The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2021-22

The Little Hoover Commission: Advocating for Change 2021-22 Report #272 | January 2023 Milton Marks Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy www.lhc.ca.gov Table of Contents LETTER FROM THE CHAIR ................................................................3 ABOUT THE COMMISSION ................................................................4 STUDY PROCESS ................................................................................6 RECAP OF COMMISSION WORK IN 2021-22 ..................................7 SUPPORTED LEGISLATION ..............................................................13 IDEAS FOR CHANGE .........................................................................17 MEET OUR TEAM .............................................................................20 COMMISSIONERS THROUGH THE DECADES ...............................22 Contacting the Commission All correspondence should be addressed to the Commission Office: Little Hoover Commission 925 L Street, Suite 805, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-2125 | LittleHoover@lhc.ca.gov This report is available from the Commission’s website at www.lhc.ca.gov. 2 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Letter from the Chair January 18, 2023 As I think about the Commission’s work these past two years, I am struck by how many challenges we faced, and yet how robust and productive our reform agenda has been. Like most institutions, we found the Covid pandemic a remarkable challenge. For much of the past two years, the Commission was unable to meet in person, and our staff was unable to work in our offices. Yet we have forged ahead, in many ways stronger than ever. To cite a few numbers, the Commission issued 16 reports or issue briefs in 2021-22, more than in any biennium in more than 30 years. Taking advantage of modern technology and the flexibility to meet remotely granted to us by the Governor and the Legislature, our Commission met 37 times, far more than in any biennium in the past decade. We made 66 recommendations for policy change, and supported 29 bills that would have implemented our proposals. Perhaps most important of all, we created real reform: 12 of the bills we supported were passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. All of these marks surpass the Commission’s recent totals. We tackled big, critical issues facing California. Our reports recommended ways the state government can work to reduce the cost of housing, improve the training of law enforcement officers, and address the persistent economic divide that separates the rich parts of our state from those that have been left behind. We examined the state’s response to the pandemic and recommended improvements. We urged the state to take advantage of modern technology by reforming open-meeting laws to make state government more representative and more accessible. And we continued our Commission’s long tradition of advocating for the most vulnerable of Californians, examining ways the state can better address intimate partner violence and children’s mental health. Looking at that impressive list of topics, I’m proud of both my fellow Commissioners and our staff for their devotion to our task. In the pages that follow you can read more about our work, our Commissioners, and our history as a steadfast advocate of reform. As with so many things in California, the Commission is unique: We are the country’s only permanent and independent citizens commission working to improve state government. In that role, we have a unique set of advantages that advance our mission: ◊ We deal in facts. We hold public hearings, engage in extensive background research, and convene roundtable meetings of stakeholders. The result? Reports that are accurate, balanced and thorough. ◊ We are independent. The law that created the Commission states explicitly that we are not under the control of any elected official or agency. ◊ No political party dominates are our work. By law, no more than seven of the 13 Commissioners may be members of the same party. In all these ways, the Little Hoover Commission fills a critical need in the push to make government better. We come together from diverse backgrounds and political viewpoints to focus on finding solutions to the state’s problems. As this report shows, that is what our Commission has done the past two years, what we’ve done throughout our history, and what we will continue to do in the years to come. Sincerely, Pedro Nava Chair, Little Hoover Commission ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 3 About the Commission The Milton Marks “Little Hoover Commission” on California State Government Organization and Economy has served as an independent voice for government reform, advising the Governor and Legislature for over 60 years. Purpose and Responsibilities Organization The Commission has broad, independent authority The Commission is an independent panel comprised to evaluate the state’s services, activities and of 13 members - nine members of the public and functions, along with the policies and methods four legislators - and staffed by seven permanent for appropriating and administering funds. The employees and occasional student interns. The Commission also has the legal responsibility Commission’s nine public members are appointed to review and make recommendations on by the Governor, the Senate Rules Committee and reorganization plans initiated by the Governor. the Speaker of the Assembly to reflect a statutorily required balance between political parties. The Unlike fiscal or performance audits, which focus on public members also bring diverse experience to the compliance, the Commission’s studies explore how Commission’s study process and often represent state governmental entities can and should function. a variety of public and private sector domains, Commission reports and recommendations are including business, law, policy and management, developed through extensive research and interviews government and nonprofit organizations. Public of experts and knowledgeable professionals, members serve staggered, four-year terms. The academics and stakeholders. In conducting its work, remaining four members are current state legislators, the Commission focuses on how state government two from each party and from each house. Legislative can: members serve at the pleasure of the appointing ◊ Improve outcomes authority. A full list of current Commissioners and staff is on pages 20 and 21. Though the Commission ◊ Increase transparency operates within the executive branch of state ◊ Reduce spending without sacrificing services government, it is not subject to the control or direction of any officer or employee of the executive ◊ Eliminate redundant services branch, except in connection with appropriation of its ◊ Consolidate services or abolish, create and budget. reorganize departments or programs to better meet the needs of Californians Photos from the Commission’s July 2022 hearing on organic waste recycling. Left: State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon providing opening remarks. Right: Commissioners and staff listening to testimony from Californians Against Waste Advocacy Director Nick Lapis. 