Civil Service "Deform" (HB 187) proposal is back, despite voter referendum to clean up corruption

Dec. 5, 2006 - Once again Rep. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) has introduced a civil service reform bill, HB 187, this time during the lame duck legislative session. The bill would decrease accountability and return a system of political paybacks and cronyism to government service.

“The bill does nothing to make government more efficient, reduce waste, or protect the public trust,” said OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas.

“What this does is open the door for political abuse by managers, who would have the discretion to come in and 'clean house' whenever they felt like it by manipulating hirings, promotions and furloughing employees. It's scary to think that we would be going backwards in terms of corruption and cronyism in the workplace, especially given the message sent by the voters in the recent election.”

The proposed bill, currently in the Ohio House, would allow for many changes to civil service, including:

• Giving agencies the authority to furlough any employees for up to 70 days in a fiscal year due to a lack of funds;
• Reducing full-time employees to part-time employees for up to 70 days in a fiscal year due to a lack of funds;
• Limiting bumping rights only within a classification series;
• Expanding disciplinary measures to include the reduction or elimination of longevity pay;
• and giving employers more discretion in setting minimum qualifications for positions without undergoing the complete job analysis process.

“We are deeply disappointed that the legislature would stoop to such divisive measures before a new administration takes over. Tactics such as these are far from the spirit of cooperation we were hoping would be indicative of the next four years,” said Douglas.

This legislation is being heard before the House Local Government Committee. OCSEA is preparing to offer opponent testimony.

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