Summary. In this post, we analyze the Governor’s proposal to provide 43 permanent positions and $7.6 million ($6.3 million General Fund) in 2022‑23 and $6.8 million ($5.5 million General Fund) ongoing for the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) to implement specific proposals recommended by a taskforce established by the Governor aimed at finding ways to make the state a better employer. As part of this initiative, the proposal would seek to improve statewide data on the workforce to inform a statewide diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. We recommend that the Legislature approve the proposal and encourage the Legislature to exercise ongoing legislative oversight of the process to ensure that the administration’s policies meet legislative objectives and priorities.

Background

Civil Service Based on Merit Principle. California’s current system of state civil service employment dates back to the November 1934 election, when voters approved Proposition 7, adding what is now Article VII to the State Constitution. The Constitution requires that all appointments and promotions within the civil service be made under a general system based on merit determined by competitive examination. All state employees are in the civil service unless specifically exempted by the Constitution. As a result, practically all of the state’s non‑higher education executive branch employees—outside of the very top ranks of management (such as department directors and deputy directors)—are in...

Read Full Story: https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4564