About the Commission

The Little Hoover Commission, formally known as the Milton Marks "Little Hoover" Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, is an independent state oversight agency that was created in 1962. The Commission's mission is to investigate state government operations and -- through reports, recommendations and legislative proposals -- promote efficiency, economy and improved service.

By statute, the Commission is a balanced bipartisan board composed of five citizen members appointed by the Governor, four citizen members appointed by the Legislature, two Senators and two Assembly members.

The full Commission selects study topics that come to its attention from citizens, legislators and other sources. In addition, it has a statutory obligation to review and make recommendations on proposed government reorganization plans.

The Commission's role differs in three distinct ways from other state and private-sector bodies that analyze state programs:

• Unlike fiscal or performance audits, the Commission's studies look beyond whether programs comply with existing requirements, instead exploring how programs could and should function in today's world.
• The Commission produces in-depth, well-documented reports that serve as a factual basis for crafting effective reform legislation.
• Based on its reports, the Commission follows through with legislation to implement its recommendations, building coalitions, testifying at hearings and providing technical support to policy makers.

Based on preliminary research, the subcommittee identifies key issues and oversees the creation of public hearings to explore all sides of the issues in an open setting. The public hearings serve to inform the Commissioners and educate the legislators, the public and the media about the problem areas. The subcommittee develops findings and recommendations that focus on the key issues and forwards a draft report to the full Commission for its consideration. The Commission, as a whole, may make changes before adopting and releasing the final report.

The Commission works to implement its recommendations either through legislation or administrative changes. New hearings are held and progress reports are issued in the years following the initial report until the Commission's recommendations have been enacted or its concerns have been addressed.

If you have any questions about the Commission, contact our office, littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov, 925 L Street, Suite 805, Sacramento, California 95814, (916) 445-2125 or (916) 322-7709(fax).