Folsom Assemblyman co-authors bill advocating telework in opposition to governor's mandate

Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) is teaming up with a Democrat Assemblymember to author a bill which would allow state agencies to design and continue telework policies. This legislation is in direct opposition to Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order issued last year which mandates California state workers who work remotely to return to in-person work four days per week later this year. Assemblyman Hoover joined Assemblymember Alex Lee in authoring the bipartisan legislation which changes state law to let each agency decide how it wants to approach telework options. Current law also refers to the remote work program as "telecommuting," but the legislation calls for changing the term to "telework." The governor's mandate has received intense backlash from union representatives who say telework saves the state money and is better for the climate by reducing traffic. A report from the State Auditor bolstered the argument of union leaders and telework advocates. The auditor's report concluded California would save as much as $225 million per year if it maintains a hybrid work schedule of two days in office with the other days remote, a schedule many state workers have adopted and embraced since the pandemic. Hoover told The Folsom Telegraph that in many situations, telework is practical and beneficial. "According to the State Auditor's report on telework, embracing remote work in certain circumstances is good for taxpayers, commuters and workers," said Hoover. "It has the potential to save the state hundreds of millions of dollars on office space, reduce traffic congestion on Sacramento roads and help California remain competitive with the private sector." The bill would require the Department of General Services to establish a telework dashboard that displays the cost-effectiveness and efficiency benefits of state telework programs, including documenting annual savings to the state of reduced office space and operating costs. The legislation would also require each state agency to evaluate its telework program every 10 years to ensure the program still aligns with its operational needs and missions. Hoover and Lee's legislation is expected to be put to a committee vote this month.