Report Library | Little Hoover Commission

The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2021-22

The Commission's traditional biennial report summarizes its activities and accomplishments during 2021 and 2022, and highlights top opportunities for government reform. The report provides an overview of the Commission's purpose, history, and study process as well as its sixteen reports or issue briefs released during the biennium. ... [more]

Equitable Economic Development across California

California is a center of innovation and home to world-leading enterprises. By some measures, California possesses the world’s fifth-largest economy. California’s economy is also, however, ... [more]

Issue Brief: Using Data Tools to Compare Regional Economic Well-Being in California

In the spring of 2022, the Little Hoover Commission launched a study on equitable regional economic development, which focuses on California’s efforts to close regional disparities and promote ... [more]

Issue Brief: Major State Programs That Can Support Regional Economic Development

In the spring of 2022, the Little Hoover Commission launched a study on equitable regional economic development, which focuses on California’s efforts to close regional disparities and promote greater prosperity across the state. This Issue Brief –which was produced as part of the Commission’s study–provides a preliminary compilation of major state programs and investments that can support inclusive regional development ... [more]

Issue Brief: Assessing the California Rebuilding Fund

The COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on small businesses in California, with minority- and women-owned businesses bearing the brunt of these impacts. In response, the California Rebuilding Fund was launched in Fall 2020 to partner with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in providing loans to small businesses as they rebuild and recover from the unprecedented impacts of the pandemic. This Issue Brief ... [more]

California Housing: Building a More Affordable Future

California is short by two to three million homes to safely house its population. As a result of this limited supply, Californians are paying record prices for housing and far too many are finding themselves priced out of the market. The implications of California’s housing crisis are devastating. The state’s poverty rate—when taking into account cost of living—is the highest in the nation. Californians looking for housing they... [more]

Reforming the Recall

In 2021, for the second time in two decades, Californians went to the polls to vote on the recall of the state’s governor. The attempted recall of Governor Gavin Newsom brought significant attention to the recall and spurred calls to reform California’s recall system. As California’s independent oversight agency, the Little Hoover Commission considered whether California’s system for recalling state office-holders should be ... [more]

Law Enforcement Training: Identifying What Works for Officers and Communities

California spends millions of dollars on law enforcement training each year yet there is very little evidence to demonstrate which types of training actually achieve intended goals and positively ... [more]

Issue Brief: Comparing Law Enforcement Basic Training Academies

A fact sheet summarizing the Commission's research on law enforcement training is available here. In the fall of 2020, the Little Hoover Commission launched a study to examine the role of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in shaping law enforcement training standards for California’s peace officers. In this Issue Brief – which was produced as part of the Commission’s study – the Commission gives ... [more]

Issue Brief: California Law Enforcement Survey

In the fall of 2020, the Little Hoover Commission launched a study to examine the role of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in shaping law enforcement training standards ... [more]

COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health: Addressing the Impact

COVID has confronted California with two pandemics of public health: the viral pandemic and a pandemic of mental health that has fallen especially heavily on children and youth. The pandemic created a... [more]

The Government of Tomorrow: Online Meetings

Under the provisions of the Governor’s March 2020 Executive Order, state boards and commissions have had the ability to meet via remote technology, with no physical location accessible to the ... [more]

Issue Brief: California's Use of Federal Pandemic Aid

This Issue Brief outlines the state’s use of the $9. 5 billion in CARES Act money that was received last year, and highlights potential differences between eligible uses of that funding and the expected $26 billion American Rescue Plan funding the state will receive this year. The goal of this Brief is to provide policymakers with background on last year’s use of federal relief, and on the potential uses of this year’s relief. To be... [more]

California Election Infrastructure: Making a Good System Better

California’s elections are free, fair, and secure but the state can do more to improve its election infrastructure. The Commission held a hearing on this topic in 2019 and released a letter to the Governor and legislative leadership to consider important questions related to elections security, such as the need for funding to improve equipment. In this report, the Commission calls on the state to adopt an open source election system, ... [more]

Issue Brief: COVID's Impact on California Housing

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected California renters, landlords, and homeowners, hindering their ability to make their housing payments and threatening potentially devastating socio-economic impacts due to foreclosure. Some of California's most vulnerable populations - people of color, low-income households, and those with less formal education - have been disproportionately affected. In response to questions ... [more]

First Steps toward Recovery: Job Training and Reskilling

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the deepest economic contraction since the Great Depression and left millions of Californians unemployed. The impact of the pandemic-induced recession has fallen ... [more]

Beyond the Crisis: A Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover from Intimate Partner Violence

Calls for a strategic plan and evidence-based decision-making to reduce, prevent, and recover from intimate partner violence in California. Finds the state’s response to intimate partner violence is siloed and lacks goals and action plans to achieve those goals. Finds the state lacks a comprehensive prevention program for intimate partner violence. Urges the state to create a robust prevention program, shift focus from crisis ... [more]

The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2019-20

The Commission's traditional biennial report summarizes its activities and accomplishments during 2019 and 2020, and highlights top opportunities for government reform. The report provides an ... [more]

First Steps toward Recovery: Saving Small Businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the deepest economic contraction since the Great Depression and has left millions of Californians unemployed. The impact of the pandemic-induced recession has fallen ... [more]

Issue Brief: California's Digital Divide

Access to affordable, high-speed internet is more critical now than ever before, yet many California households go without or lack sufficient bandwidth to meet their household’s needs. These ... [more]

Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Help Victims and Bring Traffickers to Justice

Barriers to care make it difficult for labor trafficking survivors to access the help they need, while cases bringing their traffickers to justice remain rare. These barriers include costly time-consuming investigations; difficulty proving non-physical coercion or force; and a lack of adequate training for law enforcement and court personnel. The Commission also provides new data about the extent of the problem, based on an analysis of ... [more]

Labor Trafficking: Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime

Numerous obstacles hinder efforts to identify labor trafficking cases in the state, leaving untold numbers of victims trapped in oppressive situations. Barriers that make it difficult to identify ... [more]

Human Trafficking: Coordinating a California Response

California’s efforts to combat human trafficking have focused principally on sex trafficking rather than labor trafficking. The Commission found that while a variety of state agencies play a role ... [more]

Intimate Partner Violence: Getting the Money to Those on the Front Line

Calls for reform to California’s key anti-domestic violence program to better assist those on the front line serving survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Finds that service providers ... [more]

Mapping a Strategy for GIS

For this study, the Commission reviewed state government’s use of geographic information systems, or GIS, technology considered opportunities for California to build a robust statewide GIS strategy.... [more]

Letter to Governor Newsom and the Legislature on Voting Equipment Security

In this report, the Little Hoover Commission calls on lawmakers and policymakers to consider expanding approaches to voting equipment security so all California voters can be sure the reported outcome... [more]

The Economy & Efficiency Report 2017-18

The report provides a synopsis of the Commission's oversight work and accomplishments in 2017 and 2018, and identifies top opportunities for government reform from the Commission’s body of work. ... [more]

Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for California

The Little Hoover Commission found that between now and 2030 AI technologies could have an economic impact in California of well more than $400 billion and anywhere from 1 to 11 million California jobs could be impacted. While California state government has made some strides to use modern technology to improve operations and services, the state is ill prepared for the inevitable changes AI will bring. California state government lacks ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and Legislature on Voter Participation in New Motor Voter Program

In this report, the Little Hoover Commission calls for an overhaul of the New Motor Voter Program implementation. In enacting the program, lawmakers sought to ease registration processes for eligible voters and boost the number of Californians on the state’s voter rolls. During its review, the Commission found that implementation errors at the Department of Motor Vehicles negatively altered thousands of voter records and improperly ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and Legislature on Denti-Cal Update

In this letter, the Commission highlights the challenges and opportunities that continue to face the state’s Medi-Cal Dental program (Denti-Cal). The letter acknowledges important efforts by ... [more]

Fire on the Mountain: Rethinking Forest Management in the Sierra Nevada

In this report, the Commission calls for transformational culture change in its forest management practices. The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in December 2017 that approximately ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and Legislature: Denti-Cal Program Still Broken

In this letter, the Commission renews concerns raised in its April 2016 report, Fixing Denti-Cal, calling for significant reform to fix the troubled Denti-Cal program. The letter calls on the Department of Health Care Services to do more to prioritize access to critical dental services and preventative oral care for counties and communities throughout the state, with particular consideration for the most vulnerable Californians. The ... [more]

Transforming the Yountville Veterans Home Campus

In this report, the Commission calls for calls for bold and innovative approaches to transform the historic 615-acre campus in the heart of Napa Valley to better meet the changing needs of veterans ... [more]

Special Districts: Improving Oversight & Transparency

In this report, the Commission calls for special district reforms and recommends several measures to strengthen oversight of California’s 2,071 independent special districts. During its review, the ... [more]

Improving State Permitting for Local Climate Change Adaptation Projects

In this report, the Commission calls for reducing unnecessary bureaucratic delays in state permitting of local government projects designed to improve California’s resiliency against climate change.... [more]

A New Approach to California's Veterans Homes

In this report, the Commission calls for greater self-sufficiency in the state’s veterans homes program and less reliance on the General Fund to free up resources to serve more California veterans, particularly those incapable of caring for their own health. During its review of the state’s eight-home system, the Commission found unnecessarily high costs to California taxpayers compared to other states and also determined that fewer ... [more]

Borrowed Money: Opportunities for Stronger Bond Oversight

In this report, the Commission calls for more consistent oversight and greater transparency for public spending financed by state and local bonds. This report updates and builds on ... [more]

The Economy & Efficiency Report 2015-16

The report provides a synopsis of the Commission's oversight work and accomplishments during the two-year legislative session, and explores the Commission's list of California’s top challenges and ... [more]

Jobs for Californians: Strategies to Ease Occupational Licensing Barriers

In this report, the Commission calls for a comprehensive review of occupational licensing regulations to increase upward mobility of workers in California. During its review, the ... [more]

Promises Still to Keep: A Second Look at the Mental Health Services Act

In this report, the Commission renews its January 2015 call to strengthen the oversight of Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) of 2004. This report updates and builds on ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on the Salton Sea

In this report, the Commission renews its September 2015 call for urgent action at the Salton Sea to prevent a massive public health, environmental and economic disaster in Southern California. ... [more]

Time and Again: Overtime in State Facilities

In this report, the Commission urges the state to reduce excess overtime in state health care facilities by 50 percent by 2018. During its review, the Commission found that nursing staff working in state facilities clocked 3. 75 million hours of overtime – at a cost of $179 million. The state’s overtime is four times the national average – 18 percent of state nursing staff pay is for overtime as compared to an average of four ... [more]

Fixing Denti-Cal

In this report, the Commission urges reboot for troubled state Denti-Cal program, and cites its harm to beneficiaries and historic inability to reform. During its review, the Commission found California’s Medicaid dental program ranks among state government’s greatest deficiencies, falling disastrously short in providing dental care to a third of California’s population and half of its children. Also finds that more than 13 ... [more]

A Customer-Centric Upgrade For California Government

In this report, the Commission issues a blueprint for state government to put customers first in its daily operations and culture. During its review, the Commission found that by better meeting Californians’ expectations, the state can improve public trust and confidence in government. The Commission recommends a customer-centric strategy at the highest levels of agencies and departments, and the creation of a digital services team ... [more]

Averting Disaster: Action Now for the Salton Sea

In this report, the Commission urges immediate state action to prevent massive dust storms, wildlife losses and harm to Southern California economies from a receding Salton Sea. Duiring this review, ... [more]

Conversations For Workable Government

In this report, the Commission recommends fine-tuning California’s open meeting acts to improve governing. The Commission also recommends retaining existing executive branch ex parte policies, ... [more]

Level the Playing Field: Put California's Underground Economy Out of Business

In this report, the Commission urges leaders to wage a stronger campaign against the underground economy to protect California businesses and workers. During its review, the Commssion found the state loses an estimated $8. 5 billion or more annually in tax revenue, while efforts to combat the underground economy are disjointed and under-resourced. The Commission provides 15 recommendations to give competitive advantage to businesses ... [more]

Promises Still to Keep: A Decade of the Mental Health Services Act

In this report, the Commission calls for the state to address critical shortcomings in its implementation of 2004’s Proposition 63 ballot measure, known as the Mental Health Services Act. During its review, the Commission found that the state can’t quantifiably validate how billions generated annually by Proposition 63 have been used to help Californians with mental illness recover and thrive, and how it has prevented others from ... [more]

The Economy & Efficiency Report 2013-14

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2013 and 2014 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Revisiting California's Energy Future

In this report, the Commission renews its call to bring greater clarity on the aggregated costs and consequences of the energy policies being implemented in California. The Commission urges the ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Medi-Cal Update

In this report, the Commission commends the Department of Health Care Services after hearing testimony describing changes to implement the Commission’s 2007 recommendations that sought to transform Medi-Cal, the state’s public health care delivery system. This report updates recommendations the Commission made in its May 2007 report, A Smarter Way to Care: Transforming Medi-Cal for the Future. The Commission recommends the state ... [more]

Governing California Through Climate Change

In this report, the Commission calls on the Governor and Legislature to assume the same leadership role in climate change adaptation and climate risk assessment as it has for addressing ... [more]

From Hiring to Retiring: Strategies for Modernizing State Human Resources

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor, Legislature and state human resource leaders to finish the work outlined in the Governor’s reorganization plan of 2012, increase the efficiency and customer service in state processes and put into place a system that will ensure careers in state government are attainable and rewarding. ... [more]

Sensible Sentencing for a Safer California

In this report, the Commission urges California leaders to improve criminal justice sentencing by amending the penal code to expand the purpose of incarceration beyond punishment alone. The Commission... [more]

