Gov. Mead Supports Merging State Agencies

Governor Matt Mead announced Wednesday that he supports combining the two state agencies which deal with jobs, the Department of Workforce Services and the Department of Employment.  Mead has appointed Joan Evans to be Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and the Interim Director of the Department of Employment as a way to streamline state government.

Mead said his vision is for an unemployed member of the public to have a "one-stop shop" to go to:

"A top priority of mine is to help create a great jobs climate in Wyoming, and combining the work of two agencies that address employment makes sense both for better serving the citizens and as a step toward streamlining state government." 

The governor said combining the agencies would reduce confusion regarding the roles of each agency, particularly in the areas of unemployment and re-employment and would create more efficiency.

The process to merge the agencies must come from the Wyoming Legislature.  Several legislators have endorsed the idea and Mead's administration is contemplating having the Legislature consider a bill which would merge the departments together.

Evans has directed the DWS since 2007 and takes over for former Department of Employment Director Gary Child, who retired last month. She said:

"This dual role will allow for a renewed focus on jobs and the economy, a commitment to efficiency in Wyoming State Government and a collaborative employment effort that will benefit our citizens."