Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber) reports that Senate Bill (SB) 14 (Wolk), that he co-authored, was passed unanimously in the Budget Committee today. SB 14 provides a framework for implementing performance-based budgeting for all departments and programs by fiscal year 2018-19.

"When performance is measured, performance improves," said Nielsen. "I see this bill as an advancement of the cause of a more transparent and accountable government."

The bill requires that funding for state agencies as part of the Governor's proposed budgets be justified by a performance-based analysis of each agency.  SB 14 specifies that the Legislature will designate a committee to propose legislative changes to programs and agency activities. It also requires that the performance review of all programs be conducted at least once every ten years.

Nielsen believes that in spite of the long road leading to the implementation of this bill, that this is a step in the right direction and is urging all the members of the Assembly to pass this bill and for the Governor to sign it. 

"We should remember that the role of the government is to serve the people, not itself," said Nielsen. "And because it is funded by the people, they deserve no less than an accurate accounting that their money is being spent prudently and responsibly."