PHOENIX (AP) - Gov. Jan Brewer has signed into law a sweeping revamp of the state government's personnel system.

The changes will make the system more like those of private businesses, partly by relaxing and eliminating civil service protections. That has the effect of making it easier to fire state employees.

Other changes include making additional agency directors accountable to the governor.

Brewer says the changes will make state government more efficient and productive.

Critics say the changes open the door for political cronyism and represent a power grab by Brewer. They also contend the current system isn't broken.

The signing Thursday was expected because the bill was one of Brewer's top priorities for the recently ended legislative session.

The legislation takes effect Sept. 28.