Introduction

In 1973, Representative Leonard Sawyer was elected Speaker of the House. He had represented the Puyallup area since 1955 and over his years of service had developed a slate of ideas for improving legislative processes and organization. He was especially keen to strengthen the legislative branch of government to balance the tremendous growth of the executive branch under one of Washington's most activist governors, Dan Evans. As Speaker, Sawyer saw his opportunity to put his ideas into practice. He and his team identified some of the structural weaknesses they perceived in the Legislature and pushed a radical program of reforms to address them.

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Video - The Reform Program: A Group Interview

» Read a complete transcript of the Group Interview.
REFORM COMPONENTS

Continuing Sessions
» Court Case PDF Document - Acrobat Reader Required

Tim Burke
Creation of Office of Program Research (OPR)



Legislative Council History:

» Tim Burke Interview
» OPR Web Site


Tim Burke
Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program (LEAP)

» Leap Presentation to Congress
» Leap Web Site