State Controller Malia M. Cohen Commends Financial Literacy Access and Executive Order Expanding Women’s Access to Capital

SACRAMENTO — California State Controller Malia M. Cohen today issued the following statement in support of implementing Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty, 2024) which requires a personal finance course in high schools and Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to boost wealth building opportunities for women:

“The financial future for California students is brighter than ever today. As California’s chief fiscal officer, I have supported AB 2927 from day one, because investing in our students today is a guarantee of future prosperity from tomorrow’s business leaders and innovators.

“Financial education is more than a skill; it is foundational to continuing our status as the fourth largest economy in the world. To remain an economic powerhouse, we must break down barriers and ensure all students have access to actionable guidance in banking, budgeting, credit, and investing. Equipping students with these lifelong tools will empower them to confidently manage their own financial success.

“At the same time, we must prioritize wealth-building resources for women, as this is critical to closing generational gaps in financial security and independence. I want to thank Governor Newsom for issuing his executive order to expand opportunities for women and families during this Women’s History Month. When we uplift women, we are elevating entire communities.

“Strengthening financial literacy in our schools and expanding dedicated support for women creates an inclusive and resilient economy where we all thrive.”

As the chief fiscal officer of the fourth-largest economy in the world, California State Controller Malia M. Cohen independently oversees and manages the state’s financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. She has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the California State Controller’s Office on X, Facebook, and YouTube at @CAController and on Instagram at @CaliforniaController.

###