State Seal

STATE OF WASHINGTON
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
P.O. Box 40002 · Olympia, Washington 98504-0002 · (360) 902-4111 · www.governor.wa.gov

GOVERNOR’S DIRECTIVE No. 02-03

TO:

State Elected Officials
Agency Directors
Presidents of Higher Education Institutions
State Boards and Commissions

FROM: Gary Locke, Governor
DATE: April 10, 2002
SUBJECT: Hiring, Travel and Equipment Purchase Freeze

On April 5, 2002, I signed the supplemental operating budget for the 2001-03 biennium. In that budget are 967 net FTE staff reductions, $3 million in reductions from employee travel, and $2.3 million in reductions from equipment purchases. By this directive, I reiterate my commitment to cost reduction thru FTE staff, travel, and equipment savings and rescind Directive No. 02-01.

All entities in state government will meet the FTE staff, travel, and equipment reduction targets established in the 2001-03 supplemental budget just enacted. Positions that directly serve public safety and essential health and welfare functions of state government may be filled within those budgeted targets. Essential travel and equipment purchases may be made in accordance with the budget and agency allotment authority only.

In addition, I am establishing FTE staff, travel, and equipment purchase reduction targets over and above those established by the supplemental budget. These targets will result in 400 fewer FTE staff and more than $1 million in additional savings from travel and equipment. I renew my call to presidents of higher education institutions, boards, commissions and our separately elected officials to impose similar standards to achieve targeted savings within their agencies and jurisdictions.

I have directed the Office of Financial Management to provide each agency with reduction targets. OFM will regularly monitor statewide accounting data concerning FTE staff, travel, and equipment to determine agency compliance with these new targets. OFM will also consult with the Department of Personnel and review hiring, payroll, and headcount reports.

As of today, agencies will not be required to submit hiring, travel, or equipment purchase exemption requests to OFM as long as targets are being met.

As I stated in my February directive, this is not going to be an easy time. I once again ask us and all of our employees in state government to use common sense, good judgment and creativity to provide the best possible service to our residents at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. I appreciate what you all do for the citizens of the state of Washington, and thank you in advance for your cooperation.