A New Plan for a New Economy: Reimagining Higher Education

In this report, the Commission calls for a new master plan for higher education that addresses the state’s need to substantially increase the number of graduates while recognizing that state ... [more]

An Agenda for Veterans: The State's Turn to Serve

In this report, the Commission calls for improved oversight of veterans’ services at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Commission recommends for the department to do the following: improve ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Bail and Pre-Trial Services

In this report, the Commission spotlights jail overcrowding. During its study, the Commission found that county sheriffs, not judges, increasingly make bail and sentencing decisions to manage jail overcrowding. The Commission also found a need for evidence-based practices to safely reduce large pre-trial populations that account for a majority of jail detainees. To address these issues, the Commission recommends the state ... [more]

Beyond Crisis: Recapturing Excellence in California's State Park System

In this report, the Commission calls for a new vision to restore California's State Parks to excellence. During its review, the Commission found that the California Department of Parks and Recreation needs a new operating model to thrive, and to protect and preserve the state’s natural and cultural treasures. The department’s model should be built around shared management, innovation, greater transparency and the expectation ... [more]

Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas for Energy Reform

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor to bring greater clarity on the aggregated costs and consequences of the energy policies being implemented in California. During its review, the Commission found that California has embarked on a massive transformation in the way electricity is produced and distributed, but lacks a comprehensive plan to ensure electricity remains affordable and reliable. The Commission's ... [more]

Improving Government Performance: Recommendations from an Independent Voice

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2011 and 2012 legislative session. The report provides an overview ... [more]

Building Value: Modernizing Property Management

In this report, the Commission calls for a stronger approach to state property management. During its review, the Commission found the state has much to gain from more proactive, more ... [more]

A Review of Government Reorganization Plan No. 2

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. Objective: Restructure various agencies and departments. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. ... [more]

Serving Students, Serving California: Updating the California Community Colleges to Meet Evolving Demands

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor and the Legislature to refocus the mission of the community colleges to align policies and resources around fostering student achievement in ... [more]

Better Regulation: Improving California's Rulemaking Process

In this report, the Commission calls for improved regulatory process and stronger oversight. The Commission urges the Governor and Legislature to make the state’s process for developing ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Information Technology Governance

In this report, the Commission urges the state to continue its commitments to information technology investments. During its review, the Commission found that California needs to maintain its investment in modernizing information technology across state government. The Commission recommends continuing the momentum gained through the creation of the California Technology Agency, and urges the Legislature to monitor five ... [more]

Letter to Governor Brown and the Legislature on Community Corrections

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor and the Legislature to continue their efforts to refine California’s criminal justice policies. Facing budget constraints and pressure from federal ... [more]

A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Unify and Streamline the California State Personnel System

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. Objective: Consolidate functions of the Department of Personnel Administration and State Personnel Board into a new California Department of Human... [more]

A Long-Term Strategy for Long-Term Care

In this report, noting the rising number of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age, the Commission called for better preparation and a more comprehensive strategy for meeting seniors’ needs while ... [more]

Chairman Hancock Letter to Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

This letter is the Commission's response to Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. 's letter requesting the Commission’s suggestions for specific actions California can take to reduce government waste ... [more]

Public Pensions for Retirement Security

In this report, the Commission calls for a pension roll-back for current workers. During its review, the Commission found that growing pension obligations are threatening financial security for the state and for California cities and counties. The Commission recommends the adoption of several measures designed to curb pension costs generated by existing and future public employees, including altering future unaccrued benefits for... [more]

Smart State Management

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2009 and 2010 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, study process and the role it plays within the Capitol community. The report also includes details about studies conducted and reports issued during the past two years. ... [more]

Smarter Choices, Better Education: Improving California Charter Schools

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to improve the charter school authorization process and promote the use of performance contracts to help ensure that all California students receive a high-quality education. During its review, the Commission found that California’s dysfunctional charter school authorization process thwarts efforts to expand successful charter school models and innovative approaches to education and makes... [more]

Managing for Change Modernizing California's Water Governance

In this report, the Commission calls for a new approach to managing California's water supply. During its review, the Commission found that the state’s current water management and planning ... [more]

Making up for Lost Ground: Creating a Governor's Office of Economic Development

In this report, the Commission sets the stage for an economic action plan that restructures the leadership and coordination of the state’s economic development programs. During its review, the Commission found that the state’s economic development programs are dispersed to various agencies and departments, and are not organized in a way that businesses and cities can easily use them – or even locate them. To streamline ... [more]

Building California: Infrastructure Choices and Strategy

In this report, the Commission says a state infrastructure strategy is needed. Californians cannot continue to rely on bonds for financing infrastructure development and instead must create a ... [more]

Stem Cell Research: Strengthening Governance to Further the Voter's Mandate

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to strengthen the stem cell board. The Commission urges the state to reform the governance structure of the California Institute for ... [more]

Bond Spending: Expanding and Enhancing Oversight

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to enhance oversight of public investments. During its review, the Commission found that California voters approve bond measure after bond measure, ... [more]

A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Consolidate Information Technology Functions

Proposed by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Objective: Consolidate state information technology functions under the Office of the State Chief Information Officer. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Improving Government Performance: Accountability, Governance, Transparency

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2007 and 2008 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

Clearer Structure, Cleaner Water: Improving Performance and Outcomes at the State Water Boards

In this report, the Commission calls for a reform of state and regional water boards to improve accountability, transparency and outcomes. During its review, the Commission found that the water boards... [more]

First Year Checkup: Strategies for a Stronger Public Health System

In this report, the Commission recognizes the challenges in establishing a separate public health department, the California Department of Public Health, and advisory committee and calls for stronger and more independent public health leadership. During its review, the Commission found that the state had implemented some of the Commission’s earlier recommendations, including creating a new department of public ... [more]

A New Legacy System: Using Technology to Drive Performance

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to redefine the future of information technology in government. The Commission makes the case that challenges in state government require more than simply upgrading old “legacy” computer systems. The times demand new approaches and traditions to delivering public services and programs by leveraging technology to improve outcomes. During its review, the Commission found that ... [more]

Juvenile Justice Reform: Realigning Responsibilities

In this report, the Commission calls on the state to lay the groundwork for the creation of county-run, state-funded, regional rehabilitative facilities for high-risk, high-need juvenile offenders and for the eventual elimination of state juvenile justice operations by 2011. During its review, the Commission found that the state has made strides to meet reforms agreed to as part of a court consent decree, but lacks appropriate ... [more]

Educational Governance & Accountability: Taking the Next Step

In this report, the Commission urges the state to create a new education accountability system that recognizes that the majority of California schools will be identified as failing under the federal No Child Left Behind Act within two years. During its review, the Commission found that the state’s current intervention approach to lowperforming schools has cost $1. 4 billion without meaningful results. The Commission found that the ... [more]

Addressing Addiction: Improving & Integrating California's Substance Abuse Treatment System

In this report, the Commission urges the state to provide more attention and oversight to substance abuse treatment, and calls for reforms that would improve the treatment system and help ... [more]

