Former state controller Betty Yee will soon formally announce a campaign for governor; she sent this email Wednesday morning:
It has been a tremendous honor to serve the state of California — as a Member of the Board of Equalization and in my two terms as State Controller. And I have taken seriously the responsibilities Californians have entrusted me with — overseeing our state’s finances, stewarding our tax dollars, and ensuring accountability from our government.
We have accomplished so much together over the years. We paid the bills for California without the need for any external borrowing. We recovered billions of dollars in misused public funds. We safeguarded retirement security for 3 million Californians by keeping pension funds stable. We protected our environment and expanded coastal access…and more.
I’ve seen firsthand what we’re capable of when we govern for results with fairness and integrity. Yet I’m also aware that what we have done in the past has not always worked.
California is the fourth largest global economy, yet home to the highest effective rate of poverty in the country. Our state is a hub for innovation, a beacon of diversity, and home to first-class higher education. However, stagnant earnings, the lack of affordable housing, and underinvestments in overly burdened communities force lifelong Californians out of our state and leave more behind among those who continue to call California home.
We are at a crossroad, and I have the expertise and first-hand experience of the pitfalls that plague our communities from reaching their potential and dreams to lead, engage, and deliver results.
I look forward to reintroducing myself and sharing more about my platform in the weeks ahead. For now, I hope you will chip in a contribution to become an early supporter as we lay the groundwork for the upcoming official launch.
Yee’s candidacy puts her up against Lt. Goveror Eleni Kounalakis, who has formally declared and Sate AG Rob Bonta and State Education Chief Tony Thurmond have expressed interest.