Who We Are
The
Legislative Analyst's Office has been providing fiscal and policy advice to the
Legislature for more than 65 years. It is known for its fiscal and programmatic
expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget. The office serves as the
"eyes and ears" for the Legislature to ensure that the executive branch
is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.
The LAO is overseen by the Joint Legislative
Budget Committee (JLBC), a 16-member bipartisan committee. The office currently
has a staff of 43 analysts and approximately 13 support staff. The analytical staff
is divided into ten subject areas: Criminal Justice,
State and Local Finance,
K-12 Education, Higher Education,
Health,
Local Government, Resources and Environmental
Protection, Social Services,
State Administration, and
Transportation, Business, and Housing.
About the Legislative Analyst's Office
What the Media Say
“…Think of (the LAO)…as the conscience of the Capitol. Collectively, they are the
skunk that ruins the budget garden party the Governor and the Legislature would
otherwise enjoy each year. Dan Weintraub, Sacramento Bee
“She’s (Elizabeth Hill) been their—and our—watchdog for 13 years, a snoop paid by
the Legislature to prowl the massive state budget and bureaucracy in search of waste,
bad ideas, and dirty tricks.” Jenifer Warren, Los Angeles Times.
“…thankfully, there’s still one person in Sacramento who won’t sugarcoat the (financial)
challenges ahead. That is Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill.” The Press Democrat.
“…the office (the LAO) would remain an island of independence in a sea of partisanship
and political mine fields.” Dan Walters, Sacramento Bee.
Liz Hill: Here Today, Here
Tomorrow, Max Vanzi, The California Journal.