Jan Robertson of SiVal Advisors steps it up by interviewing former California state controller Betty Yee. Going head on into the financial and economic issues shaping our state, Yee reflects on past initiatives and how she and her colleagues shaped the financial landscape of present-day California. Before being a gubernatorial candidate, Betty started from humble beginnings. Robertson learns about Betty's rise and her exciting unique trajectory how she impacted the intersection of politics and finance. 00:00 Early financial responsibility shapes views on integrity. 05:56 Leading HIV/AIDS public health advocate and influencer. 09:27 Improving efficiency, affordability, and sustainability in housing. 11:27 Climate crisis impacts, inclusive governance, resource distribution. 16:27 Stock options, budget challenges, reserves, Governor Newsom. 19:53 Mentored by old school legislators, advocating efficiency. 21:25 Preparing for technological advancement to benefit Californians. 26:22 AI shifts tasks, frees up time. Accelerates services. 30:28 Californians struggle with high housing costs. 33:23 AB 5 and worker support during crisis. 35:09 Concern for workers and unemployment insurance program. 40:46 Support for California's public university system essential. 42:54 Focusing resources on intentional recruitment and partnerships. 45:30 Digital equipment barriers addressed through public-private partnerships. 48:33 MBI feels like family, navigating many challenges About Betty Yee: Betty Yee is one of California’s top experts on the state budget and government accountability. As State Budget Director and State Controller, Betty showed what competent, accountable government can do. She took on big corporations, fought discrimination in our tax code, and discovered more than $7 billion in improper spending. She’s running for Governor because she knows we have the power to make California add up for all of us again. Standing Up for Her Family: A Leader from the Start Betty was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents. Her family lived in a one-room apartment behind the family’s dry-cleaning business. Betty’s parents didn’t speak English, so at age eight, she began managing the books at the family dry cleaners–dealing with suppliers and banks to get things done. Raising Wages and Fighting for Economic Opportunity as the Governor’s Budget Director As Governor Gray Davis’s Budget Director, Betty led development of the state budget and shepherded it through the legislature. She fought for economic opportunity for all, established a minimum wage for home care workers, and made groundbreaking environmental progress–working to protect the Delta and requiring automakers to limit carbon emissions. ● Uncovering $7.3 billion in mismanaged spending and redirecting it toward real progress. ● Ensuring California did no external borrowing to pay the state’s bills. ● Taking on life insurance companies, forcing them to pay death benefits to surviving families. ● Preserving the retirement security of 3 million Californians, including 1 million teachers. ● Spearheading the state Foster Youth Tax Credit to provide vital assistance to foster youth. ● Conducting a robust outreach and education program for small businesses, connecting them to federal, state, and local resources. ● Protecting thousands of jobs during COVID, by working to keep the state’s ports solvent. ● Shuttering the last state oil platform in the Santa Barbara Channel. ● Standing up to the Trump Administration to defend our coastline. ● Leading the work of the nation's largest public pension funds towards their net-zero pledges for their investment portfolios.