4 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION History Study Topics The Commission’s name and function derive The Commission has issued hundreds of from the federal Commission on Organization of recommendations on topics such as: the Executive Branch of the Government, which operated between 1947-1949 under the Truman Administration and again between 1953-1955 under CALIFORNIA the Eisenhower Administration. Former president ECONOMY Herbert Hoover chaired this commission, resulting in the nickname “Hoover Commission.” The members ENVIRONMENT & were appointed by the President and Congress to NATURAL RESOURCES create bipartisan solutions to increase the efficiency of the administration structures in the executive branch. To replicate the success of the “Hoover GOVERNMENT Commission,” California State Senator Milton Marks OPERATIONS in 1961 proposed an organization dedicated to promoting economy, efficiency, and improved service in California’s governing structure. The organization HEALTH & HUMAN later was renamed the Milton Marks Little Hoover SERVICES Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy to pay homage to both the original Hoover Commission and Senator Marks. PUBLIC SAFETY, LAW, & JUSTICE Gubernatorial Reorganization Plans TECHNOLOGY & The Commission plays a key role in California’s SCIENCE process for reorganizing state government. Article V, Section 6 of the California Constitution authorizes the Governor to reorganize the functions This process, which has been used 37 times since of executive officers and agencies, a process that 1968, has provided for a quick yet careful method is outlined in detail in Government Code Section for reorganizing state government. In 2012, for 8523 and Government Code Section 12080 et seq. example, the Commission praised Governor Under this process, Governors submit their proposed Brown’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 as “important reorganization plans to the Little Hoover Commission and essential” in making state government “more at least 30 days before submitting the plan to the effective, efficient and transparent.” Legislature. Acting in its independent oversight role, the Commission then submits to the Legislature a The reorganization process as outlined in the report analyzing the plan. The Legislature has 60 constitution allows Governors to restructure state days in which to act on the proposal; if neither house government quickly and efficiently, while also rejects the plan, it takes effect. allowing for the independent assessment of the Commission. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 5 Study Process The Commission relies on a comprehensive study process to gather information and consider ways to promote economy, efficiency, and improved service in state government. The Commission’s open process creates an opportunity for the public to participate in the policy discourse. Select Conduct Gather Study Topic Research Input Study topics are generated by the Under the direction of the study The Commission holds formal public, legislators, Commission subcommittee, staff conducts public hearings, where subject staff, and Commissioners. The research by such methods as matter experts and other Commission typically selects three collecting data, reviewing news stakeholders testify and answer to five matters to research in depth articles and other relevant questions before the Commission. each year. The Commission also documents, and interviewing The study subcommittee selects Commissioners to serve experts, knowledgeable usually conducts meetings with on the study subcommittee, which professionals and stakeholders. knowledgeable and interested works closely with staff during the Commissioners and staff may also members of the public, whether study process. conduct site visits. from private industry, state or local governments, or other key stakeholders. Analyze & Review & Engage in Deliberate Adopt Report Outreach Throughout the study process, A draft report is presented to To encourage and support the Commission evaluates and the Commission for review, the implementation of its analyzes information gathered consideration, and adoption. recommendations, the through its research process. Once Commissioners may adopt the Commission and staff will: the study has been fully explored, draft report or determine that ◊ Hold meetings and a draft report with findings and amendments or changes are presentations to break down recommendations is prepared. necessary. After a draft report policy ideas from reports. is adopted by the Commission, the final report is made public ◊ Provide written support, and sent to the Governor and testify at legislative hearings, Legislature for review and and work with legislative consideration. staff and interest groups to advance bills that implement its recommendations. ◊ Revisit study topics to monitor progress and consider whether additional review and recommendations are needed. 6 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Recap of Commission Work in 2021-22 Equitable Economic Development across California (Report #271, November 2022) Calls upon California to do more to facilitate long-term inclusive regional economic development. Finds that California is an economic powerhouse, center of innovation, and home to world-leading enterprises. Significant disparities in income, employment, and opportunity distinguish, however, the state’s coastal metropolitan areas from its rural and inland regions. Commends the state’s $600 million investment in the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), which is poised to support regional partnerships as they create and implement inclusive development strategies. Outlines several challenges that threaten CERF’s ability to significantly impact regional economies. Recommends California focus CERF more clearly on the creation of quality jobs in sustainable industries with high growth potential. Urges the state to align funding and support around regional opportunities. Outlines additional recommendations, including investing in regional capacity for inclusive development. Issue Brief: Using Data Tools to Compare Regional Economic Well-Being (Report #270, November 2022) Surveys 11 data tools that measure and analyze how people and places are doing across California based on various indicators for economic, social, physical, and environmental well-being. Highlights key ways in which the tools vary, such as the number of individual metrics used (ranging from four to 37) or the specificity of geographic areas covered (ranging from census tracts to large regions). Further discusses how these tools can influence the understanding of how well regions are doing and of the extent of disparities between them. Issue Brief: Major State Programs That Can Support Regional Economic Development (Report #269, August 2022) Offers a preliminary compilation of major state programs and investments that can support inclusive regional development initiatives, with a focus on those that can advance inclusive development in the state’s inland and rural regions. Finds that, in 2021-22 and 2022-23, the state allocated $8.2 billion in one-time funding and $1.2 billion in annual continuing funding toward such programs. Identified funding is spread across 61 programs and spans 21 state departments and agencies. It includes investments in clean energy and climate-related programs; training, workforce, development, and programs; higher education centers, facilities, and campuses; and business development and incentive programs. See Report 271 for the final compilation of programs. