These funds are to provide assistance to the Governor-elect and the outgoing Governor, during the transition period following the election, in carrying out the duties described under the provisions of Government Code Section 12015 and 12015.5.

The law provides that state agencies furnish to the Governor-elect any information or assistance necessary in the preparation of the annual state budget and for the orderly transfer of the executive power. This gives the Governor-elect approximately two months to formulate policies and to incorporate them in the various programs included in the Budget, which will be transmitted to the Legislature.

The law also provides for the outgoing Governor to appoint persons for up to a two-month period, to assist in concluding matters arising from official duties during the last term of office.

Of the $890,000 budgeted, $770,000 is for the Governor-elect and $120,000 is for the outgoing Governor.