SACRAMENTO – Today Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) issued the following statement on Governor Newsom’s executive order requiring all state workers to return to the office four days a week.
“One year ago this month the Joint Legislative Audit Committee unanimously approved an audit of Governor Newsom’s return to office mandate. Rather than waiting for the State Auditor to do his work, the Governor has now decided to expand the mandate with a one-size-fits-all approach that harms state workers and makes California less competitive with the private sector.
“His decision limits flexibility for state agencies to implement policies based on department needs and places an ongoing burden on taxpayers who are currently paying $600 million per year to maintain state office buildings.
“The state should take a more balanced approach that requires in-person work when appropriate and embraces telework where it makes sense. At the very least, the Governor’s current proposal should be put on hold until after the Auditor releases his report on the costs and benefits of telework.”
Last year Assemblyman Hoover requested an audit when Governor Newsom required state workers to “return to office” two days a week questioning the rationale, timing, legality, and costs associated with the decision to rescind telework privileges for state employees.
Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale, and Rosemont.
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