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 7 Issue Brief: Assessing the California Rebuilding Fund (Report #268, June 2022) Assesses the progress of the California Rebuilding Fund, a public-private partnership that provides loans to small businesses in underserved communities. Also presents findings from the Commission’s March 2022 hearing on the fund, a follow-up to recommendations made by the Commission in its December 2020 report, First Steps toward Recovery: Saving Small Businesses. Also highlights the numerous challenges that the Rebuilding Fund has faced since its launch in 2020. California Housing: Building a More Affordable Future (Report #267, March 2022) Urges state leaders to do more to increase the development of and access to affordable housing. Finds that California is short by two to three million homes to safely house its population. As a result, Californians are paying record prices for housing and far too many are finding themselves priced out of the market. Finds that state funding for affordable housing has traditionally focused on rental housing. Recommends that California expand its affordable housing strategy to put a greater focus on affordable home ownership. To ensure that this strategy is not counterproductive, calls on the state to include an emphasis on increasing housing supply. Also finds that California’s organization of its housing functions is inefficient. To help the state craft a better affordable housing strategy and improve operations, recommends California consolidate its housing functions. Offers additional recommendations, including filling data and analysis gaps and bolstering enforcement of local government’s housing plans. Reforming the Recall (Report #266, February 2022) Implores California to address fundamental flaws within current recall procedures that leave the system vulnerable to abuse and pave the way for a potentially undemocratic outcome. Asserts that the recall is a popular tool of electoral accountability that affirms voters’ power over their elected representatives. To strengthen this system, recommends California change the signature requirement for recalling statewide office-holders from 12 percent of the vote in the last election for the office to 10 percent of registered voters. Further, calls on the state to replace the existing two-part recall ballot with a “snap” special recall election in which the targeted official is placed on the ballot with all potential replacements. Also outlines several smaller procedural reforms, which would give elections officials more time to administer elections and provide greater clarity around the recall process. 8 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Law Enforcement Training: Identifying What Works for Officers and Communities (Report #265, November 2021) Calls on California to assess and improve training for its nearly 700 law enforcement agencies and more than 87,000 full-time sworn and reserve peace officers. Finds that California spends millions of dollars on law enforcement training each year, yet there is very little evidence to demonstrate which types of training actually achieve intended goals and positively impact police behavior in the field—and which do not. Examines the role of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in shaping law enforcement training standards. Identifies ways in which the state can strategically improve its approach to law enforcement training, including incorporating academic research into training, assessing basic training academies for effectiveness, rightsizing entry-level officer training, developing robust ongoing education, and creating a more representative POST Commission. Issue Brief: Comparing Law Enforcement Basic Training Academies (Report #264, November 2021) Reviews law enforcement basic training academy models and gives context to the different ways this training is administered across the nation and within the state. Draws on data gathered from a survey of state law enforcement leaders, issued with the assistance of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Also provides data on training hours, attendance, passing, and hiring rates of California basic training academies, based on analysis of data obtained from the POST Commission. Issue Brief: California Law Enforcement Survey (Report #263, November 2021) Presents findings from the Commission’s May 2021 survey of active-duty police officers in California about the training they receive. Over 300 officers responded to the survey, and their answers, detailed in the brief, provide critical insight into the strengths and shortcomings of police training in California. Officers in the survey affirmed the value of the training they receive. For instance, overall, training in California is perceived to be superior to training in other states. Officers overwhelmingly agreed that all forms of training—basic, field, and in-service—are relevant to the work they do. Throughout the survey officers also identified pressing challenges that could be addressed to improve the training they receive, such as that over half of officers said certain subjects are not adequately covered by the existing training curriculum. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 9 COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health: Addressing the Impact (Report #262, August 2021) Calls on California to take advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve children’s mental health care. Finds that the pandemic has had a major impact on the mental well-being of California’s youth and has created an additional source of stress, anxiety, and trauma. Also finds that California has long struggled to support children’s mental and emotional health adequately. Recommends California empower state leaders to champion children’s mental health services, including by setting common outcome goals and a single point of overall leadership. Further, recommends that California build capacity for statewide approaches to children’s mental health, including by providing greater technical assistance to health plans and local providers. Finally, asks the state to position schools as hubs of mental wellness. The Government of Tomorrow: Online Meetings (Report #261, June 2021) Urges California to make public meetings more accessible and inclusive. Looks at the benefits of Governor Newsom’s March 2020 Executive Order allowing state boards and commissions to meet entirely via remote technology, with no physical location accessible to the public. Finds that California can save taxpayer dollars and make state government more accessible and inclusive by allowing fully remote public meetings. Provides results from the Commission’s survey of state boards and commissions that have met remotely during the pandemic, which highlight some of the substantial benefits afforded to the public when boards and commissions hold meetings in which their own members participate via remote technology. Calls on the Governor and Legislature to make two simple reforms to the state’s open-meeting law—the Bagley-Keene Act: give the public remote access to every meeting and make it easier for members of boards to participate remotely. Issue Brief: California’s Use of Federal Pandemic Aid (Report #260, May 2021) Outlines California’s use of the $9.5 billion in CARES Act money that the state received in 2020, and highlights potential differences between eligible uses of that funding and the then-anticipated $26 billion in American Rescue Plan funding the state received in 2021. Differences include a longer time frame to use funding, the impact of additional federal coronavirus-related funding packages, and the amount of funding congressionally appropriated to local and tribal programs. 