Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Editorial: Time to decide what services California must protect, or erase
Sacramento Bee ^ | 1/10/10 | Editor

Posted on 01/10/2010 5:30:11 PM PST by SmithL

Like California governors before him facing a budget crunch, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposes various ways to reduce state payroll and the state work force.

That's certainly appropriate given multibillion dollar annual deficits. But it is time to get beyond one-time crisis solutions and actually debate: What is the right size for the state work force, what core functions should the state protect (and even enhance) and what obsolete functions should the state jettison?

It is not just ongoing budget shortfalls that demand such a discussion. The reality is that 70,000 out of 359,000 state workers will be eligible to retire in the next five years, according to the State Personnel Board. California needs to be smart about the positions it keeps and eliminates. Serving up bromides about indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts does not serve the state well.

In this election year, we're going to be looking for candidates to state clearly what redundancies they'd eliminate, what programs they'd consolidate, what functions they'd pare back, what services they'd maintain and what priorities they'd expand.

(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: California
KEYWORDS: budget; goldenstate; schwarzenegger; yourtaxdollarsatwork

1 posted on 01/10/2010 5:30:13 PM PST by SmithL
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: SmithL

Everyone knows the Feds are going to print the money and cut a check to every state that cant ballence their budget. The only loosers are the folks in states with balanced budgets.


2 posted on 01/10/2010 5:35:27 PM PST by Mark was here (The earth is bipolar. ---- "OBAMA: THE GREAT MISTAKE OF 2008")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SmithL

The bulk of the cuts should land in Nancy Pelosi’s district.


3 posted on 01/10/2010 5:36:44 PM PST by cripplecreek (Seniors, the new shovel ready project under socialized medicine.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Mark was here

“The only loosers are the folks in states with balanced budgets.”

-

I don’t think so.

Writing this from the Peoples Republic of California, I have to say there’s a real palpable sense of foreboding here. Fed bailouts won’t change the fact that the state is irretrievably broken.

Sure massive infusions of cash (might) delay the implosion by a year or two much as another hit might delay a heroin addict from coming apart in the throes of withdrawal - but California is really and truly, broken. The state government simply cannot stop spending.

It can’t. It’s sold, and purchased by those - who benefit from the spending. There is no mechanism available, which can now save the state.

State spending is massive. Tax receipts are shrinking and future tax receipts will shrink further, as productive Californians flee to more responsible states.

Seriously. CA is screwed. Imho. Social anarchy at some point.


4 posted on 01/10/2010 5:46:20 PM PST by Cringing Negativism Network (2012: Repeal it all... All of it!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: SmithL

Jettison anything that gives goods, services or credence to illegal aliens. That will go a long, long way in fixing the budget.


5 posted on 01/10/2010 5:48:33 PM PST by Psycho_Bunny (ALSO SPRACH ZEROTHUSTRA)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Cringing Negativism Network

Are you sure you aren’t here in Michigan? LOL


6 posted on 01/10/2010 5:52:54 PM PST by cripplecreek (Seniors, the new shovel ready project under socialized medicine.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: SmithL
Boy, it sure is a good thing that Arnold (and his gang of five) have really got a gripe on the state's economy!

..../endless sarcasm

7 posted on 01/10/2010 5:56:52 PM PST by pointsal
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SmithL
California is finished.

The tax parasites outnumber the taxpayers, the only services that will be cut are those to taxpayers.

8 posted on 01/10/2010 6:09:14 PM PST by Navy Patriot (Sarah and the Conservatives will rock your world.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SmithL

I would like to suggest we start with the all of the Air Quality Management districts and their enforcement nazis. A friend pointed out that they had 10 inspectors running around the bay area on Xmas Day. They had PRE-PLANNED it. It looks like they had pre-planned a spare-the-air day so they could optimize their enforcement efforts. It was a nice day - didn’t see ANY real issues with the air.

Oh -I’m an expert on this by the way. I grew up in LA during the 60’s and 70’s. I know what BAD air looks like!


9 posted on 01/10/2010 6:30:34 PM PST by fremont_steve
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SmithL

Under emergency planning, there is a process that department heads are supposed to go through that identifies those essential functions that must continue even if the workforce is severely reduced from pandemic, etc. Do that exercise and use that as the bare bones foundation.

Then go through and have department heads identify all functions and services necessary to support business and future economic growth in California. Add that.

