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4,624 Publications Found
August 23, 2013 - We reviewed the proposed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for Bargaining Unit 16 and Bargaining Unit 19. Bargaining Unit 16 is represented by the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD). Bargaining Unit 19 is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). If adopted, the MOUs would modestly increase state costs in 2013-14. Depending on decisions made by the Department of Finance, a general salary increase for all affected employees could increase state costs beginning in 2014-15 and thereafter.
August 15, 2013 - Statements of legislative intent and requests for studies adopted during deliberations on the 2013-14 budget package.
August 14, 2013 - Budget Outlook for California School Districts
August 13, 2013 - Presented to: Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and Senate Governance and Finance Committee
August 8, 2013 - This report provides an overview of child abuse and neglect trends, explains the state and county roles in the Child Welfare Services (CWS) system, and examines the outcomes of children involved with the CWS system. In general, CWS outcomes have improved since the last decade. Foster children spend, on average, less time in foster care (which is generally considered a positive trend), are more quickly reunified with their families, and have more permanency in their living situations. However, this report raises several issues for the Legislature to consider in improving outcomes for children in the CWS system. In the report, we discuss how child well-being is not adequately measured in the CWS system and we suggest options for improving the evaluation of child well-being. We also raise issues related to improving group home quality through provider rate reform and accreditation standards. Finally, we make suggestions for how the current 2011 Realignment growth funding allocation process could be modified to provide county incentives for improved performance.
August 6, 2013 - Since 2009, the state has used a computer data matching process known as the Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS) to identify certain military veterans who receive Medi-Cal services and may be able to voluntarily shift to health care services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA). We find that the fiscal and policy benefits from the state's current implementation of PARIS Veterans activities are limited, due to resource constraints and a problematic approach to outreach. We recommend that the Legislature provide additional resources to conduct a new pilot that tests a modified approach to PARIS Veterans outreach. We also find that the state has not pursued a major source of savings related to the PARIS Veterans match: counting a type of USDVA monetary benefit known as aid and attendance toward the costs of the In-Home Supportive Services program. We recommend that the Legislature require the administration to report on the rationale for current policies that prevent the state from realizing these savings.
August 5, 2013 - The sales and use tax is the state’s second largest revenue source as well as a major funding source for cities, counties, and some special districts. Historically, consumers have spent about the same share of their income each year on taxable items, meaning that sales taxes generally kept pace with growth in the state's economy. Starting in 1980, however, California consumers began to spend a growing share of their income each year on nontaxable items, especially services, and a declining share of their income on taxable goods. Although total consumer spending kept pace with the state’s economy, this shift in spending caused growth in taxable sales to lag behind growth in the state’s economy. Correspondingly, total sales tax revenues for the state and local governments have grown somewhat slower than the state's economy since 1980, despite periodic increases in the tax rate.
August 2, 2013 - We reviewed the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for Bargaining Unit 18. These employees are represented by the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. If adopted, the MOU would modestly increase state costs in 2013-14. Depending on decisions made by the Department of Finance, a general salary increase for all Unit 18 employees could increase state costs beginning in 2014-15 and thereafter.
July 29, 2013 - The LCFF, enacted as part of the 2013-14 budget package, establishes a new uniform funding formula and a new system of academic accountability. The formula replaces revenue limits and most categorical programs with uniform base rates for all pupils and provides significantly more funding for English learner and low-income students. The new system of academic accountability requires school districts and charter schools to publicly report how they will use the funds provided under the formula, as well as establishes a new system of support and intervention support for underperforming school districts and charter schools. While the transition to the LCFF begins in 2013-14, it will take several years before all provisions are fully implemented and districts and charter schools are fully funded to formula targets. Moreover, a number of key decisions have yet to be made regarding the implementation of the new fiscal and academic accountability provisions.
June 21, 2013 - We reviewed the proposed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for Bargaining Units 1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, and 21. These employees are represented by Service Employees International Union, Local 1000. If adopted, the MOUs would modestly increase state costs in 2013-14. Depending on decisions made by the Department of Finance, a general salary increase for all affected employees could increase state costs beginning in 2014-15 and thereafter.
June 18, 2013 - Letter to the Honorable Henry T. Perea, Assembly Member, regarding the advantages and disadvantages of transferring the Drinking Water Program (DWP) from the Department of Public Health (DPH) to a newly created stand-alone entity under the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal-EPA), as compared to transferring it to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
June 5, 2013 - Presented to Budget Conference Committee
June 5, 2013 - Presented to Budget Conference Committee
June 5, 2013 - Presented to Budget Conference Committee
June 5, 2013 - Presented to Budget Conference Committee