As California grapples with significant government inefficiencies, the legacy of former state auditor Elaine Howle has come under renewed scrutiny. Howle, who retired at the end of 2021, was known for her relentless pursuit of accountability within state agencies, particularly targeting waste and mismanagement in programs like the Employment Development Department (EDD) and the controversial High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA).
During her tenure, Howle’s reports highlighted critical failures in the EDD’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her findings revealed that the department was ill-prepared to assist Californians who found themselves unemployed due to the pandemic shutdowns. This failure occurred under the leadership of Julie Su, who was subsequently nominated by President Biden to serve as labor secretary, though her appointment has faced challenges in the Senate.
Howle also focused on the HSRA, which has been criticized for its exorbitant costs and delays. Her audit exposed serious flaws in decision-making and contract management, contributing to billions in cost overruns. Despite the agency’s efforts to obscure its records, Howle managed to uncover conflicts of interest involving contractors, further emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in state projects.
In addition to her work on the EDD and HSRA, Howle’s investigations into the University of California system revealed a hidden slush fund exceeding $175 million, which raised questions about tuition increases amidst significant reserves. Her audits indicated that the Office of the President had intentionally interfered with investigations, prompting concerns about governance within the university system.
Despite her impactful findings, Howle’s retirement has not led to substantial reforms in California’s bureaucratic landscape. The state’s bullet train project continues to face criticism for its inefficiency, while other agencies, such as the California Coastal Commission and the California Air Resources Board, remain in place, raising concerns about their effectiveness and accountability.
As Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration moves forward, there appears to be little appetite for reforming or eliminating inefficient state agencies. This lack of action may perpetuate the cycle of waste and mismanagement that Howle worked tirelessly to expose. The ongoing challenges within California’s government underscore the need for a renewed focus on accountability and efficiency in public service.