It's time to call foul on furloughs!

Use the good government tools you created to shed light on the phony furlough program!

FILE A WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT

www.sao.wa. gov > Investigations

Is management approving costly overtime to make up for the work that can't be done because of the furlough days?

When you go to the State Employee Whistleblower website, you'll be asked a series of questions, including:

• What type of governmental action are you reporting?
  .
  Gross waste of public funds   |   Gross mismanagement

• When and where did the improper governmental action take place?
  .
  Overtime was approved on (date) to make up for not being able to work on (date of furlough) at the office (office location).

• Please describe the improper governmental action in detail.  The more detailed information you provide us, the better we will be able to assess your concerns.  Improper governmental action cannot be related to personnel matters.
  .
  Describe the number of employees worked overtime, the number of hours, the information management may have given to you to deny it was connected to furloughs.

• How do you know about the information you are disclosing here?
  .
  Describe communications you received from management or verify you were offered - or worked - overtime and how much before or after a furlough day the overtime was allowed.

SUBMIT A 'BRAINSTORM' IDEA 

www.sos.wa.gov > Productivity Board > Employee Suggestion Program

Help the state save $94 million.  File a "Brainstorm" idea to recoup the $94 million in federal funds lost to furloughs.  If approved, those who submitted the idea get 10% of the savings up to $10,000.

• In simple terms, summarize the current program or condition.
  .
  The Legislature and state enacted 10 furlough days, the effect of which is to forfeit $94 million in federal funds.  Therefore, the furloughs are inefficient because they cost more than they save.
   
• In simple terms, summarize your proposed solution and include projected cost savings.
  .
  Stop the furloughs.  Bargain alternative plans.  Savings = $94 million.

• How did you research your suggestion and/or come up with the savings amount?
  .
  The Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Management on Feb. 22, 2010 (Agency Detail, page 167) showed a net loss of about $94 million in federal matching funds caused by furloughs.  So furloughs may try to save $48, but actually end up costing the state more.

'TRANSFORM' BUDGET DEBATE

transformwabudget.ideascale.com

Help the state transform its budgeting by never again falling for the phony furlough idea.

Tell the Governor's Budget Transformation Commission:

"I suggest you reconsider furloughs and/or never do them again.  They end up costing more than they save.  They are leading to overtime costs - exactly what happened in Oregon.  The governor's Chief of Staff Jay Manning said on July 7 furlough-caused overtime will lead to other cuts."