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School of Public Policy Welcomed California State Controller John Chiang 

The School of Public Policy hosted a lecture by California State Controller John Chiang on Monday, Sept. 24, on the Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu. Chiang discussed his role as the chief fiscal officer of California, the eighth largest economy in the world. 

As the state’s independent fiscal watchdog, Chiang provides fiscal control over more than $100 billion in annual receipts and disbursements of public funds. He uses his audit authority to uncover fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars and provides fiscal guidance to local California governments. As the controller, Chiang helps administer $400 billion in state pension funds. Among many other duties, he serves on 76 state boards and commissions, with responsibilities ranging from protecting our coastline to helping build new hospitals.

Chiang graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in finance, and received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. He began his career as a tax law specialist with the Internal Revenue Service and served as an attorney with the Office of the State Controller. He was elected in November 2006 to serve as California’s chief fiscal officer.

For more information on the School of Public Policy and upcoming events, please visit the School of Public Policy Web site.