Tuesday, May 27, 2025

OPENNESS IN GOVERNMENT ?

By Bob Walsh

 


Did you know that it is not rare for people dealing with the legislature of the formerly great state of California to be required to sign non-disclosure agreements?  This practice came to light with the MASSIVE cost involved in doing some remodel and rehab work in the state capitol.  Much of this work is being arranged for and directed by staff (rather than elected members of the legislature) and NDAs are REQUIRED for the contractors doing the work.  They can talk about NOTHING.  

One of the more interesting things I thought is that some fancy stone is being sent to Italy to be cut and then returned from Italy rather than have the work done in CA.  There are people in CA who are capable of doing the work.  The speculation is that it may actually be both faster and cheaper to have it done out of the country due to work loads and worker safety laws.  Nobody knows for sure.

There is currently a legislative proposal going thru the hopper that would make this practice illegal.  It is not clear what the fate of this legislation is likely to be. 

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