To browse all LAO publications, visit our Publications page.
February 18, 2004 - In order to improve the program's cost effectiveness, we recommend enactment of legislation that (1) sets grant levels at an amount that recognizes the adoptive parents' financial responsibility for their adoptive children, (2) better ties benefit levels to the needs of adoptive children, and (3) narrows the definition of "special needs" so as to focus the program's financial assistance on those children who are likely to benefit the most from such aid. These changes will save approximately $2 million General Fund in 2004-05, growing to approximately $12 million in 2005-06.
February 18, 2004 - As of February 2004, Congress had not completed action on federal welfare reauthorization. We describe the major features of the currently pending House and Senate versions of welfare reform and update our fiscal estimates of these measures.
February 18, 2004 - The Governor's budget proposes a number of changes to the CalWORKs program, including stricter work requirements and greater sanctions. These program reforms would result in $167 million in grant savings, partially offset by $134 million in child care costs and $2.5 million in automation costs in 2004-05. We discuss welfare reform in California, summarize the Governor's reform proposals, present a framework for considering the proposals, and offer comments and recommendations.
February 18, 2004 - the Governor proposes to consolidate into a single block grant, funding for state-only programs which serve immigrants, and transfer these programs to the counties effective October 1, 2004. The proposal assumes that counties will achieve administrative efficiencies, so proposed block grant funding has been reduced by 5 percent. We recommend that the Legislature reject the proposal because the programs proposed for transfer to the counties are not well-suited for local control.
February 18, 2004 - The Governor's budget plan proposes to establish limits on enrollments ("caps") for certain specified health and social services programs. We recommend that the Legislature consider the Governor's enrollment cap proposal on a case-by-case basis, weighing the potential fiscal benefits of capping each identified health and social services program against the complexities and issues relating to the creation of caseload caps. Based upon such an analysis, we recommend that nine be rejected, propose one be approved with some modifications, and make no recommendation regarding one cap proposal.
February 18, 2004 - The Governor's budget proposes a number of significant reforms to California's subsidized child care system. These proposals effectively prioritize limited child care resources. However, the Governor's proposals lack important policy, implementation, and administrative details that would help the Legislature weigh state savings against reducing child care services for a significant number of lower-income families. We evaluate the proposals' effect on children, families, and the state budget, and present some alternative approaches.
July 22, 2003 - Presented to the Assembly Select Committee on Information Technology and the High-Tech Workforce
March 7, 2003 - Hearing handout presented to The Foundation Consortium for California's Children and Youth
February 26, 2003 - Overview of Proposed Budget Reductions for Human Services. Presented To: Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Budget Fiscal Review Subcommittee #3
February 24, 2003 - Index of Information Technology Issues in the Analysis of the Budget Bill, 2003-04
February 19, 2003 - In reviewing the state's two major data centers, we found two options that could reduce department expenditures: (1) consolidation of data centers, and (2) consolidation of servers from various state departments to state data centers.
February 19, 2003 - The administration proposes a model for a new state information technology governance structure consisting of three components: a State Chief Information Officer, an oversight board, and state control agencies. Our review found that the proposal lacks details and leaves many questions unanswered. We recommend the Legislature evaluate the proposal based on the key objectives of leadership, accountability, and oversight.
February 19, 2003 - In order to improve the operation of programs serving California's senior citizens, we recommend eliminating the Department of Aging and shifting its functions to the Department of Social Services. Consolidation should improve service delivery and result in administrative savings of $3.4 million.