For those that aren't aware, Washington is in the process of changing it's entire civil service system. The necessary laws (SHB 1268 for those interested) were passed this last session and the new civil service system will commence in 2005. My understanding is there's no fudge room on the date since it's spelled out in the legislation.

Essentially the plan is to function more like a business and less like state government. For example: the new legislation calls for "contracting out" some state jobs. Wages and benefits for employees will also be negotiated between the govenors team and individual bargaining units. Merit will also play a larger roll in layoffs and salaries. Obviously those that are "slackers" get fired or layed off first and those that "bust tail" get the bonuses just like the private sector. If folks are interested about what's going on, visit Washington's Dept of Personnel's webpage and you can learn more. Just realize that we are drifting down river and building the boat at the same time, so there will likely be questions that don't have answers yet. This is a huge undertaking and personally I think 2005 is a little ambitious, but obviously the legislature disagrees.

I'm guessing the rollout in 2005 will be a little bumpy. It will then probably take a few years to clean up the fatal flaws that got missed in the planning process and by 2008 or so things should be working fairly smoothly. Who know's, by then this discussion might just be a moot point.