OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today a sweeping set of reforms aimed at making state government leaner, smoother operating and more accessible for those wanting to pay a bill, renew a license or attend a college class.
She called for elimination of 150 boards and commissions and closing of 25 driver licensing offices, pledges she first made in her inaugural address last month.
Fifty-six of those advisory panels will go away immediately by executive order while legislation will be required to axe the remainder by June 30, 2010.
Meanwhile, the Department of Licensing will begin shuttering little-visited offices around the state over the next 18 months. At the same time the department will expand hours of operation at the busiest regional hubs, including Everett and Lynnwood.
Two additional moves intended to streamline government would merge Eastern and Western Washington historical societies and is backing a bill to move the Department of Archaeology and Historical Preservation into the state parks department.
Finally, Gregoire today said community and technical colleges will continue working to expand their course offerings online to keep higher education affordable and accessible.
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