JLARC “works to make state government operations more effective, efficient and accountable,” the committee web site says. It pursues that mission by conducting performance audits, program evaluations and other reviews as directed by the Legislature. It regularly issues reports on its work.
Much of what the committee recommends concerns improving
data collection and performance measurements to guide state agencies in
boosting efficiency. But it can also call for more concrete actions, such as
the suggestion that the Department of Natural Resources could trim its fleet of
firefighting helicopters without compromising its role in fighting forest fires
– a money-saving proposal that was put into effect.
As a joint committee, JLARC includes senators and representatives, Democrats and Republicans. Current members of the House Democratic Caucus on the committee are Kathy Haigh
of Shelton, Troy
Kelley of Tacoma and Mark Miloscia of Federal Way.
