California State Controller John Chiang - 2009 Click HERE for a PDF of this document 2009 California Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Dear Friends: I am proud and honored to extend greetings on the occasion of the 2009 California Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Celebrations. Annual pride events are an important way to honor the LGBT community’s proud history and, at the same time, rally for its promising future. These events provide a much-needed opportunity to further raise awareness and understanding of the LGBT community’s many contributions to the State of California and to joyously celebrate the important steps it has made on the road to equality. Over the years, both at the State Board of Equalization and in my current role as State Controller, I have been fortunate to have worked with advocates from the LGBT community as California provided for property tax protections for surviving registered domestic partners and implemented new income tax laws and filing requirements that treat same-sex married couples and domestic partners like all other married couples. I commend the LGBT community, which has tirelessly advocated so passionately for marriage equality and equal rights. Your hard work and collective efforts are an inspiration to us all as we join together in fighting for a brighter future and a time when all Californians will be able to enjoy the constitutional right to marry. California’s strength lies in its diversity, and the LGBT community plays a major role in the Golden State’s success. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors as we continue, together, our struggle to make California’s future fair and just. Very truly yours, s/ John Chiang
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