Does “Mission Critical” Mean You Can Only Go to Places Like Soledad, San Juan Bautista, Carmel, San Diego and San Gabriel? Are Cars OK or Is the Only Acceptable Method of Transport an Ass or a Burro?

 

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER B-06-11

4-26-2011

 

WHEREAS the Governor’s 2011-12 budget proposes to close the state’s structural budget deficit in part through increased efficiency that will substantially reduce state operational expenses; and

WHEREAS since the beginning of this Administration, Executive Orders and other directives have been issued to restrict hiring in state government, drastically reduce the number of state cell phones and vehicles, and stop spending taxpayer dollars on free giveaway and gift items; and

WHEREAS the Governor’s 2011-12 budget proposes to cut state operational expenses by reducing discretionary expenditures and increasing efficiency; and

WHEREAS restricting both in-state and out-of-state travel to only non-discretionary purposes will further reduce operational expenditures.

WHEREAS the Governor’s 2011-12 budget proposes a reduction of $413 million ($250 million from the General Fund) in state operation efficiencies and other savings; and

WHEREAS restrictions on travel are necessary to help achieve these savings; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the State of California, do hereby issue the following orders to become effective immediately:

IT IS ORDERED that discretionary travel is prohibited. All in-state non-discretionary travel must be approved by Agency Secretaries or Department Directors who do not report to an Agency Secretary. All out-of-state travel must be approved by the Governor’s Office.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the new travel restrictions are as follows:

1. No travel, either in-state or out-of-state, is permitted unless it is mission critical or there is no cost to the state.

(Emphasis added.)

Mission critical means travel that is directly related to:

• Enforcement responsibilities.

• Auditing.

• Revenue collection.

• A function required by statute, contract or executive directive.

• Job-required training necessary to maintain licensure or similar standards required for holding a position.

Mission critical does not mean travel to attend:

• Conferences (even those that historically have been attended).

• Networking opportunities.

• Professional development courses.

• Continuing education classes and seminars.

• Non-essential meetings that can be conducted by phone or video conference.

• Events for the sole purpose of making a presentation unless approved by the Department Director.

2. No travel is permitted for more than the minimum number of travelers necessary to accomplish the mission-critical objective. This restriction applies even when there is no cost to the state.

3. Agency Secretaries or Department Directors who do not report to an Agency Secretary may authorize in-state travel when the request conforms to the principles identified above.

4. As referenced in Budget letter 11-06, Agencies and Departments must submit their out-of-state travel requests to the Governor’s office by May 6, 2011. No substitutions will be allowed for trips approved per this Budget Letter.

5. The Department of Finance will issue all necessary instructions and forms to implement this restriction on state travel. In addition, the Department of Finance will work with agencies and departments to develop targets for budgetary reductions in lieu of travel restrictions. Departments that achieve their target budget reductions, as determined by the Director of the Department of Finance, may seek exemption from the provisions of this executive order.

IT IS REQUESTED that other entities of State government not under my direct executive authority conduct an analysis to determine the discretionary nature of their travel in order to reduce unnecessary costs.

This Executive Order is not intended to create, and does not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State and that it be given widespread publicity and notice.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 26th day of April 2011.

 

___________________________

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

Governor of California

ATTEST:

_________________________

DEBRA BOWEN

Secretary of State

 

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