The son of immigrants from Taiwan, John learned early on from his mother, the importance of dedication, consensus building, and, above all, serving the community. After graduating with a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, John arrived in Los Angeles in 1987, and for more than a decade, worked on various governmental positions, acquiring a breadth of experience unmatched by other candidates for the state controller’s position. John was first elected in 1997 and was later re-elected to the 4th Equalization District of the California State Board of Equalization, becoming the highest-ranking Asian Pacific American elected state official in California.
Despite his busy professional schedule, John has not forgotten his commitment to community service and has served/is serving on the boards of such non-profits as The Children’s Law Center, The Ethnic Coalition (an organization dedicated to building harmonious race relations), the Los Angeles Hospice AIDS Association and Big Sisters of Los Angeles.
Since first elected to the Board of Equalization in 1998, John Chiang has provided innovative leadership with his ground-breaking ideas and taxpayer-friendly services to build a brighter financial future for thousands of Californians.
As one of California’s twelve constitutional officers, John is the highest-ranking Asian-American officeholder in the state. He was elected to his second four-year term in 2002. In December 2004, his colleagues unanimously voted John chair of the BOE. He represents the BOE on the Franchise Tax Board and as chair of the Streamlined Sales Tax Project’s Board of Governors.
John represents the BOE’s 4th District, which contains 73 cities in Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles. The population of his district exceeds 8.5 million.
Strong in his belief that informed taxpayers make better decisions for the financial health of their families, businesses, and communities, John creates and expands innovative tax seminars to guide small businesses, non-profit organizations and religious institutions in understanding the state and federal tax codes. These programs provide access to information and services for those without the time, expertise, or resources to study the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to their circumstances.
Providing a boost to small businesses, John and the BOE sponsor events where experts from various government agencies explain in clear and concise language compliance issues, the latest tax laws, policies, rules, and regulations. These seminars provide entrepreneurs with the tools to grow their businesses and prosper.
Individuals benefit from the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Homeowner and Renter Assistance tax preparation services John’s office provides. Trained members of his staff assist senior citizens, low-income families, and the disabled file their income taxes and apply for homeowner or renter assistance. John also sponsors financial literacy programs to provide the tools for Californians to make a better life for their families.
John has sponsored more proposals signed into law than any member in the Board’s 127-year history. These measures produced tax relief for innocent spouses and those medically unable to manage their own affairs, allowed non-profit tax-exempt organizations that operate as a limited liability company to be eligible for the welfare property tax exemption; and increased the accessibility of electronic tax filing.
Tackling the problem of the underground economy, which cheats Californians out of millions of dollars in revenue every year, John held the first enforcement seminar for business and labor, and commissioned the BOE’s prosecution handbook and CD with guidelines for prosecuting attorneys.
John has compiled an extraordinary record of public service going back decades. In recognition of his efforts, John has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the 2006 Award for Excellence by a Government Official from the Los Angeles County Bar Association; two Congressional Record tributes; the Leadership Vanguard Award from the Millennium Momentum Foundation; the Minorities in Business Magazine Multi-Cultural Prism Award; the City of West Hollywood Leadership and Service Award; and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Award.
John graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Finance, and received his law degree from 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.
Run for State Controller
We are very proud that John Chiang is one of our own, a Chinese American who is close to his ethnic roots and represents the Chinese American community's interests and concerns. In 2006, John Chiang is running for the position of State Controller as an outstanding Chinese American in the state of California.
What the State Controller Does. The state controller wields tremendous power, being the chief fiscal officer of the state who accounts for and disburses the state’s money. In addition to sitting on more than 60 boards, the controller chairs the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS), the Franchise Tax Board, and the State Lands Commission.
For More Information about John Chiang. Please check his personal Web site at: http://www.chiangforcalifornia.com/.
