Member items are a way for legislators to direct funds to address specific needs in their community.

Traditionally, I designate state funds to organizations or projects that benefit and serve all people in my Assembly District. Regrettably, the current structure of the member item system lumps all projects into one line item on the state budget, causing a lack of accountability and the appearance of impropriety. This practice was started by the Assembly Democrat majority to prevent the governor from using line-item veto power against unsupportive legislators.

Our goal should be to replace the current system with one that gives full disclosure of state funds by itemizing each member item. We can accomplish this by listing the sponsor and organization receiving money, along with the purpose and dollar amount of the grant.

In addition, an annual review of all member items by the agencies that disperse them and tougher sanctions and penalties for the misallocation of funds (and a means to recoup illegally disbursed funds) should be implemented. This plan would hold legislators and the governor accountable for the projects they support.

Another necessary reform would prevent such funds from being sent to any organization where the legislator, a senior staffer (those earning over $75K), or an immediate family member of a legislator or senior staffer, receives any compensation from the organization.

In addition, we need to explore how member item funds are portioned to legislators.

Currently the majority caucuses receive larger amounts of state dollars from their house allocation, leaving communities which elect minority members of the legislature at an unfair disadvantage.

By instituting a more equitable disbursement system, taxpayers will receive a fair and balanced return of funds to help their communities.

By overhauling the way these funds are listed and distributed, we can create a system more with more transparency that's conducive to good government.