Career Technical Education: Creating Options for High School Success

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor and the Legislature to create and implement a strategy for career technical education (CTE) that evaluates, expands and replicates proven ... [more]

The State Allocation Board: Improving Transparency and Structure

In this report, the Commission urges the state to reform the governance structure of the State Allocation Board to enhance its transparency, accountability and independence. During its review, the Commission found an entity that, while operating adequately, potentially was vulnerable to political manipulation, one where accountability and transparency could be enhanced significantly. The Commission found a governance ... [more]

A Smarter Way to Care: Transforming Medi-Cal for the Future

In this report, the Commission urges transformation of California’s Medi-Cal program to focus on prevention, coordinated care, cost effectiveness and health outcomes. During its review, ... [more]

An Independent Voice for Government Reform: Biennial Report 2005-2006

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2005 and 2006 legislative session. The report provides an overview ... [more]

Solving California's Corrections Crisis: Time is Running Out

In this report, the Commission urges policymakers to summon the political will to immediately implement reforms to California’s correctional system to improve public safety and prevent a ... [more]

Safeguarding the Golden State: Preparing for Catastrophic Events

In this report, the Commission declares the state unprepared to prevent and respond to large-scale catastrophes. The Commission urges California’s elected officials to develop a ... [more]

Still Imperiled, Still Important: The Little Hoover Commission's Review of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program

In this report, the Commission proposes recommendations for reforming the governance structure of the CALFED program. During its review, the Commission found that the current structure diffuses authority and fragments responsibility and lacks the focused leadership needed to get adversarial stakeholders and reluctant government agencies to cooperate. The Commission also found that growing disagreements about ... [more]

Recommendations for Emergency Preparedness and Public Health

In this report, the Commission renews its call for an evidence-based and data-driven strategy for reducing threats. This report updates recommendations the Commission made in its January 2002 report, Be Prepared: Getting Ready for New and Uncertain Dangers, and its April 2003 report, To Protect & Prevent: Rebuilding California's Public Health System. In its follow up review of emergency preparedness and... [more]

A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Create a Department of Energy

Proposed by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Objective: Establish a Department of Energy through the consolidation of the functions of several departments, commissions and offices that implement ... [more]

Serving the Public: Managing the State Workforce to Improve Outcomes

In this report, the Commission urges management workforce reforms, as successful public programs require highly skilled leaders. During its review, the Commission examined procedures for hiring, ... [more]

Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Create a Department of Technology Services

Proposed by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Objective: Consolidate the state’s two general purpose data centers and its telecommunications unit into a new Department of Technology Services. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Reconstructing Government: A Review of the Governor's Reorganization Plan Reforming California's Youth & Adult Correctional Agency

Proposed by: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Objective: Transform the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency (YACA) and its related departments, board and one commission, into a new cabinet level agency, the California department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect, included 6 recommendations to further improve the correctional system. Legislative action: Plan went into... [more]

Opening the Doors of Government: Biennial Report 2003-2004

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2003 and 2004 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, study process and the role it plays within the Capitol community. The report also includes details about studies conducted and reports issued during the past two years. ... [more]

Historic Opportunities: Transforming California State Government

In this report, the Commission examines the framework of the organizational recommendations offered by the California Performance Review and makes suggestions for how those ideas should be refined and implemented. ... [more]

Breaking the Barriers for Women on Parole

In this report, the Commission urges the state to develop a new strategy for women offenders that relies less on large and remote prisons designed to incapacitate violent offenders and more on community correctional facilities that can better reconnect paroling women to jobs, housing, emotional supports and their families. During its review, the Commission found that of the many scandals gripping California’s correctional ... [more]

Regulation of Acupuncture: A Complementary Therapy Framework

For this report, the Commission was asked by the Governor and Legislature to assess some longstanding and contentious issues regarding the state’s regulation of the acupuncture profession. Specifically SB 1951 and AB 1943 requested that the Commission review the scope of practice and educational requirements for acupuncturists, the process for accrediting acupuncture schools and for examining licensees. During its review, the Commission... [more]

Governing the Golden State: A Critical Path to Improve Performance and Restore Trust

In this report, the Commission provides a critical path for California to restore prosperity, improve performance and rebuild trust. The Commission's report describes in detail the lessons that can ... [more]

Real Lives, Real Reforms: Improving Health and Human Services

In this report, the Commission calls for fundamental reforms in health and human services. During its review, the Commission found that California’s $60 billion health and human service system... [more]

Back to the Community: Safe & Sound Parole Policies

In this report, the Commission urges for reforms to California’s parole system that would improve public safety and save hundreds of millions of dollars a year. During its review, the ... [more]

Improving Public Safety: Beyond the Office of Criminal Justice Planning

In this report, the Commission urges policy-makers to eliminate the Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP) and create a new mechanism to ensure the State is effectively helping communities ... [more]

To Protect and Prevent: Rebuilding California's Public Health System

In this report, the Commission urges the State to fashion immediate and long-term improvements to public health assets. During its review of the State’s ability to respond to emergencies after the events of September 11, 2001, the Commission found the public health system as the weakest link in California’s homeland defense. The Commission found the State's public health leadership and organizational ... [more]

For Our Health & Safety: Joining Forces to Defeat Addiction

In this report, the Commission urges state leaders to develop a strategy for reducing the cost and misery of drug and alcohol addiction and expanding the quality and quantity of treatment. ... [more]

Still in Our Hands: A Review of Efforts to Reform Foster Care in California

In this report, the Commission urges the Governor and the Legislature to designate a leader for foster care who would be accountable for reforms. During its review, the Commission ... [more]

Little Hoover Commission Biennial Report 2001-2002

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 2001 and 2002 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, study process and the role it plays within the Capitol community. The report also includes details about studies conducted and reports issued during the past two years. ... [more]

We The People: Helping Newcomers Become Californians

In this report, the Commission calls for California to develop a coherent strategy for accelerating the integration of immigrants into the economy and their communities. During its review, the ... [more]

Rebuilding The Dream: Solving California's Affordable Housing Crisis

In this report, the Commission calls for invigorated state leadership to solve California’s escalating lack of affordable housing. During its review, the Commission found California’s growing... [more]

Only A Beginning: The Proposed Labor & Workforce Development Agency

Proposed by: Governor Gray Davis. Objective: Create a Labor and Workforce Development Agency to include EDD, Department of Industrial Relations, the Workforce Investment Board and Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect, but establish and measure goals. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Card Clubs in California: A Review of Ownership Limitations

In this report, the Commission calls on the Governor and the Legislature to eliminate the ownership limitations that prevent publicly traded companies from operating card clubs. During its ... [more]

Be Prepared: Getting Ready for New and Uncertain Dangers

In this report, the Commission calls on California to institutionalize a sense of urgency into policies that generate continuous improvements in how threats are assessed, how emergency response ... [more]

Young Hearts & Minds: Making a Commitment to Children's Mental Health

In this report, the Commission calls on California to rethink its strategy for serving children in need of mental health services. During its review, the Commission found that too many children suffer... [more]

Teach Our Children Well

In this report, the Commission identifies a need for greater systemwide monitoring, assessment and management of the teacher workforce. During its review, the Commission found that sate training strategies do not prepare enough credentialed teachers who are committed to being career teachers, particularly in needy schools. Additionally, the state's credentialing process to be an obstacle to employing more fully credentialed teachers. The... [more]

Never Too Early, Never Too Late To Prevent Youth Crime & Violence

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Little Hoover Commission Biennial Report 1999-2000

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1999 and 2000 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

Being There: Making a Commitment to Mental Health

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Better.Gov: Engineering Technology-Enhanced Government

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Special Districts: Relics of the Past or Resources for the Future?

