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January 31, 2006 - We review infrastructure proposals in the Strategic Growth Initiative related to water management. Presented to the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
January 3, 2006 - There has been much interest recently both by the Governor and the Legislature in investing in the state’s infrastructure and using bonds to do so. This reflects both the state’s large current and future infrastructure needs and the key role that bonds will inevitably have to play in financing them. This brief answers a number of common questions related to using bonds to fund infrastructure. These questions include the overall nature of the infrastructure needs facing California, the different options for paying for them, and key issues and concerns associated with using more bonds.review infrastructure
November 30, 2005 - Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and Assembly Select Committee on Growth and Infrastructure
May 18, 2005 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee #3 on Resources and the Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources
April 12, 2005 - California's wildland fire protection system involves multiple levels of government, requires significant levels of personnel and equipment, and relies on a complex series of interagency agreements. This primer is intended to assist the Legislature in understanding how wildland fire protection services are delivered and the major cost drivers affecting spending. We also make recommendations for increasing legislative oversight of state expenditures for wildland fire protection and for reducing these expenditures.
April 11, 2005 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on April 11, 2005.
April 4, 2005 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on April 4, 2005.
April 4, 2005 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on April 4, 2005.
April 4, 2005 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on April 4, 2005.
March 16, 2005 - Presented to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources on March 16, 2005.
March 14, 2005 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on March 14, 2005.
March 9, 2005 - Presented to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on March 9, 2005.
February 24, 2005 - We find that there has been a substantial undercollection of pesticide mill assessment revenues, and we offer a couple of options for addressing this issue. We recommend that the Department of Pesticide Regulation and the Department of Finance report at budget hearings on the options.
February 24, 2005 - We recommend the deletion of $10.8 million from the General Fund requested by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDFFP) for fire apparatus and helicopters because the proposal lacks details and the plan to purchase helicopters is premature. We also recommend the deletion of $9 million from the General Fund proposed for year-round firefighting staffing in Southern California because the proposal has not been justified. Finally, we recommend a number of actions to improve legislative oversight over CDFFP’s receipt and use of unanticipated federal funds.
February 24, 2005 - The Governor’s Reorganization Plan Number One (GRP 1), related to reforming boards and commissions, proposes eliminating two energy-related agencies—the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority and the Electricity Oversight Board—and moving their duties to the Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission. We find that this proposal raises various issues, including potential conflicts of interest in the resulting organization and whether the reorganization is premature pending potential future changes in the energy market and a potential proposal to establish an energy agency.