The Federation-initiated bill to bring accountability to the Washington Management Service and exempt service got a good hearing in the Senate Labor, Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Monday.
SB 5939 calls for more transparency on the numbers of WMS and exempt employees and special pay they receive.
The bill would also eliminate WMS. However, Sen. Karen Keiser is proposing an amendment to reduce but not eliminate WMS. The administration has opposed the original bill, which means the governor would likely veto the bill in its present form if it ever reaches her desk.
An amended version of the bill (SHB 2049) passed a House committee last week.
"I want to protect those people on the ground who are doing the people's work," said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Steve Hobbs of the 44th District.
"We believe that the Washington Management Service has not achieved its intended goal," said the Federation's Dennis Eagle. "It has not led to a stronger, more qualified and capable management system. And in a time of austerity, we need to show that we're spending every tax dollar wisely."
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