10 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION California Election Infrastructure: Making a Good System Better (Report #259, April 2021) Finds that California’s elections are free, fair, and secure. Urges California to avoid complacency and keep up with evolving technology and knowledge. Finds that California relies on a for-profit model for election equipment security. Recommends that the state develop and adopt an open source elections system. Additionally, the state’s current requirement for checking the results of elections is outdated. Urges the state to implement the use of risk-limiting audits, as soon as funding allows. Outlines additional reforms to include improving training for election workers and adopting the use of compliance audits. Issue Brief: COVID’s Impact on California Housing (Report #258, April 2021) Examines the impact of the pandemic on California housing and responds to questions posed by Senator Scott Wilk, Senator Melissa Hurtado, Senator Anna Caballero, and Senator Steven Bradford regarding essential workers, landlords, in homeowners in California. Finds that the pandemic has significantly affected California renters, landlords, and homeowners, hindering their ability to make their housing payments and threatening potentially devastating socio-economic impacts due to foreclosure. Some of California’s most vulnerable populations—people of color, low-income households, and those with less formal education—have been disproportionately affected. First Steps toward Recovery: Job Training and Reskilling (Report #257, February 2021) Calls on California to better support job training and reskilling for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Finds that job training and reskilling will be critical in helping impacted workers return to employment, and access quality jobs. Also finds, however, that there are significant barriers that can make it difficult for individuals to identify training opportunities that lead to in-demand skills, or to translate training into a good job. Applauds California’s efforts to strengthen and expand career training and workforce development but calls on the state to do more to expand training partnerships and encourage new ones, and ensure those partnerships have the resources they need to support workers impacted by the pandemic. Emphasizes that training and support are especially critical for low-wage workers where job losses are concentrated—and for those in underserved communities. ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 11 Beyond the Crisis: A Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover from Intimate Partner Violence (Report #256, January 2021) Calls for a strategic plan and evidence-based decision-making to reduce, prevent, and recover from intimate partner violence in California. Finds that millions of Californians experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Also finds that the state’s response to intimate partner violence is siloed and lacks goals and action plans to achieve those goals. California lacks a comprehensive prevention program for intimate partner violence. Calls on the state to create a robust prevention program, shift focus from crisis intervention to early intervention, and review and fund rehabilitation programs for people who are violent toward their partner. Appeals to the administration and Legislature to expand housing and economic stability assistance for survivors and their dependents. 12 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Supported Legislation During each legislative session, the Commission actively supports bills that would implement its recommendations in whole or in part. In the 2021-22 legislative session, 12 of the bills we supported were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor. Customer-Centric report, the Commission urged the state to ensure that all Californians have access to affordable reliable Government broadband coverage. AB 537 (QUIRK) Intimate Partner Violence Chapter 467, Statutes of 2021 Summary: Streamlines local approval processes for AB 673 (SALAS) broadband projects and establishes best practices. Chapter 680, Statutes of 2021 Background: In its 2015 report, A Customer-Centric Summary: Enables recipients of grant funding Upgrade for California Government, the Commission awarded pursuant to California Penal Code noted that high-speed broadband has become an §13823.15 to receive the entirety of the state’s integral channel for the public to access services, portion of the grant funding in a single disbursement both from the government and the private sector. at the beginning of the grant period. Yet our 2020 Issue Brief, California’s Digital Divide, Background: In its 2020 report, Intimate Partner found that as many as 2.3 million Californians lack Violence: Getting the Money to Those on the Front Line, access to broadband, hindering their ability to access the Commission found that organizations funded education, contribute to a productive economy, and through the state’s Domestic Violence Assistance obtain government services. As California ramps up Program face severe financial challenges as they its digital services portfolio it will be critical also to wait 79 to 109 days to be reimbursed for services take those last steps to ensure that all Californians provided to survivors of intimate partner violence. have access to affordable, reliable broadband Many of these service providers—which tend to coverage. In its report, the Commission urged be nonprofits operating on tight budgets—rely on the state to improve and expand access to digital lines of credit or reduce services to cover expenses government services. until reimbursement checks arrive. Others leave grant money unspent or avoid applying for it in AB 378 (GONZALEZ) the first place. To ensure these service providers Chapter 677, Statutes of 2021 have the resources they need to help some of the Summary: Requires local governments to allow most vulnerable Californians, the Commission microtrenching for the installation of underground recommended that they receive the entirety of the fiber. state’s portion of grant funding at the beginning of Background: In its 2015 report, A Customer-Centric the grant period instead of reimbursements. Upgrade for California Government, the Commission highlighted the central role broadband plays in AB 628 (GARCIA) helping Californians access public and private Chapter 323, Statutes of 2021 services. Increased access, the Commission found, Summary: Expand the Removing Barriers to would help generate greater civic participation and Employment Act to include persons who are at risk of streamline government processes. Despite this, committing violence or are at risk of intimate partner broadband access remains a problem for many. In violence on the list of those eligible to receive grant 2020, the Commission learned that as many as 2.3 funding. million Californians lack access to broadband. In its ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 13 Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A SB 914 (RUBIO) Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover