Dear Fiona,

I am a third grade student and my class is studying California government. I learned that you are California’s 34th State Treasurer. I would like to know what you like most about your job.

Bridgette

Dear Bridgette,

Dear Reader,

Last month the State Treasurer’s Office (STO) allocated $1.8 billion in bonding authority and $88.2 million in federal tax credits to spur production of 6,442 units of affordable housing. This brings the number of units we have financed during the course of 2019 to 17,360.

But this month’s workforce housing news does not stop there. The Governor and Legislature, by approving the Assembly Budget Committee’s game-changing AB 101 legislation, allocated another $500 million to build still more affordable housing.

A monthly update on key legislation for Treasurer Ma

Treasurer Fiona Ma and her legislative team this year actively engaged on over 70 bills. She sponsored 21, supported another 27, and provided technical assistance on 25.

While upgrading California’s credit rating last month, Moody’s Investors Service also issued a shot across the bow of the state’s high cost of living, warning that it could gradually become “a greater drag on economic expansion if it limits the state’s population growth.”

High costs are predominantly a barrier to lower income residents, but if costs continue to rise they will start to erode the purchasing power of the state’s higher income residents, Moody’s points out.

Treasurer Ma is prepared to help meet the rebuilding needs of communities devastated by wildfires, including the Kincade and Tick fires. The Treasurer can direct more investment dollars into local community banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to benefit areas around the state impacted by the fires. Depositing state funds in community banks can specifically aid in recovery lending.

Dear Fiona,

I recently saw a post on your Facebook page about a free seminar for veterans your office hosted. I am a veteran looking to build a business. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend your seminar. Could you please share what resources are available to help start and grow my business?

Adam

Dear Adam,

Meet the people in the State Treasurer’s Office whose public service inspires us and is making a difference.

Dear friends,

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma is reminding health facilities that the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) Lifeline Grant Program still has millions of dollars in grant money to disburse and the program is coming to an end soon. Lifeline grants are administered by CHFFA, which is chaired by Treasurer Ma.