Every year, the state pays private industry billions of dollars to provide services.

Between 2003 and 2011, the state signed contracts--some with the nation's corporate giants--worth about $210.6 billion.

The Hidden Branch of Government [PDF]

Workers deserve stronger protection

The Department of Mental Health workers have reported numerous cases of abuse. This report gauges the level of violence experienced by employees and gets their insight on the causes.

Violence in California's Mental Health Hospitals [pdf]

What is the truth about defined benefit retirement plans? They offer higher benefits at a lower cost; they keep retired people from becoming a public burden; they attract quality workers and they are a real deal for taxpayers.

A new report by Local 1000's Research Department tells you how.

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans: a proven system [PDF]

Will dispersing funding based on how state government performs benefit California? Performance-based budgeting must have planning and reliable benchmarks to succeed.

Performance Based Budgeting: Opportunities and Considerations [PDF]

Urgent changes are needed to improve crucial services for those who rely on disability claims to keep them fed and sheltered.

Excessive Delays Mean Danger for People with Disabilities [PDF]

Recommendations here will improve collection on owed taxes, which includes lowering the threshold for liens, publicizing corporate names of tax evaders and allowing flexible work hours for collectors to coincide with business hours.

Board of Equalization Joint Tax Force [PDF]

Even though budgets are tight, California prisons can implement measures that enhance inmate rehabilitation, such as reducing redundant paperwork for staff, which will ultimately cut state spending.

From the Cell to the Classroom [PDF]

The state could rein in spending by rebuilding and strengthening its own information technology services rather than spending billions on contracting for them and spending twice as much for contract workers.

IT Contracts with the State of California [PDF]

How has civil-service reform done in other states? How will California's version of reform change state employment? What steps are needed for true reform?

State Civil Service Reform: California's Human Resource Modernization Project in a Comparative Perspective [PDF]

Public sector unions in other countries have tried a number of strategies to protect their members when public private partnerships threaten their jobs. This paper examines case studies from four countries in a search for models for U.S. unions. 

Protecting Workers Under Public-Private Partnerships: Public Sector Union Experiences and Models [PDF]