Chapter 665, Statutes of 2022 from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found Summary: Requires local government agencies to that survivors of intimate partner violence often include the needs domestic violence survivors and face numerous barriers to establishing economic other vulnerable populations into homelessness independence away from their abuser. The Removing planning. Also requires the state to set and Barriers to Employment Act, however, does not measure progress toward goals to prevent and end explicitly identify victims of this cruel violence as a homelessness among these populations. target population eligible for funding. While some Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A survivors are eligible for services under the grant Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover because they belong to other categories of target from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission populations, the Act does not specifically identify learned that domestic violence is the leading cause them as a target population. Given that one in of homelessness for women. Despite this, service three women and one in four men in California providers and advocates have difficulty getting endure intimate partner violence, this seems a leaders at all levels of government to understand the striking omission. To remedy this, the Commission intersection of domestic violence and homelessness recommended the Legislature expand the Act to and the breadth of the problem. Advocates told explicitly include victims of domestic violence. the Commission that domestic violence shelters are often seen as an answer to a problem—a place SB 320 (EGGMAN AND PRINCIPAL where other agencies can stick people and free up COAUTHORS FRIEDMAN AND RUBIO) space elsewhere. Less often are they invited to be Chapter 685, Statues of 2021 part of the strategizing and policymaking to form Summary: Strengthens family court procedures to the state’s approach to homelessness and housing ensure that those subject to a domestic violence instability. To make a difference, the Commission protective order relinquish their firearms. called on California to give domestic violence experts Background: In its recent report, Beyond the Crisis: a seat at the table. A Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission SB 863 (MIN) found that it is imperative to remove firearms Chapter 986, Statutes of 2022 from the subjects of domestic violence protective Summary: Authorizes county interagency domestic orders as quickly as possible. One study found that violence death review teams to assist local agencies 20 percent of homicide victims with a temporary in identifying and reviewing domestic violence near- protective order were murdered within two days death cases. of the order being issued. A third were killed within Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A the month following the order being issued. Yet Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover outdated firearms databases and a lack of specialized from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission personnel hinder California’s efforts to remove these found that California needs more accurate data weapons from those no longer eligible to possess to successfully address intimate partner violence. them. To help protect victims of domestic violence, Specifically, the Commission learned that California the Commission urged the state to better enforce its does not have a complete understanding of firearms laws and ensure that firearms immediately the full scope and impact of intimate partner are removed from those prohibited from owning violence on Californians. Nor does the state them. know the effectiveness of its main programs for 14 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION intimate partner violence survivors. To facilitate and consequently struggle to establish a life away evidence-based decision-making, the Commission from their abuser. Helping survivors establish recommended that California create a framework economic independence is essential to their ability for data collection and analysis to evaluate the to successfully leave an abusive relationship. Among effectiveness of the methods the state is using its recommendations, the Commission called for the to combat intimate partner violence. Further, the creation of a program that collaborates with credit Commission urged state leaders to not be afraid bureaus and financial institutions to help survivors to change course if the evidence indicates current understand their financial picture, recover from methods are not working. damage to their finances and credit, and protect against future economic abuse. SB 935 (MIN) Chapter 88, Statutes of 2022 Labor Trafficking Summary: Clarifies language regarding domestic AB 1661 (DAVIES) violence restraining orders to explicitly allow a party to renew those orders. Chapter 106, Statutes of 2022 Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Summary: Requires hair, nail, skin care, and other Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover related businesses to post a notice in clear view from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission of the public and employees publicizing human learned that many survivors are in crisis by the trafficking hotlines a person can call to access help time they reach out for help. Further, the state’s and services. resources for addressing intimate partner violence, Background: In its 2020 report, Labor Trafficking: are mostly directed toward crisis intervention Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime, the instead of prevention and early intervention. The Commission found that eradicating trafficking state does far too little to interrupt the cycle of begins with effective detection—finding this crime abuse before it reaches a crisis stage. To strengthen wherever and whenever it occurs. Yet detecting California’s response to this heinous crime, the labor trafficking is particularly daunting, as few Commission recommended that the state develop a understand the nature of the crime and to the comprehensive long-term intimate partner violence unsuspecting observer, the work itself may appear prevention and early intervention action plan. The legitimate. Broadly increasing public awareness Commission also urged the state to integrate its of labor trafficking may help improve both victim antiviolence initiative into every segment of society. identification and crime prevention, the Commission learned. To better detect this heinous abuse, the SB 975 (MIN) Commission urged California to promote efforts to Chapter 989, Statutes of 2022 alert the public to the existence of human trafficking Summary: Helps survivors of economic abuse seek in various sectors and industries. relief from debt incurred through coercion or without SB 584 (JONES) their consent. Background: In its 2021 report, Beyond the Crisis: A Chapter 548, Statutes of 2021 Long-Term Approach to Reduce, Prevent, and Recover Summary: Requires resource family training to from Intimate Partner Violence, the Commission found include child labor trafficking education for foster that many survivors of abuse face overwhelming parents caring for children who have experienced, or amounts of debt from credit cards and loans are are at risk of experiencing, human trafficking. taken out in their name without their permission, Background: In its 2020 report, Labor