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Open Doors and Open Minds: Improving Access and Quality in California's Community Colleges

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To Build A Better School

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Recommendations for Improving the School Facility Program in Los Angeles Unified School District

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Now In Our Hands: Caring For California's Abused and Neglected Children

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Little Hoover Commission Biennial Report 1997-1998

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1997 and 1998 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

Of the People, By the People: Principles for Cooperative Civil Service Reform

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CADA: An Opportunity to Advance and Protect the State's Investment

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Caring for Our Children: Our Most Precious Investment

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A Review of Governor's Reorganization Plan for Regulatory Oversight of Managed Health Care in California

Proposed by: Governor Pete Wilson. Objective: Create a Department of Managed Care, abolish the Department of Corporations and expand the role and rename the Department of Financial Institutions. Commission recommendation: Reject. Legislative action: Rejected. ... [more]

Consumer Protection: A Quality of Life Investment

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Review of State's Efforts to Meet Year 2000 Computer Change

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Beyond Bars: Correctional Reforms to Lower Prison Costs and Reduce Crime

In this report, the Commission discusses actions that the State can take to develop an integrated county-state correctional system that focuses on reducing crimes committed by felons after they are ... [more]

Dollars and Sense: A Simple Approach to School Finance

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Enforcing Child Support: Parental Duty, Public Priority

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Little Hoover Commission Biennial Report 1995-1996

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1995 and 1996 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

Long-Term Care: Providing Compassion Without Confusion

While the State has taken some preliminary steps towards restructuring the long-term care services it provides to consumers, Californians needing long-term care still face a bewildering maze of choices. This report, which is the culmination of an in-depth 11-month study, contains four findings: the State's current oversight structure is too fragmented to allow effective coordination and integration of long-term care services; many of the ... [more]

When Consumers Have Choices: The State's Role in Competitive Utility Markets

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The Charter Movement: Education Reform School by School

California's charter law was enacted three years ago and there are now more than 100 charter schools. Following a six-month study and on-site inspection of more than one quarter of the schools, the ... [more]

California's Real Property Management: A Cornerstone for Structural Reform

Over the last decade, the Commission has advocated repeatedly that the State reform its management of real property. Sincere efforts have been made to make the current system function better, but those attempts have failed. Given the State's perennial fiscal woes, the government must seize ways to save money and generate revenue through the management of its real property. The evolution of public organizations, the marketplace and ... [more]

Making Land Use Work: Rules to Reach Our Goals

As California's population grows at a staggering pace, concerns that regulations may be hindering the State's tradition of prosperity prompted the Commission to study the State's land-use policies. ... [more]

Budget Reform: Putting Performance First

As the State seeks ways to maximize its ability to perform effectively, the Commission examined the pilot project for performance-based budgeting established in several departments within the State of California. The report contains three findings and nine recommendations. The Commission found out that the traditional process for funding, achieving accountability, and setting priorities does not encourage the best policy decisions, ... [more]

A Review of Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 3 of State Fire Marshal/Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Proposed by: Governor Pete Wilson. Objective: Merge the Office of State Fire Marshal with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take ... [more]

Too Many Agencies, Too Many Rules: Reforming California's Civil Service

In this report, the Commission examines the complex and at times redundant system for managing 185,000 state workers. The Commission's report contains eight findings and recommendations crafted to ... [more]

A Review of Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 on Energy, Oil and Recycling Programs

Proposed by: Governor Pete Wilson. Objective: Reorganize the California Energy Commission and related governmental functions. Specifically, the plan eliminates the Energy Commission, ... [more]

A Review of Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of California Highway Patrol/State Police

Proposed by: Governor Pete Wilson. Objective: Merges the State Police with the California Highway Patrol. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. The Commission believes the reorganization will result in at least two benefits to the State: enhanced security and budgetary savings. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

State Fiscal Condition

This report examines the State's fiscal condition and urges policy makers to make eliminating California's structural deficit and improving the State's credit ratings a top priority. While policy ... [more]

Little Hoover Commission Biennial Report 1993-1994

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1993 and 1994 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

Boot Camps: An Evolving Alternative to Traditional Prisons

California expects to receive up to $1. 3 billion in federal funding over five years that may be used for alternative sentencing programs. In this study, the Commission has examined the potential effectiveness of boot camps and other work-intensive forms of incarceration. The report contains four findings and 17 recommendations. They include: the necessity for a comprehensive plan and standards; the recognition that the powerful element... [more]

The Juvenile Crime Challenge: Making Prevention a Priority

Because of the diverse roots of crime, no single program is the "silver bullet" that will halt juvenile crime, but prevention and early intervention are crucial. This report covers six issues and ... [more]

Timber Harvest Plans: A Flawed Effort to Balance Economic and Environmental Needs

In this examination of the State's current Timber Harvest Plan process, the Commission found that the process is complex, inequitable, and costly, producing frustration for administering state ... [more]

Beyond Bottles and Cans: Reorganizing California's Recycling Efforts

In this report, the Commission makes two findings and nine recommendations to address the need for major streamlining and simplification of the beverage container recycling program (known as the AB 2020 program). During its review, the Commission found that the placement of overlapping recycling mandates in two separate agencies has resulted in duplication of work, public confusion and lack of effectiveness in implementing state policies.... [more]

Putting Violence Behind Bars: Redefining the Role of California's Prisons

The Commission embarked on this study in mid-1993 to pinpoint state policies and procedures that could be revised to increase the effectiveness of the adult criminal justice system. The report's seven findings and 30 recommendations include clarifying and simplifying sentencing in California, creating a sentencing commission to produce a sentencing structure that meets the philosophical goals of the criminal justice system, shifting all ... [more]

Positioning California for Health Care Reform

California is far behind other states in moving to implement health care reforms, and at least one barrier is a reluctance to approach the health care needs of state workers and Medi-Cal recipients in... [more]

A Chance to Succeed: Providing English Learners with Supportive Education

California is doing a poor job of educating students who do not speak English fluently. The Commission examines the current system, which requires a single teaching method, and finds that it is divisive, wasteful and counterproductive. In three findings and five recommendations, the Commission recommends revising state funding mechanisms so that schools have an incentive to help students attain English proficiency; establishing a state ... [more]

