Casey reintroduces H.9 to reinstate employee cost‑savings incentive program for state workers

Representative Connor Casey introduced H.9, a bill to reinstate a state employee cost‑savings incentive program that would reward classified, nonmanagement employees in the executive and judicial branches when their implemented ideas generate measurable savings.

Casey said the program would empower frontline employees — whom he called uniquely positioned to identify inefficiencies — to submit suggestions to the Department of Human Resources using a standardized form. “H.9 reinstates a program to reward executive and judicial branch employees, for cost saving ideas that are implemented and generate measurable savings,” he said.

Key provisions described to the committee include an award equal to 25% of the first‑year savings from an implemented idea, capped at $25,000, paid within one year of implementation; eligibility limited to classified nonmanagement employees; a review panel that would include BSEA (the union representing the workers), human resources representatives and state officials; and final decisions made by the state auditor rather than remaining solely within the executive branch.

Casey and committee staff described the bill as a revival of a program first enacted in 2010 that included a built‑in repeal after two years; the current draft would not automatically sunset. Chelsea, a staff member who spoke to the committee, said the new draft places the program in the state auditor’s office and removes the prior repeal date while making technical updates to conform with current drafting guidelines.

Committee members discussed perceived benefits and past implementation challenges. Casey and others said the program can improve morale and recognize employees who identify practical savings; he cited military and state examples and data presented in briefing materials. He told the committee that Washington state saved about $10.4 million in its first five years under a different productivity program and that a California example of material reuse saved more than $14 million. Sponsors emphasized that the program needs executive‑branch buy‑in and promotion to succeed.

Process and oversight: Casey said rejected suggestions should be subject to review by the panel rather than dismissed by a single manager; the state auditor would serve as a neutral final arbiter. The bill would require annual reporting that summarizes implemented suggestions, savings and rejected ideas.

Next steps: H.9 was introduced for consideration and discussion; no formal motion or committee vote was recorded at this meeting.