Trafficking: ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 15 Strategies to Uncover this Hidden Crime, the laws, the Commission urged the Legislature to assess Commission found that existing laws designed to existing penalties for white-collar crimes and, where protect child victims of human trafficking focus far appropriate, make adjustments to ensure that the more on sex trafficking than labor trafficking. While rewards of breaking the law do not outweigh the risk efforts to combat sex trafficking among children or the penalties imposed if caught breaking the law. are vital and must continue, it is imperative that labor trafficking among children be combatted just as aggressively. To ensure child victims of all forms of trafficking are protected by California law, the Commission recommended lawmakers update existing laws that address human trafficking of commercially sexually exploited children to expand protections to children who are exploited for other forms of labor. Underground Economy AB 1003 (GONZALEZ) Chapter 325, Statutes of 2021 Summary: Makes an employer's intentional theft of wages punishable as grand theft when collectively greater than $950. Background: In its 2015 report, Level the Playing Field: Put California's Underground Economy Out of Business, the Commission found that the consequences for Labor Code violations did not incentivize voluntary compliance: The rewards of breaking the law outweigh the risk, it learned. Prosecutors explained that “White collar crimes are treated as a nuisance,” and stakeholders from multiple industries and levels of government told the Commission that the penalties “are meaningless and unenforced.” Though the Commission encouraged the state to work with business owners to correct honest mistakes and conduct outreach and education to prevent them in the first place, it also found that a small minority of business owners intentionally build their profit model off of the underground economy, viewing fees and penalties as the cost of doing business. This profit model comes at the expense of the people in their employ and law-abiding business owners who are unable to compete with the cost savings of breaking the law. To incentivize compliance with its 16 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Ideas for Change from Little Hoover Generated by the Little Hoover Commission through our research over the past several years, the following recommendations have the potential to result in positive change for California. commensurate increases in safety. Establish “blind” California Economy data collection. Develop bridge education programs EQUITABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT for people with some experience to quickly meet ACROSS CALIFORNIA California’s requirements. Create apprenticeship Problem: California is an economic powerhouse, pathways for occupations so students can earn a center of innovation, and home to world-leading wage while working to meet requirements. (Report) enterprises. Significant disparities in income, employment, and opportunity distinguish, however, Environment & Natural the state’s coastal metropolitan areas from its rural Resources and inland regions. CLIMATE CHANGE Recommendations: Do more to facilitate inclusive regional economic development, including by Problem: Climate change-induced rising tides will directing resources to regions that need them the effectively “condemn” pieces of private property most, investing in regional capacity, aligning funding and legally convert them into public lands. This and state programs to support regional development will inevitably result in legal conflict between state strategies, and ensuring that regions balance the government and private oceanfront property owners. goals of growth and inclusion. (Report | Fact Sheet) Recommendations: Clarify the impact of sea level rise on property rights under California’s Common COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY Law Public Trust Doctrine and create a legal Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a framework in advance of crisis to prevent litigation devastating and unequal impact on California’s small and instability. (Report) businesses and workforce. FOREST MANAGEMENT Recommendations: Take a bolder state leadership Problem: California’s forests are overgrown as role in providing and coordinating support for a result of climate change and century-old fire small businesses and in establishing public-private suppression methods which leave them vulnerable to partnerships to advance small enterprises. Build on disease, insects, and fire, and degrade water supply. California's recent work to strengthen workforce Recommendations: Increase pace and scale of development and career education and encourage forest restoration through collaboration. Create training partnerships that feature high levels of a culture where fire is a tool instead of a threat. coordination between trainers and employers, as Develop a long-term plan for forest materials. well as guidance and support for trainees. (Series Educate Californians on forest resiliency. Plan for the of two reports focused on small businesses and job long-term and ensure accountability. (Report | Fact training and reskilling |Fact Sheet). Sheet) OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING SALTON SEA Problem: California's licensing process often Problem: Southern California faces an environmental bars entry to occupations and is not a thoughtful and public health crisis with the continuing, and examination of how to best protect consumers. perhaps irreversible demise of the Salton Sea. Recommendations: Review and adjust state Recommendations: Establish a dedicated leader for licensing requirements that do not provide ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 17 Salton Sea restoration. Enact legislation to ensure any labor trafficking occurs and who is victimized. lawsuits filed in connection with short-term Salton Empower state agencies to respond. Provide training Sea projects are resolved in a year or less. Streamline to amplify detection efforts and investigations, and expedite contracting. Give engineering staff clear and step-up prosecutions. (Series of three reports guidelines to ensure construction requirements align focused on coordinating a state response, uncovering with habitat restoration. (Report) the crime, and helping victims and bringing traffickers to justice | Fact Sheet) Health & Human Services LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING COVID-19 AND CHILDREN'S MENTAL Problem: California spends millions of dollars on HEALTH law enforcement training each year, yet there is very Problem: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated little evidence to demonstrate which types of training an already worsening crisis in children’s mental actually achieve intended goals and positively impact health. police behavior in the field—and which do not. Recommendations: Establish a single point of Recommendations: Incorporate academic research overall leadership for children's mental health. Set into training. Assess basic training academies for clear outcome goals. Promote coordination around effectiveness. Right size entry level officer training. children's mental health care and services. Center Develop robust ongoing education. Create a more schools as sites for supporting child mental wellness. representative POST Commission. (Report | Fact (Report | Fact Sheet) Sheet) Public Safety, Law, & Justice CRIMINAL JUSTICE SENTENCING Problem: There is a structural imbalance between INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE what the state’s sentencing laws require and its Problem: California lacks a coordinated, cohesive public safety resources and the state fails to reduce strategy to prevent intimate partner violence and recidivism and provide opportunities for offenders to support survivors with their long-term needs. turn their lives around. Recommendations: Adopt a strategic approach to Recommendations: Establish a Criminal Justice intimate partner violence focused on prevention Center to collect data on sentencing and best and early intervention and designate a leader to be practices and recommend opportunities to improve responsible for steering the state to this approach. sentencing and public safety. Do more to incentivize Review and fund rehabilitation programs for people counties to expand public-private partnerships to who are violent toward their partner. Expand housing provide services for offenders re-entering their and economic stability assistance for survivors and communities. (Report) their dependents. (Report | Fact Sheet) Technology & Science LABOR TRAFFICKING Problem: Since criminalizing human trafficking, the ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE state has focused on combatting sex trafficking, Problem: Artificial intelligence and automation are neglecting those trafficked for their labor in quickly changing the economic landscape. California restaurants, agricultural fields, construction sites, and lacks the leadership to prepare for the ramifications. even private homes. Recommendations: Establish a cabinet level Recommendations: Create a statewide council to position on artificial intelligence, accompanied by coordinate anti-trafficking activities. Study where a cross-agency commission to provide leadership 18 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION on addressing the various policy challenges and ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE opportunities. Require agencies to include use Problem: As technology and knowledge evolve, of AI in strategic plans. Require the Employment California should take steps to improve its election Development Department to collect and evaluate infrastructure. data related to jobs at-risk from new technologies. Recommendations: Adopt an open source election (Report | Fact Sheet) system. Require the use of “risk-limiting audits” as soon as funding allows. Improve the training GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) of elections officials. Delineate standards for Problem: GIS can be a powerful tool for decision- compliance audits. (Report | Fact Sheet) makers yet remains underused across government. Recommendations: Codify the role and authority of ONLINE MEETINGS the State Geographic Information Officer. Establish Problem: The state’s open meetings law—the Bagley- a multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction body to help Keene Open Meeting Act—does not reflect new coordinate statewide GIS efforts. (Report) technologies and experiences. Recommendations: Amend Bagley-Keene to require Transportation Infrastructure that boards and commissions provide public access AFFORDABLE HOUSING to their meetings in both a physical location and a Problem: California is short by two to three teleconferencing option and allow for the remote million homes to safely house its population. participation of board and commission members Recommendations: Expand the state’s affordable without required public disclosure and public housing strategy to put a greater focus on affordable accessibility to those locations. (Report | Fact Sheet) home ownership. Consolidate housing functions RECALL REFORM across state agencies. Jumpstart affordable housing Problem: Weaknesses in the state's recall system production by adopting the model used to attack raise concerns relating to potential overuse or abuse California’s wildfire crises. Reconsider how the state and the possibility of undemocratic outcomes. measures local governments’ progress toward Further, some recall election procedures do not housing goals. Create and fund a county ombudsman reflect current election administration. position with the authority to approve housing Recommendations: Adjust the signature projects when a locality is not compliant with its requirement for recalling statewide office-holders housing element. (Report | Fact Sheet) from 12 percent of the vote in the last election for the office to 10 percent of registered voters. Replace the Government Operations existing two-part recall ballot with a “snap” special CUSTOMER-CENTRIC UPGRADE FOR STATE recall election that places the targeted official on GOVERNMENT the ballot with all potential replacements. Make Problem: Too often, it’s not easy for Californians to procedural changes to improve the administration of access critical government services. recall elections. (Report | Fact Sheet) Recommendation: Designate and empower a California Chief Customer Officer to introduce and Find more ideas for change here. oversee customer-centric strategies across state government. (Report) ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 19 Meet our Team Commissioners PEDRO NAVA, CHAIR (D-Santa Barbara) ANTHONY CANNELLA (R-Ceres) Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Appointed to the Commission by the Senate Assembly John Pérez in April 2013 and reappointed Rules Committee in March 2022. Civil engineer by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon in and principal with Northstar Engineering Group. 2017 and again in 2021. Government relations Former State Senator from 2010-18. Previously advisor. Former State Assemblymember from served on the Ceres City Council and was twice 2004-2010, civil litigator, deputy district attorney elected mayor of that city. and member of the state Coastal Commission. Elected chair of the Commission in March 2014. ASSEMBLYMEMBER PHILLIP CHEN (R-Yorba Linda) SEAN VARNER, VICE CHAIR (R-Riverside) Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon in October 2021. Appointed to the Commission by Governor Elected in November 2016 to represent 55th Edmund G. Brown Jr. in April 2016 and reappointed District. Represents portions of Los Angeles, in January 2018. Managing partner at Varner & Orange and San Bernardino counties and the Brandt LLP where he practices as a transactional cities of Brea, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, La Habra, attorney focusing on mergers and acquisitions, Industry, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Walnut, West finance, real estate, and general counsel work. Covina and Yorba Linda. Elected vice chair of the Commission in March 2017. BILL EMMERSON (NPP-Redlands) Appointed to the Commission by Governor DION ARONER (D-Berkeley) Edmund G. Brown Jr. in December 2018. Appointed to the Commission by the Senate Rules Former senior vice president of state relations Committee in April 2019. Partner for Aroner, Jewel, and advocacy at the California Hospital and Ellis. Former State Assemblymember from Association, State Senator from 2010-13, State 1996-2002, chief of staff for Assemblymember Assemblymember from 2004-10, and orthodontist. Tom Bates, social worker for Alameda County, and the first female president of Service Employees GIL GARCETTI (D-Los Angeles) International Union 535. Appointed to the Commission by Governor Gavin Newsom in November 2021. Professional DAVID BEIER (D-San Francisco) photographer and author of ten books. Former Appointed to the Commission by Governor Los Angeles County District Attorney, teaching Edmund G. Brown Jr. in June 2014 and reappointed Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, in January 2018. Managing director of Bay City and president of the California Science Center Capital. Former senior officer of Genentech Foundation’s Board of Trustees. and Amgen, and counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. SENATOR DAVE MIN (D-Irvine) Appointed to the Commission by the Senate ASSEMBLYMEMBER TASHA BOERNER Rules Committee in September 2021. Elected HORVATH (D-Encinitas) in November 2020 to represent the 37th Senate Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the District. Represents Anaheim Hills, Costa Mesa, Assembly Anthony Rendon in October 2021. Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Elected in November 2018 to represent the 76th Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Assembly District. Represents Camp Pendleton, Tustin, and Villa Park. Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, and Encinitas. JANNA SIDLEY (D-Los Angeles) CYNTHIA BUIZA (DTS-Los Angeles) Appointed to the Commission by Governor Appointed to the Commission by Speaker of the Edmund G. Brown Jr. in April 2016 and reappointed Assembly Anthony Rendon in October 2018. in February 2020. Partner at Ichor Strategies and Executive director of the California Immigrant appointed to the Board of the Los Angeles City Policy Center. Former policy director for the Employee Retirement System (“LACERS”). Former American Civil Liberties Union, San Diego, and general counsel at the Port of Los Angeles 2013-22 policy and advocacy director at the Coalition for and city attorney at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. Office from 2003-13. 20 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Former Commissioners Who Served in 2021-22 Assemblymember Chad Mayes (NPP-Yucca Valley) Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside) September 2015 - October 2021 February 2013 - September 2021 Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) Cathy Schwamberger (NPP-Calistoga) March 2019 - December 2022 April 2018 - March 2022 Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) August 2017 - October 2021 Staff Commission staff arrange meetings, conduct research, draft reports, advocate for recommendations and provide full-time representation for the Commission. Staff members are available by phone at (916) 445-2125 or by email at: Ethan Rarick, Executive Director Tristan Stein, Project Manager Ethan.Rarick@lhc.ca.gov Tristan.Stein@lhc.ca.gov Tamar Foster, Deputy Executive Director Ashley Hurley, Research Analyst Tamar.Foster@lhc.ca.gov Ashley.Hurley@lhc.ca.gov Krystal Beckham, Project Manager Krystal.Beckham@lhc.ca.gov ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 21 Commissioners through the Decades Katcho Achadjian 2011-15 Kenneth Cory 1994 Martin F. Helmke 2007-11 Michael E. Alpert 1994-97, 1997- Carl D. Covitz 1993-2001 Harold C. Henry 1971-76 2007 George E. Danielson 1965-67 D. W. Holmes 1967-71 Alfred E. Alquist 1969-96 David P. Dawson 1977-79 Gary H. Hunt 1998-2000 Eloise Anderson 2006-10 Robert J. DeMonte 1975-77 Alyson Huber 2010-13 Dion Aroner 2019-present C. E. Dixon 1969-70 H. Herbert Jackson 1968-77 Roy Ashburn 2009-10 Clifford Duke 1967-68 Michael E. Kassan 1983-87 Patricia Bates 2003-04 Virginia Ellis 2011-14 Loren Kaye 2006-16 Charles G. Bakaly, Jr. 1994-98 Bill Emmerson 2013, 2018-present Christine Kehoe 2003-04 Joseph Ball 1967-68 David J. Epstein 2002-06 James E. Kenney 1967-75 Scott Barnett 2016-17 Harry Farb 1975 Lucy Killea 1993-96 David Beier 2014-present Benjamin Felton 1981-82 Nancie B. Knapp 1978-86 Marjorie M. Berte 1998 Jack R. Fenton 1967-81 John T. Knox 1962-65 Harry Blackman 1967-69 Gil Ferguson 1992-94 Quentin L. Kopp 1997-98 Tasha Boerner Horvath Liz Figueroa 2005-06 Louis J. Kroeger 1967 2021-present Jack Flanigan 2012-17 Joshua Lafarga 2017-18 James Bouskos 1982-85 Gordon Fleury 1968 Andrew L. Leavitt 1969-75 Victoria Bradshaw 2010-12 Dean Florez 2007-11 Eugene C. Lee 1962-63 Marilyn C. Brewer 2006-12 Edward R. Fryer 1977-79 Don B. Leiffer 1963-67 Iveta Brigis 2017-19 Harold Furst 1963-67, 1968-75 Donald L. Livingston 1975-79 Ryan L. Brooks 2007-10 Gil Garcetti 2021-present Walter H. Lohman 1969-71, 1971- Cynthia Buiza 2018-present 75 Marshall Geller 2008-11 Hugh M. Burns 1969 Welton C. Mansfield 2003-07 Arthur F. Gerdes 1990-94 Howard A. Busby 1967-75 Haig G. Mardikian 1984-93 Albert Gersten, Jr. 1981-94 Paul L. Byrne 1962 Bob Margett 2007-09 Pier A. Gherini, Jr. 1994-98 Thomas Caldecott 1967-68 Milton Marks 1962-66, 1968-93 Mike Gordon 2005 Bill Campbell 1999-2000, 2001-02 Diane Martinez 1997-98 Richard E. Gulbranson 1988-89 Anthony Cannella 2014-18, 2022-present Chad Mayes 2015-21 Anthony P. Hamann 1970-71 Mary Anne Chalker 1982-83, 1985- Daniel W. Hancock 1997-2005, Stanley E. McCaffrey 1968-69 1995 2006-13 Patrick D. McGee 1967-70 Phillip Chen 2021-present Dixon R. Harwin 1979-82 Carole V. Migden 2007 Maurice Rene Chez 1976-81 Sally Havice 1998-2001 George Miller, Jr. 1962-68 Dominic L. Cortese 1996 Richard D. Hayden 1977-81 Dave Min 2021-Present 22 | LITTLE HOOVER COMMISSION Eugene “Mitch” Mitchell 2004-12 Anthony Rendon 2013-15 Dair Tandy 1962-67 Ernest N. Mobley 1970-76 Lloyd Rigler 1975-79 F. D. Tellwright 1962-67 Stuart G. Moldaw 2002-06 Sebastian Ridley-Thomas 2015-17 Richard Terzian 1986-2002 Gwen Moore 1984-95, 1995-1999 Joseph Rodota 2004-05 Helen Torres 2016-18 James F. Mulvaney 1979-1982 James Rogan 2006 Richard S. Trugman 1979-83 Mark Nathanson 1983-85 Richard Roth 2013-21 Juan Vargas 2001-03 Alan E. Rothenberg 1977-78 Mark Vargas 2012-13 Pedro Nava 2005, 2013-17, 2017-present Michael J. Rubio 2011-13 Sean Varner 2016-present Jim Nielsen 2019-2022 H. Eric Schockman 2000-03 John Vasconcellos 1997-04 Jennifer A. Openshaw 2001-04 Cathy Schwamberger 2018-22 Frank Vicencia 1981-83 Verne Orr 1975 David A. Schwarz 2007-16 Jean Kindy Walker 1978-87 M. Lester O’Shea 1984-88 Jonathan Shapiro 2010-17 Sean Walsh 1999-2002 Angie Papadakis 1990-2000 Nathan Shapell 1968-97 Paul D. Ward 1975-76 George E. Paras 1987-90 Richard E. Sherwood 1962-67 Carmen H. Warschaw 1976-78 Don Perata 2014-15, 2015-19 Janna Sidley 2016-present Louis Warschaw 1975-76 Charles S. Poochigian 1996-98, Roy Sorenson 1962-66 Howard Way 1965-68 1999-2006 Sumi Sousa 2013-15 Caspar W. Weinberger 1967-68 Manning J. Post 1962-69, 1971-83 Jackie Speier 1994-96 Mark Wyland 2011-13 Sol Price 1962-63 Abraham Spiegel 1986-94 Phillip D. Wyman 1981-92, 2001 Tom Quinn 2012-13 Bruce Young 1983-85 Barbara Stone 1987-94 Bill Quirk 2017-21 Stanley R. Zax 1994-2007 Audra Strickland 2005-10 Leslie “Teddie” A. Ray 2003-07 Stanley M. Zimmerman 2000-04 Vernon Sturgeon 1962-65 Philip J. Reilly 1979-80 ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY REPORT 2021-22 | 23 “DEMOCRACY ITSELF IS A PROCESS OF CHANGE, AND SATISFACTION AND COMPLACENCY ARE ENEMIES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT.” Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown, addressing the inaugural meeting of the Little Hoover Commission, April 24, 1962, Sacramento California Milton Marks Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy www.lhc.ca.gov