Take what’s left over and divide it among the other functions on a prorated basis. Lay off accordingly. Give the legislature a report on laws they are going to have to rescind in order to provide these lesser functions at lower staff and budget levels.


10 posted on 01/10/2010 6:41:35 PM PST by marsh2
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SmithL
"Time to decide..."

Leave it to McClatchy and the stupid-assed Bee to FINALLY start talking about "what services we're going to keep and which we will jettison".

That talk was exchanged by the electorate over the last 20 years. We have decided, since our government "representatives" don't get it...we'll have to remove many of them from office. Now, should they STILL not get it, we'll have to charge them and have trials.

11 posted on 01/10/2010 6:50:30 PM PST by Mariner
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Cringing Negativism Network
"Seriously. CA is screwed. Imho. Social anarchy at some point."

No doubt about it. I expect riots and entire cities on fire once the state checks won't cash.

At least here, in Sacramento, I can expect the National Guard can keep the peace.

However, we DO have contingency plans.

12 posted on 01/10/2010 6:53:23 PM PST by Mariner
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: cripplecreek

Good start BUMP


13 posted on 01/10/2010 6:54:04 PM PST by onyx
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Mariner

So, do you think that video of the tanks & such going south from Brit. Columbia was real then? From late December?


14 posted on 01/10/2010 6:57:27 PM PST by combat_boots (The Lion of Judah cometh. Hallelujah. Gloria Patri, Filio et Spirito Sancto.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: fremont_steve
Oh -I’m an expert on this by the way. I grew up in LA during the 60’s and 70’s. I know what BAD air looks like!

Back in the '70s there was a joke about an Angeleno who went to Texas. He told people there, "Aren't you a bit uneasy breathing something you can't see?" Yeah, I can remember, it really did look bad.

15 posted on 01/10/2010 8:42:19 PM PST by Oatka ("A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves." –Bertrand de Jouvenel)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Mariner
Leave it to McClatchy and the stupid-assed Bee to FINALLY start talking about "what services we're going to keep and which we will jettison".

I can't stop laughing!

As far back as I can remember, there is not a single tax increase or new Department of the State bureaucracy, that the Bee didn't love --- and support enthusiastically.

They think nobody's noticed?

Read it and laugh with me...!

LIST OF CALIFORNIA’s 390 STATE AGENCIES (Post April 19 “Special” Election of May 19, 2009)

