Governor bans non-essential travel for state workers

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown is banning discretionary travel for California state employees, the latest in a series of cash-saving moves.

The governor issued an executive order today halting non-essential travel. He previously imposed a hiring freeze and cut back state-issued cell phones and vehicles.

The moves are part of his proposal to save $413 million in state operations.

Under Brown's latest order, all in-state travel deemed essential to the state's mission must be approved by agency secretaries or department directors.

All out-of-state travel must be approved by the governor's office. Departments have until May 6 to request out-of-state travel for the next fiscal year.

The governor says he will allow travel related to enforcement duties, audits and collecting revenue. Conferences and professional development courses will not be permitted.