SACRAMENTO – Today Assemblymembers Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Robert Garcia (D-Rancho Cucamonga) sent a bipartisan letter signed by 17 state lawmakers to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to delay his executive order requiring all state workers to return to office (RTO) four days a week on July 1, 2025.
“The State Auditor is currently studying the benefits of California’s telework policies, and it is critical that the Governor’s RTO mandate be put on hold until this important work is completed,” Assemblymember Hoover said. “Embracing telework where feasible has the potential to save California taxpayers millions of dollars, reduce traffic congestion, and help make state employers more competitive with the private sector. I appreciate Assemblymember Garcia and my legislative colleagues for joining this effort to support state workers.”
In the Sacramento region, where traffic congestion is a daily reality, allowing some employees to work remotely reduces commute times for everyone and eases strain on local infrastructure. Telework policies also can help the state meet its climate goals and save costs for state workers. Over the past few years, telework has eliminated nearly 400,000 metric tons of carbon emissions and saved workers hundreds of dollars per month in vehicle expenses.
“With today’s evolving workforce, the ability to work from home is more than a convenience — it’s about getting more people off the road, easing commute times throughout the state, and improving air quality,” stated Assemblymember Garcia. “I want to thank my colleagues for supporting this bipartisan letter that I was honored to co-lead with Assemblymember Hoover.”
Last year Assemblymember Hoover requested an audit of the state’s telework policies after Governor Newsom required workers to return to office two days per week. The audit request, which passed with bipartisan support, tasked the State Auditor with investigating the rationale, timing, legality, and costs associated with the decision to rescind telework options 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.
####