Access for Infants and Mothers
Accountancy, Board of
Acupuncture Board
Administrative Hearings, Office of
Administrative Law, Office of
Adoptions Branch, Department of Social Services
African American Museum, California
Aging, California Commission on
Aging, Department of
Agricultural Labor Relations Board
Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship, Office of
Agriculture, Department of Food and
AIDS, Office of
Air Resources Board
Alcohol and Drug Programs, Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board
Alcoholic Beverage Control, Department of (ABC)
Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, California
Analytical Chemistry, Center for
Animal Health and Food Safety Services
Apprenticeship Council
Apprenticeship Standards, Division of
Arbitration Certification Program
Architects Board
Archives, California State
Arts Council
Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus
Assembly, California State
Assembly Democratic Caucus
Assembly Republican Caucus
Athletic Commission
Attorney General
Audits, Bureau of State
Automotive Repair, Bureau of
Barbering and Cosmetology, Board of
Bay-Delta Authority, California
Behavioral Sciences, Board of
Binational Border Health, California Office of
Biodiversity Council
Biogeographic Data Branch
Blind, Office of Services to the
Board of Equalization (BOE)
Boating and Waterways, Department of
Braille and Talking Book Library
Building Standards Commission
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
Cal Boating (Department of Boating and Waterways)
California Exposition & State Fair
California Business Investment Services (CalBIS)
Cal/EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection)
CalGOLD (Business Permit Information)
California Broadband Initiative
California Coastal Commission
California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth
California Council for the Humanities
California Cultural and Historical Endowment
California Digital Library
California Geological Survey
California Highway Patrol (CHP)
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
California Science Center
California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
California State Fair
California State Library
California State Parks
California State University (CSU)
California Tahoe Conservancy
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
CaliforniaVolunteers
CalJOBS
Cal-Learn Program (Department of Social Services)
CalOHI (California Office of HIPAA Implementation)
Cal/OSHA (Division of Occupational Safety & Health)
CalSTRS (California State Teachers’ Retirement System)
Caltrans (Department of Transportation)
CalVet Home Loan Program
CalWORKs Program (Department of Social Services)
Career Resource Network
Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
CERES (California Environmental Resources Evaluation System)
Charitable Trusts, Registrar of
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Chief Information Officer Archives, Office of the (OCIO)
Child Abuse Prevention, Office of
Child Support Services, Department of
Children & Families Commission
Children and Family Services Division
Children’s Trust Fund, California State
Chiropractic Examiners, Board of
Citizens Compensation Commission
Climate Change Portal (Energy Commission)
Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy
Coastal Conservancy
Colorado River Board of California
Communicable Disease Control, Division of
Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Community Services and Development, Department of
Conservation Corps
Conservation, Department of
Constitution Revision Commission
Consumer Affairs, Department of
Contractors State License Board
Contracts Register Program, California State
Controller, California State
Corporations, Department of
Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of
Cosmetology, Board of Barbering and
Court Reporters Board
Courts, Administrative Office of the
Courts of Appeal
Crime and Violence Prevention Center
Cyber Safety for Children
Dams, Division of Safety of
Data Exchange Center (Department of Water Resources)
DataQuest (Department of Education)
Deaf Access, Office of
Debt and Investment Advisory Commission
Delta Protection Commission
Delta Vision
Dental Auxiliaries, Committee on
Dental Board of California
Denti-Cal
Developmental Disabilities, State Council on
Developmental Services, Department of
Disability Insurance, State (SDI)
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)
Education Audit Appeals Panel
Education, Department of
Education, Office of the Secretary for
Education, State Board of
Educational Facilities Authority
Elections Division (Secretary of State)
Electronic and Appliance Repair, Bureau of
Emergency Medical Services Authority
Emergency Services, Governor’s Office of
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Employment Training Panel
Energy Commission
Engineers and Land Surveyors, Board for Professional
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Office of
Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA)
Equalization, Board of
eServices Office
Fair Employment and Housing Commission
Fair Employment and Housing, Department of
Fair Political Practices Commission
Film Commission
Finance, Department of
Financial Institutions, Department of
Fire Marshal, Office of the State
Firearms Division, Department of Justice
Fiscal Services (Department of General Services)
Fish and Game Commission
Fish and Game, Department of
Fleet Administration, Office of
Food and Agriculture, Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of
Franchise Tax Board
Gambling Control Commission
General Services, Department of
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), California
Geologists and Geophysicists, California Board for
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Council, California
Government Claims and Victim Compensation Board
Governor’s Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons
Governor’s Mentoring Partnership
Governor’s Office
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Board of
Habeas Corpus Resource Center
Hastings College of the Law
Health and Human Services Agency
Health and Safety & Workers’ Compensation, Commission on
Health Care Services, Department of
Health Insurance Plan of California (PacAdvantage)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Implementation, California Office of
Healthy Families Program
Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau
High-Speed Rail Authority
Highway Patrol, California (CHP)
HIPAA Implementation, California Office of
Historic Preservation, Office of
Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, Bureau of
Homeland Security, Office of
Horse Racing Board
Housing and Community Development, Department of
Housing Finance Agency
Independent Living Council, State (SILC)
Indoor Air Quality Program
Industrial Relations, Department of
Infants and Mothers, Access for
Information Center for the Environment
Information Security and Privacy Protection, Office of
Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank (I-Bank)
Inspector General, Office of the
Institute for Education Reform
Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Insurance, Department of
Integrated Waste Management Board
Interagency Ecological Program
Judicial Council of California
Judicial Performance, Commission on
Justice, Department of
Juvenile Justice, Division of
Labor & Workforce Development Agency
Labor Market Information Division
Labor Standards Enforcement, Division of
Labor Statistics & Research, Division of
Land Resource Protection, Division of
Land Surveyors, Board for Professional Engineers and
Land Use Planning Information Network (LUPIN)
Lands Commission
Landscape Architects Technical Committee
Latino Legislative Caucus
Law Revision Commission
Learn California
Legislative Analyst’s Office
Legislative Black Caucus
Legislative Counsel
Legislative Information
Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Caucus
Legislature, California State
Legislature Internet Caucus
Library, California State
Library of California
Lieutenant Governor, Office of
Little Hoover Commission
Lottery, California State
Managed Health Care, Department of
Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board
Mandates, Commission on State
Maritime Academy, California
Measurement Standards, Division of
Mediation & Conciliation Service, State
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Care Options
Medi-Cal Provider
Medical Assistance Commission
Medical Board of California
Medical Care Services
Mental Health, Department of
Military and Aerospace Support, Office of
Mine Reclamation, Office of
Mining and Geology Board
Motor Vehicles, Department of (DMV)
Museum Resource Center
National Guard, California
Native American Heritage Commission
Natural Community Conservation Planning Program
Naturopathic Medicine, Bureau of
New Motor Vehicle Board
Nursing Home Administrator Program
Ocean Protection Council, California
Occupational Safety & Health Appeals Board
Occupational Safety & Health, Division of (Cal/OSHA)
Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board
Occupational Therapy, California Board of
Ocean Resources Management Program
Office of Emergency Services (OES)
Oil, Gas & Geothermal Resources, Division of
Optometry, Board of
Osteopathic Medical Board of California
OTAN (Outreach and Technical Assistance Network)
PacAdvantage (The Health Insurance Plan of California)
Park and Recreation Commission
Parks, California State
Parole Hearings, Board of
Patient Advocate, Office of the
Peace Officer Standards and Training, Commission on (POST)
PERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System)
Personnel Administration, Department of
Personnel Board
Pesticide Regulation, Department of
Pharmacy, Board of
Physical Therapy Board of California
Physician Assistant Committee
Planning and Research, Governor’s Office of
Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services
Podiatric Medicine, Board of
Pollution Control Financing Authority
Postsecondary Education Commission
Printing (Office of State Publishing)
Prison Industry Authority
Privacy Protection, Office of Information Security and
Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, Bureau for
Procurement Division
Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
Psychology, Board of
Public Defender, Office of the State
Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)
Public Health, Department of
Public School Construction, Office of
Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
Publishing, Office of State
Railroad Museum, California State
Real Estate Appraisers, Office of
Real Estate, Department of
Real Estate Services Division
Recycling, Division of
Refugee Programs Branch
Regents of the University of California
Regional Water Quality Control Boards
Registered Nursing, Board of
Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
Rehabilitation, Department of
Resources Agency
Respiratory Care Board
Risk and Insurance Management, Office of
Rivers Assessment, California
Rural Health Policy Council
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission
San Gabriel & Lower Los Angeles Rivers & Mountains Conservancy
San Joaquin River Conservancy
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Science Fair, California State
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Secretary of State
Security and Investigative Services, Bureau of
Seismic Safety Commission
Self Insurance Plans (SIP)
Senate, California State
Senate Office of Research
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program
Small Business Development Centers
Smart Growth Caucus
Smog Check Information Center
Social Services, Department of
Spatial Information Library, California
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board
Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR)
State and Consumer Services Agency
State Architect
State Bar of California
State Chief Information Officer (CIO)
State Compensation Insurance Fund
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
State Fair
State Independent Living Council (SILC)
State Mandates, Commission on
Statewide Health Planning and Development, Office of
Status of Women, Commission on
Structural Pest Control Board
Student Aid Commission
Summer School for Mathematics and Science, California State (COSMOS)
Summer School for the Arts, California State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Superior Courts
Supreme Court of California
Systems Integration, Office of
Tax Service Center
Teach California
Teacher Credentialing, Commission on
Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS)
Technology Services, Department of (DTS)
Telecommunications Division
Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau
Toxic Substances Control, Department of
Traffic Safety, Office of
Transportation Commission
Transportation, Department of (Caltrans)
Travel & Tourism Commission, California
Treasurer, State
Unclaimed Property Program
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
Unemployment Insurance Program
Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, California
University of California
Veterans Affairs, Department of
Veterinary Medical Board
Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board
Vital Records, Office of
Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, Board of
Voter Registration (Secretary of State)
Water Quality Control Boards, Regional
Water Resources Control Board
Water Resources, Department of
Welfare to Work Division
Wetlands Information System
Wildlife Conservation Board
Women, Commission on the Status of
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board
Workers’ Compensation, Division of
Workers’ Compensation Medical Unit, Division of
Workforce Investment Board

16 posted on 01/10/2010 11:26:16 PM PST by Publius6961 (Â…he's not America, he's an employee who hasn't risen to minimal expectations.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson