks the economic competitiveness in the 50 states, and while Washington’s rank over the past ten years (2000-2010) isn’t too bad, the future looks grim.  

How a bill SHOULD become a law

April 13, 2012 in Blog

Based on an email update from Washington Education Association (WEA) President Mary Lindquist, it looks like Washington school children will soon be learning a new version of "how a bill becomes a law." Here is what she told WEA members:

Things were thrown in the budget deal at the last moment...

April 12, 2012 in Blog

Interesting compare and contrast between the Governor's last two press conference on the budget deal.

The first clip is from her April 11 early morning statements about calling the 2nd Special Session and no one needing to worry about additional time to review the details in the budget because there weren't any "surprises":

Evolution of the 2012 supplemental budget

April 12, 2012 in Blog

Here is the evolution of the 2012 supplemental budget:

Democrat proposals