Director's Message

June 8, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

“The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectable.”

~John Kenneth Galbraith (U.S. economist, academic and ambassador to India 1961-1963)

As we near the end of this biennium and the start of the next, we have to pay close attention simultaneously to two very different budget processes -- we must work with the Legislature to finalize next biennium’s budget, and at the same time we need to manage and close out the current biennium’s budget. It can be a difficult juggling act.

I anticipate that the 2007-2009 DHS budget will be finalized in the next few weeks. As I learn more about what that budget will contain, I’ll share all the details with you.

Of more immediate concern is ensuring we do not exceed our remaining resources for the 2005-2007 biennium. Despite the size of the department’s budget, there is little cushion for error.

Fortunately, thanks to the dedicated efforts of all of you, our finance staff and employees throughout the department, we are succeeding in finishing the biennium within our budget. DHS finance and program staff are consulting on a daily basis to monitor all spending and report and respond to any problems. I know that one cost-saving measure in particular -- the hiring freeze -- has been very difficult because of the impact on customer service and workloads, but we’re almost at the finish line. The freeze will be lifted in just a few more weeks.

Our collective efforts have been worth it. The 2005-2007 budget is on track. New and improved financial management methods, combined with the efforts of everyone involved in managing our expenditures and using our resources as cost effectively as possible, have made the difference. Thank you for all you have done.

Each of you has played an important part in this and together we have accomplished a great deal. The department has a very bright future ahead. With our improved ability to provide prudent program management and fiscal accountability, the Governor, the Legislature and the public now have confidence that DHS is meeting the needs of Oregonians in the best way possible. This is important, because we know that so many needs in our communities continue to go unmet. Addressing these needs will require future investments of resources. There is now confidence that investing those resources in meeting the health and human services needs of our population is a good thing for Oregon.

Another topic I want to mention this week is the new Oregon Safety and Wellness Leadership Initiative, which began this spring. As the lead agency responsible for the health and safety of Oregonians, DHS will be a key participant in this statewide multi-agency effort.

During the first phase of the initiative, 90 managers within CAF were interviewed to gather information about what contributes to or detracts from workplace safety and employee wellness. Next up is a survey of CAF employees that will ask similar questions. The information gathered will be used to develop an implementation plan for CAF, which is expected to be ready in early summer.

Managers and staff in other divisions will be invited to participate in the assessment and survey process during the weeks and months ahead. As the process rolls out to your division, I encourage you to take the time to share your thoughts about safety and wellness. Your comments will help shape your future work environment.

And in the spirit of safety and wellness, please have a safe summer.

To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.