Governmental Reform
In June 2011, NBLC commissioned a report by Dr. Robert Eyler, Changing Government to Fit New Realities. This report examined
STRUCTURAL REFORMS:
NBLC calls for government at every level to look at ways it can find cost savings and increased efficiency by making changes such as: shared functions, public/private partnerships, outsourcing, consolidations, privatization and other ways. It is time to stop thinking only of cuts and/or increasing taxes. Changing governmental operations and delivery of services to match the limited funding is an imperative.
DEMOCRACY REFORMS:
-
Term Limits: NBLC supports the term limit reform such as the measure expected to be on the next ballot. That measure would reduce the total number of years lawmakers can serve from 14 to 12, but allow lawmakers to serve those dozen years in the Assembly or Senate, or a combination. The reform is expected to reduce the disruption caused by lawmakers jockeying for their next seat, while allowing leaders and committee chairs to stay in positions long enough to have a sustained impact.
-
Initiative Process. Direct democracy is an important tool that needs to be refined so that it can be effectively used by public interest groups, and to minimize the unintended consequences of poorly vetted initiatives.
-
Voter Involvement. Representative democracy relies on a high turnout of informed voters. The mechanics of the electoral process need to be strengthened to encourage more Californians to register get engaged and vote.
Legislative Structure Reforms. Elected representatives need to be able to better represent their communities and regions, and the Legislature needs to be restructured to be able to better solve significant issues. California, for example, should consider alternatives including a unicameral legislature and regional legislative sessions.