Recommendations from our review of AB 32 zero-based budget submitted by Administration on May 4

May 20, 2011 - ZBB Shows Substantial Expenditures for Cap-and-Trade Development and Implementation in Budget Year.   In the current year, ARB  has a total of 32 positions which support the development and implementation of the cap-and-trade program at a cost close to $5 million.  
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/429

Adoption Assistance Program Rate Increase

May 20, 2011 - The Legislature could score this savings in the budget year or redirect the savings to Child Welfare Services (CWS).   (One key function of CWS is finding adoptive parents.) Ultimately, we believe the issue of whether to maintain parity between Foster Care and AAP rates is an important issue that should go through the regular policy bill process.  
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/416

Proposed $69 million cut directed at CSU is unjustified.

May 20, 2011 - To retroactively sweep departmental funds for a prior years ’ elevated estimate under Control Section 3.60 makes little sense because, in general,   there are no funds left to be swept.  If there was a prior-year overestimate under Control Section 3.60, the overestimated allocation from the state budget was spent during that prior year to operate departmental prog rams.
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/423

Eliminating California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC)

May 20, 2011 - CPEC ’s coordination efforts have been somewhat ineffective in recent years. The Governor has proposed to eliminate CPEC. (This is part of a larger proposal to eliminate, consolidate, o r reduce 43 boards, commissions, task forces, and offices.)
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/420

Use of federal incentive funds for implementation of Alternative Base Period

May 20, 2011 - We note that in the years beyond 2014-15,  it would also result in slightly higher debt service costs of approximately $6 million per year  until the state repays its outstanding federal loan. Conclusion.  
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/414

Unclear value of Governor's hybrid plan study proposal. Inappropriate for CalPERS to lead effort.

May 20, 2011 - (While there have been several efforts in recent years to reduce departments' required reporting burdens, we could locate no current section of code that relieved CalPERS of its requirements under this section.) ...And Already Has Some Funding to Analyze Each Such Bill.
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/430

Proposed $69 million cut directed at CSU is unjustified.

May 20, 2011 - To retroactively sweep departmental funds for a prior years ’ elevated estimate under Control Section 3.60 makes little sense because, in general,   there are no funds left to be swept.  If there was a prior-year overestimate under Control Section 3.60, the overestimated allocation from the state budget was spent during that prior year to operate departmental prog rams.
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/425

The 2011-12 Budget: Overview of the May Revision [Publication Details]

May 19, 2011 - It would help bring annual spending and resources much closer in line for the next five years, and its focus on reducing budgetary debt obligations is laudable. On the other hand, the Legislature has other options to address the reduced budget shortfall, including adoption of alternative tax proposals, additional program reductions, and selected fund transfers and internal borrowing.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/2482

Basic aid districts

May 16, 2011 - Each year, the Legislature and Governor specify the total amount of apportionments and categorical-program funding for the CCC system. All districts receive General Fund monies for categorical programs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Recommendations/Details/412

An Analysis of Court School Cost Pressures [Publication Details]

May 10, 2011 - An Analysis of Court School Cost Pressures [Publication Details] An Analysis of Court School Cost Pressures Format: PDF Description: In 2010-11, several County Offices of Education (COEs) reported difficulties balancing their court school budgets.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/2480