A number of San Diego government jobs could be affected by a new no-travel rule throughout the state.

As part of an effort to save taxpayer money, Gov. Jerry Brown recently issued an order for all state employees to stop any unnecessary travel. This comes on the heels of another order requiring all state agencies to recover millions of dollars in uncollected salary and travel advances.

The new order states that no employees can travel in or out of state for work unless the travel is mission-critical or free-of-cost to the state. Any in-state travel must be approved by an agency secretary or department director and any out-of-state travel must be approved by the governor's office.

Employees will be able to travel for anything directly relating to enforcement responsibilities, audits, or revenue collection. However, travel to conferences, networking events, professional development or continuing education courses, or meetings that can be conducted virtually will not be allowed.

"Our fiscal challenges demand that we take a much closer look at how taxpayer dollars are being spent within state government," Brown said. "Now is not the time to attend conferences, travel to meetings or take out-of-state field trips and this Executive Order puts an end to it."

In addition, agencies submitting an out-of-state travel request to the governor's office must explain:

• The purpose of the trip.
• Why the trip is mission-critical.
• The destination and length of the trip.
• The projected cost and funding source.
• The number of travelers and their roles.
• The benefit to the state.
• The potential impact if the trip is denied.
• Whether the goal of the trip can be met in a less-costly way.
• Whether an employee's absence for travel will interfere with their duties.

Labels: San Diego government jobs