A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is again pushing Gov. Gavin Newsom to postpone the state’s July 1 return-to-office mandate pending a report from the state auditor. That report is scheduled to be released later this summer.
The group, led by Assemblymembers Josh Hoover, R-D7, and Robert Garcia, D-50, is asking the governor to indefinitely delay the implementation of Executive Order N-22-25 until its implications are published and fully reviewed by the Legislature.
“Given the significant implications of the return-to-work order, we believe it is critical to fully understand the impacts of telework on our state budget and workforce prior to making a decision to reduce its use,” the letter reads.
Concerns voiced by lawmakers include the readiness of state office infrastructure, the potential to exacerbate the state’s already significant budget shortfall, parking availability and regional traffic congestion driven by the influx of daily commuters.
The return-to-office mandate has been a contentious issue among state worker unions, inciting protests and complaints of unfair labor practices. The governor has yet to respond publicly to the letter.
Deep Dive Resources:
Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25
Lawmakers Push Governor to Delay the Return to State Offices
What to Know- Under Executive Order N-22-25, many state workers are expected to return to physical offices as of July 1.
- A letter from a bipartisan group of lawmakers seeks to postpone the return until an impending audit is received and can be studied.
