The state's chief of finance, John Chiang, today is expected to address California's mushrooming budget problems at the Investor Forum of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership.

The luncheon at which Chiang will make his address begins at 11:30 a.m. at Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.

CVEP director of operations Wes Ahlgren said Chiang will speak on the topic, "Cash Crisis, Economy and Budgets."

For public sector professionals, as well as members of the Coachella Valley business community, Ahlgren said the presentation will offer a rare opportunity for a "behind-the-curtain look" at the state's complex budgetary process.

Chiang is also expected to talk about how officials in the state Capitol are preparing to deal with spiraling deficits. A question-and-answer session will follow Chiang's talk.

As the chief fiscal officer for California, Chiang exercises financial control over more than $100 billion in annual receipts and disbursements of public funds. His audit authority is also used to expose fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars, and to provide fiscal guidance to local governments. One topic likely to come up is the state taking municipal funds to shore up the deficit.

Chiang also helps to adminster two of the largest public pension funds in the country.

CVEP, established in 1994, operates as a nonprofit, regional economic development organization dedicated to expanding the economy of the Coachella Valley desert region.

The not-for-profit organization, along with the Desert Lyceum, has just unveiled the Coachella Valley Blueprint, a strategic plan aimed at diversifying the region's economy.

Cost to attend the presentation: $40 to members and $50 to the community.