STATE LEGISLATURE HOLDS SECOND HEARING ON MAJOR REFORM EFFORT
California Political Desk
November 16, 2009
Oakland – The Senate and Assembly select committees on Improving State Government convened last week to hear testimony on ballot box budgeting and initiative process reforms. The joint hearing was the second of five highlighting key areas in which the state government needs reform. The committees´ work will culminate with the introduction of reform legislation when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
Recently released polls show Californians want change, but are unclear how to achieve the change that is truly needed. While Californians want lasting and meaningful reforms, a Public Policy Institute of California report released in September shows waning trust in those who could make the desired reforms.
"We think we can change that attitude by doing what we can in the Capitol to reform state government," said Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Improving State Government.
"Direct democracy can be a powerful force for change in California," said Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles). "But too often initiatives have been captured by special interests, or used in ways that contribute to our state's budget problems. Now is the time to refine the initiative system so it can work for all Californians."
Members and panelists expressed support for California´s initiative process, and also possible reforms to make the system better for Californians. Panelists before the committees testified that while the California initiative process remains popular with voters, Californians and their legislators should consider changes allowing for greater legislative review of proposed initiatives as well as more disclosure of who is financially backing initiatives. Committee members also expressed a concern that ballot measures have had an adverse effect on California´s budget process, making it more difficult to make the decisions needed to balance the state´s budget.
The Senate and Assembly committees are working concurrently to address the pressing need for state governmental reform and evaluate major reform proposals. To accomplish this ambitious effort, the committees will jointly host three more hearings throughout the state, taking on the topics of budget process improvements, as well as relationships between state and local governments. The next hearing will focus on budget process reforms and legislative oversight of state government agencies. It will be held December 8th in Los Angeles.
Recently released polls show Californians want change, but are unclear how to achieve the change that is truly needed. While Californians want lasting and meaningful reforms, a Public Policy Institute of California report released in September shows waning trust in those who could make the desired reforms.
"We think we can change that attitude by doing what we can in the Capitol to reform state government," said Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Improving State Government.
"Direct democracy can be a powerful force for change in California," said Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles). "But too often initiatives have been captured by special interests, or used in ways that contribute to our state's budget problems. Now is the time to refine the initiative system so it can work for all Californians."
Members and panelists expressed support for California´s initiative process, and also possible reforms to make the system better for Californians. Panelists before the committees testified that while the California initiative process remains popular with voters, Californians and their legislators should consider changes allowing for greater legislative review of proposed initiatives as well as more disclosure of who is financially backing initiatives. Committee members also expressed a concern that ballot measures have had an adverse effect on California´s budget process, making it more difficult to make the decisions needed to balance the state´s budget.
The Senate and Assembly committees are working concurrently to address the pressing need for state governmental reform and evaluate major reform proposals. To accomplish this ambitious effort, the committees will jointly host three more hearings throughout the state, taking on the topics of budget process improvements, as well as relationships between state and local governments. The next hearing will focus on budget process reforms and legislative oversight of state government agencies. It will be held December 8th in Los Angeles.
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