Former Federal Personnel Chief Devine Encourages New System For All Government

ALEXANDRIA, VA - The American Conservative Union today endorsed the new performance-centered personnel system for the Department of Homeland Security just announced by the Bush Administration.

"The new system would replace the moribund civil service system and its General Schedule method of automatic raises based on time in grade. This is a marvelous step forward for making government work and to save taxpayers millions-if not billions-of dollars once the new system is fully implemented," said Donald Devine, former President Ronald Reagan's head of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and a vice chairman of the American Conservative Union.

"These proposals build on demonstration projects and regulations started under President Reagan that were designed to spend the taxpayers' money wisely. While government clearly does too much these days, government does fulfill essential functions such as defense and homeland security and it must perform these efficiently and effectively," Devine continued.

"The White House has also promised to introduce legislation to extend this more effective system to the other agencies of the Federal Government by the end of the month. ACU encourages this development and looks forward to working with the administration on these matters," Devine concluded.

To schedule an interview with Donald Devine, please contact Ian Walters at 703-836-8602.