SACRAMENTO, CA (AP) - State officials say Gov. Jerry Brown's travel ban has saved California taxpayers at least $85 million since he took office.
The governor's office on Thursday released travel figures showing the state spent $144 million during Brown's first fiscal year in office, compared to $229 million during former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's final year in office. That's a 37 percent reduction.
Brown, a Democrat, issued an executive order in April 2011 banning discretionary travel for state employees as part of a series of money-saving moves. He also cut state-issued cell phones, vehicles and trinkets.
The largest savings came in the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which cut $63 million.
Spokesman Jim Evans said the agency, which oversees the California Highway Patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles, is focused on "mission critical" travel.
The Associated Press