Strickland Introduces Bill to Consolidate State Agencies

Moorpark's state senator, Tony Strickland, on Monday introduced a bill aimed at trimming California's bureaucracy, thus saving the state money.

SB 953, or the Bureaucracy Realignment and Closure Act of 2013, would establish a commission to evaluate state agencies and create a list of recommended realignment or closures that would be turned over to the governor for approval.

"We continue to have the second-highest unemployment in the nation, as well as an ever-present budget deficit and yet our state bureaucracy keeps growing,” Strickland said in a statement issued by his office. “California is in need of reform and I believe SB 953 is a solid first step in achieving that reform. Rather than raising taxes on hardworking Californians yet again, we should be looking at ways to trim the fat and make good use of the precious dollars that do come to Sacramento.”

The commission, modeled after the Federal Base Realignment and Closure program, would be made up of 10 people appointed by the governor, four of which would be appointed upon consultation with the speaker and minority leader of the State Assembly and president pro tem and minority leader of the Senate. The remainder would be appointed at the governor's discretion.

The commissioners' list for the governor, which wouldn't be required until Aug. 15, 2014, would be based on reccomendations developed by the state controller, director of finance, legislative analyst, legislative councel, state auditor and the Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy. The commision would first have to have at least one member visit each bureaucracy considered for realignment or closure and hold public hearings before producing its list.

The bill next goes to the Senate Rules Committee for assignment. Find a copy of the proposed bill on the official California Legislative Information website.