Governance and Finance Committee

Click here to follow the work of the newly-consolidated Governance and Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Wolk, and tasked with restructuring the relationship between state and local governments and reforming the budget process.

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The State Budget & Redevelopment

Read the Enacted 2011-2012 State Budget, as well as the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office's overview of the budget, and two reports on the Governor's plans on redevelopment:

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Take the Next 10 Budget Challenge

Senator Wolk invites her constituents to take the Next 10 California Budget Challenge, a wonderful opportunity for Californians to learn more about the challenges involved in balancing the state budget.

Government Reform

"Bringing government closer to the people makes sense in many ways, not just as a lynchpin to balancing the state budget, but to encourage innovation, reward efficiency, and improve results. Our effort will be just as focused on improving the end product as it is balancing the bottom line.

I look forward to working with the Governor, my colleagues in the Legislature, locally-elected officials throughout the state, and all Californians to enact the real reforms California needs as we design a government system for the 21st century."

-- Senator Wolk

Wolk Legislation

Senate Bill 14—Performance-Based Budget: Establishes a performance-based budget process for California that includes setting goals, desired outcomes, and performance metrics. Also requires a complete review of every state program at least once every 10 years.

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Senate Bill 214—Infrastructure Financing Districts: Makes it easier for cities and counties to use IFDs to pay for public works projects, without impacting school districts’ share of property tax increment or the state general fund. Also repeals voter-approval to form the IFD, to issue bonds, and to set IFD appropriation limit—and extends term of IFD bonds from 30 to 40 years, lowering monthly debt payments.

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Senate Bill 508—Tax Expenditure Accountability: Increases the accountability of tax expenditures by requiring metrics to measure performance. Ensures that corporations are held accountable for the stated goals and objectives of tax credits.

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Senate Bill 893—Data Sharing: Directs the Health and Human Services Agency to draft a strategic data sharing plan to support California’s transition toward outcome-based governing.

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