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The Legislative Analyst's Office has just published the following budget brief:
 
The 2020-21 Budget: Assessing the Governor's Reorganization Proposals

As part of his budget plan for 2020-21, the Governor proposes six government reorganizations­which we define as the consolidation or transfer of government functions­across several policy areas. The proposals would affect a broad array of state departments, offices, and commissions that perform a wide range of functions. In reviewing the Governor’s reorganization proposals, there are many issues for the Legislature to consider in determining whether to approve or reject each proposal. In this brief, we outline a broad framework to consider these issues. Specifically, we recommend that the Legislature consider the following key questions when evaluating the proposals:

·        Would the Reorganization Make Programs More Effective? A reorganization should result in programs becoming more effective and the public receiving improved government services.

·        Would the Reorganization Improve Efficiency? A reorganization should result in programs using fewer resources or improving the quality of services provided within existing resources.

·        Would the New Structure Improve Accountability? A reorganization should result in a government structure where the Legislature and the public can easily identify the person or entity responsible for managing a program.

·        Is the Reorganization Based Upon a Policy Rationale? A reorganization should be consistent with an underlying policy rationale to address a problem that has been clearly identified.
·        Does the Reorganization Reflect Legislative Priorities? A reorganization should be consistent with the priorities that the Legislature has set for a program or government function.

·        Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs? The benefits of a reorganization should outweigh the costs to implement the reorganization, which can sometimes be significant.

·        Is the Reorganization Well Planned? A reorganization should be well planned given that it can result in significant complexities­such as the need to reclassify positions and responsibilities.

·        How Should the Reorganization Be Implemented? Government reorganizations typically have been pursued either through the formal executive branch reorganization process laid out in statute or budget trailer legislation.
 
This brief is available using the following link: https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4146?utm_source=laowww&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4146