What Is Privatization, and How Can It Best Be Used To Improve California State Government?
Privatization–defined as the involvement of the private sector in providing goods and services that otherwise might directly be provided by governments–is one of the most talked-about subjects in government today. There are many different types and forms of privatization, and recent years have seen a steady increase in the scope and nature of privatization activities at all levels of government, both in the United States and elsewhere. A variety of factors are responsible for this trend, including the budgetary problems that governments continue to face and their related interest in providing services in an efficient manner. The 1996-97 Governor’s Budget does not contain a major privatization proposal. However, in his January State of the State address, the Governor announced that he will be presenting proposals by mid-April to improve governmental efficiency. Although few specifics regarding the proposals are available at this time, they are expected to include recommendations on a