California's $4 Billion Bottom Line: Getting Best Value Out of the Procurement Process

California has failed to use its massive purchasing power to get the best value from the $4 billion it spends each year on goods, services and construction projects. The Commission's study examines ... [more]

Workers' Compensation: Containing the Costs

California's Workers' Compensation System costs $11 billion annually yet fails to adequately serve injured workers. Areas of concern include delivery systems for medical care, rehabilitation ... [more]

Little Hoover Commission, 1962-1992: Three Decades of Reform

The Commission's biennial report catalogues the Commission's efforts over the last thirty years, noting both its successes and the areas where it continues to push for reform. In addition, the report... [more]

Coping with Education Budget Cuts

Over the past 15 years, the Commission has examined California's K-12 education system repeatedly. In numerous reports, the Commission has made recommendations that, if adopted by the State, would ... [more]

No Room for Johnny: A New Approach to the School Facilities Crisis

School facilities in California are in crisis as the State struggles with an anticipated increase of two million students by the year 2000 in an education system already threadbare and bursting at the seams. The Commission focuses on three areas in this study: funding sources for facilities, the state approval process for building schools, and state policies that constrain districts from maximizing the use of their assets. This report ... [more]

Squeezing Revenues Out of Existing State Assets

For the past seven years, the Commission has analyzed and suggested improvements in the system the State uses to manage real property. To date, few steps have been taken. The Commission produced ... [more]

Mending Our Broken Children: Restructuring Foster Care in California

Despite spending more than $1 billion on welfare services for abused and neglected children, the State has failed to ensure that children taken from their troubled homes are given the necessary ... [more]

Transportation: Keeping California Moving

This Commission report reviews the state of California's freeways and highways. The Commission concludes that a lack of leadership and inadequate planning continue to thwart needed improvements. ... [more]

Unsafe In Their Own Homes: State Programs Fail to Protect Elderly from Indignity, Abuse and Neglect

Elderly citizens sometimes are able to remain in their homes despite disabilities with the assistance of a state program, but the flawed system fails to meet the needs of too many senior citizens. In... [more]

Coordinating the Spending on Drug Prevention Programs

Follow-up to the Commission's 1988 study of the multitude of programs directed at drug abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery and the State's funding mechanisms, this report discusses ... [more]

CAL-EPA: An Umbrella for the Environment

Proposed by: Governor Pete Wilson. Objective: Create an Environmental Protection Agency and transfer several departments and functions into the new agency. Commission recommendation: Implement, then modify plan. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Costs and Casualties of K-12 Education in California

California spends more than $27 billion on K-12 education. In this report, the Commission examines educational costs in an attempt to determine where education dollars are being spent and how much reaches the classroom. In addition, the study addresses one of the most critical problems facing education today -- the dropout rate. The Commission makes five findings and 11 recommendations regarding financial responsibility and obligations,... [more]

Skilled Nursing Homes: Care Without Dignity

This report focuses on the State's refusal to implement federally mandated reforms, the rights of the elderly to informed consent processes before physical and chemical restraints are used, and the State's flawed enforcement system that has failed to protect the elderly. The Commission makes three findings and seven recommendations urging the Governor and the Legislature to take immediate steps to implement federal nursing home reforms, ... [more]

The Snail's Pace of Reforming Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly

While some improvements have been made in regulating residential care facilities, problems persist. In particular, the implementation of regulations has lagged far behind the statutory changes. In ... [more]

Little Hoover Commission, 1989-1990: Turning Policy Recommendations Into Law

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1989 and 1990 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

A Prescription for Medi-Cal

Three persistent problems plague this complex program: recipients have difficulty accessing treatment; the quality of medical care given recipients is often poor or inconsistent throughout the state; and provider participation is low. This Commission report contains 28 recommendations based on 12 findings. The recommendations embodied in this report can be generalized in three main points: 1) streamline present processes that affect ... [more]

Real Property Management In California: Moving Beyond The Role Of Caretaker

California is failing to manage its property effectively because of inadequate procedures and organizational structures, resulting in a failure to maximize real property assets. This report contains ... [more]

California's Coordination of AIDS Services

While the State has commited substantial resources to dealing with AIDS (more than $128 million in 1989-90), there is no coordinated effort to maximize the effect of those dollars. In addition, the ... [more]

The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) Costly, Slow and Unsure

The Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) takes too long to issue its decisions and has members that are not qualified by expertise or experience to carry out required duties. In addition, this study notes that the State is providing an unlimited subsidy for school district collective bargaining costs. The report contains three findings and seven recommendations with regard to accelerating the decision-making process and monitoring ... [more]

Little Hoover Commission, 1988-1989: Two Years of Progress Toward Efficient and Effective Government

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1988 and 1989 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, study process and the role it plays within the Capitol community. The report also includes details about studies conducted and reports issued during the past two years. ... [more]

Runaway/Homeless Youths: California Efforts to Recycle Society's Throwaways

This report is a follow-up to a review of runaway/homeless programs conducted as part of the Commission's 1987 report on Children's Services. The initial report found that there were few services ... [more]

K-12 Education in California: A Look at Some Policy Issues

The structures put in place by the Constitution and statutes to govern state education policy are fundamentally flawed, the Commission concludes in this study. In addition, regulatory processes are ... [more]

A Report on California's Fish and Game Commission and Department of Fish and Game

The Fish and Game Commission and the agency that carries out its policies, the Department of Fish and Game, have a broad mandate to protect California's natural resources. The key focus of the study is the capability and performance of both the Commission and the Department in meeting these increasingly complex demands. In addition to eight findings, the Commission makes 12 recommendations regarding the mandate of the two entities, their... [more]

A Follow-Up Review of the Organization, Operation and Performance of the California State Lottery

A follow-up to the Commission's January 1987 report, this review notes that, in general, the Lottery has matured well since voters approved its creation in 1984. However, the Commission continues to ... [more]

A Report on Solid Waste Management: The Trashing of California

California has a garbage crisis. With the entire state slated to run out of landfill capacity by the year 2000, there is a drastic need for state leadership, a move away from landfills and the ... [more]

Boards and Commissions: California's Hidden Government

More than 400 boards, commissions, authorities, associations, councils and committees exist in state government. These bodies operate to a large degree autonomously and outside of the normal checks and balances of representative government. The Commission focuses on overall state problems with boards and commissions rather than evaluating the need and/or performance of any single entity. This report contains three findings and five ... [more]

Meeting the Needs of California's Homeless: It Takes More than a Roof

In California, 16 programs specifically targeting the homeless are spread across at least 10 state departments and six different state agencies. The Commission's report finds that despite intense interest in meeting the needs of the homeless and despite the allocation of considerable resources to do so, the State has failed to provide an effective safety net that ensures people will be adequately housed. This report makes three findings ... [more]

A Review of the Organization, Operation and Performance of the California State Lottery (Follow-up Report)

