TO: All State Agency Directors
FROM: Brian Sonntag, State Auditor
DATE: August 25, 1999
SUBJECT: The Whistleblower Program and Agency Requirements
The Whistleblower Program is an important part of maintaining accountability in state government and I appreciate the positive response and cooperation shown by agencies that have been involved in past investigations. Our office strives to administer the program efficiently and to perform independent, objective and thorough investigations.
Earlier this year, the Legislature enacted changes to the Whistleblower Act. The attached four documents are to assist you in understanding the changes and the program as a whole.
The first document is a brief overview of the program. It addresses filing requirements, the investigative process, and laws and remedies regarding retaliation. The second document covers whistleblower issues in detail. The third is a form designed for employees to use when reporting improper governmental actions. The fourth is information from the state Human Rights Commission about retaliation.
The law requires state agencies to give each new employee a summary of the Whistleblower Program and the procedures for reporting improper governmental action. It further requires agencies to annually notify all employees of the program_s procedures and protections. Distributing the attached documents will meet that obligation. This information also may be found on our home page at: http://www.sao.wa.gov.
If you have questions about the Whistleblower Program or questions about a specific investigation at your agency, please call Whistleblower Program Manager Mindy Chambers at (360) 902-0091.
Thank you for your support of the state Whistleblower Program.
BS:msc
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