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| CSRHA Testifies at Little Hoover Commission Hearing on Governor's Reorganization Plan (GRP) The Governor's plan to overhaul state government made its way to the Little Hoover Commission (the Commission) for review and public input on January 26, 2005. The Secretary of State auditorium was crowded with advocates and government representatives waiting their turn, while the Commission heard testimony and asked difficult questions from presenters on both sides of the debate in the first of many of the Administration's reorganization proposals. The Governor's Reorganization Plan 1 (GRP1) will eliminate 88 boards and commissions described in Appendix I of the GRP1. An index of these boards and commissions can be found in Appendix II (click here to view GRP1). According to the GRP1, in most cases, the activities or functions of the boards and commissions eliminated will continue, and be transferred to an agency or department. Peter Abbott, M.D., treasurer for California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) was invited by the Commission to submit testimony on the first reorganization plan. Along with other commissions and boards, the Rural Health Policy Council (RHPC) is proposed for elimination in the first round of recommendations. Lauri Medeiros, CSRHA executive director stood in for Abbott at the public meeting and shared with the Commission the importance of the RHPC and its convening and coordinating role for rural health providers and advocates. "It's a rare opportunity for rural health to present at such a prestigious policy forum," said Medeiros to the members of the Commission. "We seek your support to ensure the RHPC continues as an effective voice for rural health at the highest level of state government." The Little Hoover Commission's role (which includes Senator Poochigian, a Rural Caucus legislator) in the reorganization process is described in Government Code Section 8523. The law requires the Governor to submit any reorganization plan to the Little Hoover Commission "at least 30 days prior" to submitting the plan to the Legislature. The Commission's role in the reorganization process is only advisory. The Commission reviews and submits a report to the Governor and the Legislature within 30 days of the plan being submitted to the Legislature. In other words, the Commission typically has 60 days to review a plan and complete its report. Legislative Council drafts the proposal into bill language for the Legislature to vote. The Commission then
conducts one or more public hearings, providing a forum for affected
agencies, constituencies and interest groups to comment on the proposal.
In addition to invited witnesses, the Commission hears testimony from
other interests or members of the public who would like to testify.
To
view the testimony submitted by Kim Belshe, Secretary, Health and Human Services
Agency, click
here. GRP1 Description of California Rural Health Policy Council: California Rural
Health Policy Council – This six-member interagency council is
composed of the Director of Health Services, the Director of Statewide
Health Planning and Development, the Director of Alcohol and Drug Programs,
the Director of Emergency Medical Services Authority, 44 the Director
of Mental Health, and the Executive Director of the Managed Risk Medical
Insurance Board.
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