This letter report addresses the convoluted situation that has revolved around unclaimed, low-tier Lotto and instant game prizes. At various points the State Lottery Commission has adopted and/or modified policies to sweep unclaimed prizes into, first, the Education Fund and, second, into the game prize fund. The Commission's letter report assesses the Lottery's policy and urges changes. Specifically, the Commission recommends that the ... [more]

The Medical Care of California's Nursing Home Residents: Inadequate Care, Inadequate Oversight

Unlike the Commission's 1983 and 1987 reports, this report focuses solely on medical care provided to nursing home residents. In essence, the report determined high quality medical care was not the ... [more]

A Report on Community Residential Care for the Elderly

One in every six residential care facilities is unlicensed and the backlogged, time-consuming licensing process encourages operators to begin their businesses with no licenses. The report also notes that an increased fine structure recommended in earlier Commission reports is either not used at all by the State or is enforced so haphazardly that it's deterrent effect is little. This report makes 11 findings and 10 recommendations ... [more]

A Report on Crime and Violence in California's Public School System

Although a provision in the California Constitution guarantees the right to safe schools, life on school campuses includes violent crimes, substance abuse and property crimes. During its review, the ... [more]

A Review of the Operation and Performance of the Office of the State Public Defender

The cost of indigent appellate defense is rising dramatically. This study notes duplicative administrative and overview costs between the State Public Defender and the court-appointed private counsel... [more]

A Report on the Coordination of Funding for Drug Programs in the State of California

In this letter report, the Commission examines the state's system of handling state and federal drug use prevention funds. This report contains three findings and 10 recommendations. Chief among ... [more]

A Report on the Planning, Operation and Funding of California's Highway System

California's ability to meet its transportation needs are being eroded by inflation, project delivery delays and project cost increases. This report contains eight findings and 16 recommendations, which include urging the State to aggressively pursue options to reduce congestion in urban areas, and to give priority in funding to urban and suburban counties that implement transportation system management techniques. In addition, the ... [more]

A Review of the Current Problems in California's Workers' Compensation System

The Commission's original workers' compensation study focuses on the system's escalating costs, the expansion of liability into new and subjective areas of benefits, and the negative effects of the increasing cost of the system upon workers, employers and the State's business climate. The report contains eight findings and 13 recommendations. Foremost among these, the Commission recommends establishing written criteria for opening and ... [more]

Commission's 25 Year Anniversary Report 1962-87

The report commemorates the Commission's completion of 25 years of service to the State of California. It summarizes the Commission's role, responsibilities and activities. It also provides a description of how the Commission carries out its business operations. Finally, it highlights some of the major accomplishments that the Commission has achieved during the past two and one-half decades. ... [more]

A Report on the Financial Management and Accountability in the State's K-12 Public School System

The Commission presents five findings regarding financial management, accountability and control in the Senate's K-12 public school districts. Among the eight recommendations made by the commission are: providing the Superintendent of Public Instruction with greater authority to intervene in school districts that fail to act in a financially responsible manner; increasing the number of financial management assistance reviews by the State ... [more]

The Children's Services Delivery System in California

California has recognized its responsibilities for the well-being of its children by establishing numerous programs to serve and protect them, but the State's children's services delivery system is beset with critical problems. This multi-faceted report contains 23 findings regarding the children's services delivery system and the problems of serving children in need of child care services, runaway/homeless youth, and abused and neglected ... [more]

A Review of the Organization and Administration of California's Overseas Trade and Investment Offices

California's activities regarding world trade, investments and tourism promotion are fragmented and uncoordinated. This study reviews the administration and coordination of these activities. Included in the report's 10 findings and eight recommendations, the Commission proposes: the establishment of a Governor's Office of World Trade to oversee coordination of world trade activities in state government; the creation of a Protocol Division... [more]

A Review of Crime on University of California campuses

This letter report conducts a review of crime on University of California (UC) campuses and what is being done to protect the safety of students. The Commission addresses concerns regarding the ... [more]

A Review of the State's Medi-Cal Program and the Effects of the Reforms

This letter report assesses the numerous changes undertaken to implement the major Medi-Cal reforms that occurred in 1982 and to determine if any further changes and improvements are warranted in the ... [more]

New and Continuing Impediments to Improving the Quality of Life and the Quality of Care in California's Nursing Homes

Despite reforms, the State is not doing enough to ensure quality care for California's many frail and vulnerable nursing home residents. As a result, residents of these facilities continue to be subjected to indignities and their safety is not assured. This Commission report makes a series of recommendations to improve the quality of life in skilled nursing facilities, including increasing enforcement and penalty collection efforts by the... [more]

Accessibility of the Disabled Population of Substance Abuse Treatment

Federal and state mandates require substance abuse programs to be accessible to disabled people. This report examines how effective these mandates are, identifies the size of the disabled abusing population, and determines if there are adequate methods of coordinating information and referrals to ensure the delivery of services. The Commission makes three findings and three recommendations regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of... [more]

Children's Services Delivery System in California Preliminary Report - Phase I

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A Review of the Organization, Operation and Performance of the California State Lottery

The Commission reviews the California State Lottery's activities in the start-up years after the system was created by voters. The study reveals that the Lottery needs to take aggressive action to fully implement the business systems, procedures and controls that would be expected in any private enterprise of the same magnitude. The Commission's report makes nine findings and 12 recommendations. They focus on three major areas for ... [more]

A Report on the Lack of Financial Accountability and Responsibility in the State's K-12 Public School System

Public officials sometimes fail to recognize looming fiscal crises in California's K-12 public school system and to take appropriate, immediate actions to avert them. This report examines the ... [more]

A Review of the State Controller's Office Move to the Capitol Bank of Commerce Building

This letter report presents background information on the rationale for the State Controller's Office move to the Capitol Bank of Commerce Building and an analysis of the cost impact. The Commission ... [more]

A Report on the Liability Insurance Crisis in the State of California

This study identifies five major factors in the liability insurance crisis in California, including the evolution of tort reform, lack of predictability in risk assessment, unsound rate-setting ... [more]

A Review of Use of Lottery Funds in the State's K-12 Public School System

The approval of a state lottery by voters creates the need for new systems of accountability. This report focuses on determining if the State has established a sound system to allocate, use and ... [more]

Biennial Report - February 1984-86: A Summary of Activities and Status of Recommendations

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1984 and 1986 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

A Review of the Organization and Operation of the State of California's Major Revenue and Tax Collection Functions and Cash Management Activities

In this 1986 study, the Commission reviews the organization and operations of the state departments in charge of revenue collection and management. The report focuses on accountability, increasing revenues and the State's cash management. The Commission concludes that the current organization does not maximize opportunities to increase revenue flow for the State. As a result, the Commission supports the general concept of creating a ... [more]

California State Government's Management of Real Property

Despite the State's long experience as a major property holder and user, there are serious problems in the manner in which the State of California buys, leases and manages real property. This report concludes that the State's property management system is not strategic, is not systematic, and lacks performance incentives. This study contains 12 findings and nine recommendations. These recommendations include authorizing a pro-active ... [more]

