OLYMPIA - Senate Democrats today previewed reform legislation to streamline government, target fraud and abuse, and make strategic investments that will garner long-term savings.

Sens. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Nick Harper, D-Everett, were tasked with targeting potential reforms in all areas of state government, a process that has been in the works for the past two months.

The two senators joined Majority Leader Lisa Brown for her media availability where the three outlined the caucus agenda for sensible reforms and strategic investments for long-term savings.

“Reforms are policy changes and structural improvements that better deliver state services to the public at a lower cost,” Hargrove said. “Finding new revenue, whether by closing loopholes or raising taxes, is budgeting.  Cutting costs by eliminating programs or increasing cost-sharing with employees is budgeting. We’re talking about creating fundamental change so that the state can better serve the public.”

Hargrove and Harper poured through all areas of state government, looking at successful evidence-based programs and applying those strategies in other areas. The senators also examined Joint Legislative Audit & Review (JLARC) audits of government services and recommendations from the state auditor, in addition to considering suggestions from legislators of both parties.

“We cannot continue to operate in the same fashion and expect different results,” Harper said. “We have the opportunity to implement many of these thoroughly vetted, cost-saving approaches to state government now to place the state back on sound financial footing in the near future.”

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For more information: Aaron Wasser, 360-786-7333

Ian Cope, 360-786-7535

For interviews: Sen. Jim Hargrove, 360-786-7646 and Sen. Nick Harper, 360-786-7674