Who We Are
The
Legislative Analyst's Office has been providing fiscal and policy advice to the
Legislature for more than 70 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 nine subject areas: Criminal Justice,
State Finance,
K-12 Education, Higher Education,
Health, Environmental
and Natural Resources, Social Services and Labor,
General Government (including
Local Government and
Infrastructure), and
Transportation, Business, and Housing.
About the Legislative Analyst's Office
What the Media Say
“Unlike the federal Congressional Budget Office, which does not offer its opinions on matters of policy, California's legislative analyst is required to make recommendations, something that sometimes puts the office at the heart of the debate…”
For California's Budget Examiner, an Ease With Diplomacy and Dollar Signs, Jesse McKinley, The New York Times.
"...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
“…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.