2004 Finalist: Rent Reduction Program

This proactive strategy to reduce the cost of leased state facilities includes such actions as terminating leases, reducing the amount of space under lease, consolidating leased space, backfilling excess space before adding new space, and negotiating rapid rent reductions with current lessors.

2004 Finalist: Abusive Tax Shelter Program

This state Franchise Tax Board initiative aggressively attacks abusive tax shelters through a multidisciplinary approach. This includes spearheading legislation that increased penalties for investors in and promoters of abusive tax shelters, redirecting staff auditors to focus on abusive tax shelters, and a Voluntary Compliance Initiative similar to one the IRS uses.

2003 Finalist: Mental Health Services Continuum Program

This program provides the state’s Department of Corrections with a customized, real-time, automated database to help identify and treat mentally ill parolees. The purpose of the program is to enhance the quality and timeliness of mental health services provided to mentally ill parolees after release, with the overarching goal of reducing recidivism and improving public safety.

2003 Finalist: Integrated Nonfiler Compliance System

This system is designed to obtain tax returns from individuals and businesses that have not filed returns. The program’s goals are to improve compliance with tax laws, increase revenue, improve customer service, and organize the income and income activity data for all of the California Franchise Tax Board’s programs.

Have an innovative program in your state? Apply for an Innovations award!