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February 21, 2007 - We recommend that the Legislature reject the administration’s proposed trailer bill language to (1) guarantee teachers’ purchasing power benefits through California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) and (2) reduce General Fund costs by $75 million in 2007-08. There are risks in assuming that the change proposed in the budget package will generate near-term and ongoing budget savings, and we are concerned about the idea of the state guaranteeing another benefit through CalSTRS, which serves employees of local districts. We do suggest, however, that such a proposal in the context of a future comprehensive reform would warrant consideration by the Legislature.
February 21, 2007 - The administration proposes $10.7 million in spending in 2007-08 for the continued implementation of federal election reform. We recommend that the Secretary of State provide an update on source code review since no funds have been spent this year. In addition, we recommend a reduction in the administrative budget to reflect the reduced activities in the budget year.
February 21, 2007 - In 2005 the Department of Finance (DOF) began an information technology (IT) project to replace the state’s budget system. After interviewing departments’ financial staff, DOF has concluded the project needs to be expanded because most state department automated financial systems are old and do not support modern financial reporting requirements. The Governor’s budget proposes a $1.3 billion IT project over the next decade to develop a statewide financial system that would be used by all departments. Our analysis discusses the primary components of this project proposal, key issues the Legislature should consider in evaluating the project, and recommends additional oversight tools if the Legislature decides the project should go forward.
February 21, 2007 - The administration proposes a number of changes to the state’s information technology (IT) governance structure. Our analysis finds that (1) the planning and policy development roles are appropriately placed with the Chief Information Officer (CIO), (2) moving IT project oversight to CIO would eliminate objectivity, and (3) a separate security office may create an unnecessary layer of review. We recommend the Legislature adopt an alternative structure that addresses these concerns.
February 21, 2007 - Index of Information Technology Issues in the Analysis of the 2007-08 Budget Bill
February 21, 2007 - Analysis of the 2007-08 Budget Bill, Capital Outlay Chapter
February 23, 2006 - Index of Information Technology Issues in the Analysis of the 2006-07 Budget Bill
February 23, 2006 - The current structure of the Emergency Repair Program (ERP) makes it difficult for districts to apply for funds and provides incentives for districts to avoid addressing facility problems until they become real emergencies. We recommend the Legislature enact legislation to grant the ERP funds directly to districts with low performing schools to address facility needs identified by their facilities needs assessments, and maintain $50 million at the state level to provide districts with loans for pressing emergency repair needs.
February 23, 2006 - As approved by voters in 2002, Proposition 49 requires the state to increase funding for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program beginning in 2006-07. We continue to recommend the Legislature enact legislation placing before the voters a repeal of Proposition 49 because (1) it triggers an autopilot augmentation even though the state is facing a structural budget gap of billions of dollars, (2) the additional spending on after school programs is a lower budget priority than protecting districts’ base education program, and (3) existing state and federal after school funds are going unused.