Inadequate Financial Accountability in California's Community College System

Case studies of four college districts (Los Angeles, Peralta, Lassen and Chaffey) that were operating at a deficit are examined to determine the adequacy of financial accountability in California's ... [more]

A Review of Government Competition with Private Enterprise

This letter report summarizes the findings of the Little Hoover Commission on the extent of State and local governmental business activities which appear to compete with private enterprise and may not... [more]

A Review of Impact Fees Used to Finance School Facilities

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A Review of Selected Taxing and Enforcing Agencies' Programs to Control the Underground Economy

The largest segment of California's underground economy involves self-employed persons and employers and employees who pay or receive cash for work performed or for goods sold without reporting to the various taxing agencies. In this study, the Commission finds that the State's organization of taxing and enforcing agencies is a major obstacle to more effectively combatting this rapidly growing underground economy. The Commission makes 22 ... [more]

Summary of Review of 1985 Waste Management Reorganization Proposal

Proposed by: Governor George Deukmejian. Objective: Create a Department of Waste Management, a State Waste Commission and three Regional Waste boards. Commission recommendation: Implement the ... [more]

A Review of the Organization and Management of State Telecommunications

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Control of Pesticide Residues in Food Products: A Review of the California Program of Pesticide Regulation

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A Follow-Up Report on Condition in Community Residential Care Facilities in California

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A Review of State-Owned Land Parcel in Contra Costa County

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A Review of the Organization and Management of the State "Superfund" Program for Cleaning Up Hazardous Waste Sites

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Background and Analysis of Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1984

Proposed by: Governor George Deukmejian. Objective: Transfer civil service position classification function from the State Personnel Board to the Department of Personnel Administration. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

1982-83 Annual Report: A Summary of Activities and Status of Recommendations

The Commission's biennial report summarizes all Commission activities and accomplishments during the 1982 and 1983 legislative session. The report provides an overview of the Commission's history, ... [more]

A Study of the Organization and Coordination of Electric Energy Planning and Electric Utility Regulation in California

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State Employee Air Travel Report

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Community Residential Care in California - Community Care as a Long Term Care Service

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A Report on Los Angeles County's Program for Contracting Out Pursuant to Proposition A

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The Bureaucracy of Care: Continuing Policy Issues for Nursing Home Services and Regulation

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A Report on California's K-12 Education Funding

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A Review of the Department of Transportation's Highway Planning and Development Process

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A Review of Cost Savings Associated with Conversion of Guadalupe College into a Women's Prison

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Office of Special Health Care Negotiations

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Century Freeway Report (Follow-up Report)

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Horse Racing in California: Revenue and Regulation

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A Report on the Role of the State Department of Education in California's K-12 Public Education System

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A Report on the San Juan Unified School District

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Century Freeway Report

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A Report on the Los Angeles Unified School District

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Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1981

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Create a Department of Personnel Administration. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Additional Funding for the Los Angeles Unified School District

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Memo urging the Legislature to allow Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1980 to go into effect

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Transfer licensing and regulation of mobile home industry from DMV to the Department of Housing and Community Development. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Health Care Delivery System Reform

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A Review of February 26, 1980 Amendments to Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1979

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Create a central agency for personnel administration. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. ... [more]

1979 Summary of Activities

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Letter recommending the Legislature allow Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1979 to go into effect

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Create the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency and consolidate correctional programs into the new agency. Commission ... [more]

Medi-Cal Reform

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Personnel Management in the State Service

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Administration of the Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Programs - Second Supplementary Report

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Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1979

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Transfer and rename the Fair Employment Practices Commission and transfer, rename and elevate the Division of Fair Employment Practices... [more]

The Tax Appeals System in California

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Administration of the Medi-Cal Program - Second Supplementary Report

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The Status of Health Planning in California - A Supplementary Report

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Comments and Recommendations Regarding Professional and Business Licensing

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An Analysis of Community Hospital Medi-Cal Audits

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A Study of the Utilization of Public School Facilities (Grades K through 12)

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Supplemental Report on the State Developmental Disabilities Program, Department of Health

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Supplemental Report on the Administration of the Medi-Cal Program, Department of Health

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A Study of the California Department of Motor Vehicles

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A Study of the California Department of Transportation

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Should Social Security Coverage Be Continued for California State Employees

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Supplemental Report on State Hospitals, State Department of Health

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Supplemental Report on Licensing and Certification Activities, State Department of Health

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A Study of Administration of State Health Programs

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Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1975

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Consolidate the Divisions of Labor Law Enforcement and Industrial Welfare into a Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to take effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1975

Proposed by: Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, Sr. Objective: Create a new Environmental Quality Agency and consolidate all air, water quality and solid waste programs into the new agency. ... [more]

A Review of California's Vehicle Emission Control Program

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A Study of the California State Public Utilities Commission

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Administration of the HUD-701 Comprehensive Planning Assistance Grant Program by the State of California

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The Internal Auditing Program in the Executive Branch of California State Government

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A Study of the School Building Aid Program

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Preliminary Findings of Subcommittee on California Division of Highways Excess Right of Way

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Study of Salaries of Exempt Executive and Administrative Positions in California State Government

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Report on Local California Fairs Receiving State Financial Support

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A Pilot Study of California State Employee Workmen's Compensation and Other Work-Related Disability Benefits

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Study of the Need for a Materials Management System

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Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Rename the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards to Department of Consumer Affairs. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to go into effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Establish a single state Department of Health within the Human Relations Agency to administer Medi-Cal and consolidate functions from numerous ... [more]

A Study of the Department of Industrial Relations

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Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1969

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Change staff titles and organization names in the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Commission recommendation: Allow plan to go into effect. Legislative action: Plan went into effect. ... [more]

Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1969

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Rename the Department of Harbors & Waterways to Department of Navigation & Ocean Development and rename the Harbors and Watercraft ... [more]

Letter urging the Legislature to allow to go into effect Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1969

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Eliminate 32 boards, commissions, committees and advisory councils, transferring some functions to other departments and reconfigure the membership... [more]

Report on California Statutory Salaries of Executive Branch of California State Government

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Letter following a review of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1968

Proposed by: Governor Ronald Reagan. Objective: Establish four agencies in the executive branch: Business & Transportation, Resources, Human Relations, Agriculture and Services. ... [more]

An Examination of the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards

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The California State Highway Commission and its Relationship to the State Transportation Agency, the Department of Public Works and Division of Highways

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Proposals for Legislative Action on Reorganization Measures Endorsed by the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy

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Program Budgeting

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The Use of Boards and Commissions in the Resources Agency

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Engineering Costs in the Division of Highways

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A Study of Management Manpower Requirements

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Need for Revenue Unification

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Proposals Relating to Inheritance Tax Administration

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Findings and Recommendations Concerning Automotive Fleet Management

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Findings and Recommendations Concerning Organization for Central Staff Services

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Findings and Recommendations Concerning Reorganization of the Executive Branch of California State Government

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