HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL FINE

On 2026-02-11, Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-39) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL FINE" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered education.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL FINE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E129-E130] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF MICHAEL FINE ______ HON. MARK TAKANO of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual whose steady leadership, unwavering integrity, and unmatched expertise have strengthened the fiscal health of California's public education system. For more than four decades, Michael Fine has served as a guardian of public trust, ensuring that schools, county offices of education, and community colleges are positioned to make sound, transparent, and equitable financial decisions for the benefit of every student. Mr. Fine's career spans a broad and distinguished range of roles, beginning in private-sector finance before moving into public education, where he served as a chief business official, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent in districts of varying size and complexity, including the Riverside Unified [[Page E130]] School District. These roles shaped his understanding of how governance, community expectations, and financial stewardship intersect, and they helped build the pragmatic, student-centered approach that has defined his leadership. In 2015, Mr. Fine joined the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team as its chief administrative officer. Two years later, he became FCMAT's chief executive officer, leading the organization through a period of extraordinary growth, innovation, and modernization. Under his direction, FCMAT strengthened its statewide role as California's foremost fiscal oversight and assistance agency, supporting TK-14 institutions with tools, training, and expert guidance that have become indispensable across the state. During his tenure, Mr. Fine oversaw the expansion and refinement of FCMAT's fiscal tools, including updates to the multiyear financial projection software, enhancements to the fiscal health risk analyses, and improvements to charter school oversight guidance. He championed increased clarity, accessibility, and transparency in all FCMAT products, ensuring that leaders--from superintendents to school board members to chief business officials--could rely on timely, accurate information to guide their decisions. Mr. Fine also strengthened FCMAT's essential role in California's system of fiscal oversight under Assembly Bill 1200. His clear, data- driven communication with state agencies, county offices, and local educational leaders has been crucial in responding to structural deficits, declining enrollment, and rising pension, benefit, and operating costs. He is widely recognized for his candor, clarity, and willingness to address complex issues head-on, always with the goal of supporting stability and avoiding harm to students. A defining aspect of Mr. Fine's legacy is his deep commitment to developing the next generation of fiscal and operational leaders. Under his leadership, the CBO Mentor Program expanded, diversified, and strengthened pathways for emerging leaders in both K-12 and community college systems. His belief that strong fiscal systems depend on strong people has shaped FCMAT's culture and helped elevate the value of professional learning statewide. Within FCMAT, Mr. Fine fostered a culture rooted in collaboration, excellence, and public service. He cultivated a team of analysts, data specialists, and operational experts whose work is respected across the state. Colleagues consistently describe him as principled, steady, and deeply dedicated to the mission of supporting sound governance and fiscal solvency throughout California's education system. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Fine is a devoted husband, father, and community member. His service on local boards, commissions, and philanthropic organizations reflects the same commitment to public well-being that has guided his professional life. His belief in the power of strong, well-managed public institutions has been a constant throughout his career. As Mr. Fine prepares to retire in 2026, his impact on California's schools and colleges will endure far beyond his tenure. The systems he strengthened, the leaders he mentored, and the culture of integrity he championed at FCMAT will continue to support stable, transparent, student-centered decision-making across the state for years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Michael Fine for his extraordinary service, his steady leadership, and his enduring contributions to California's students, families, and communities. His work has safeguarded the fiscal health of our education system and strengthened the foundation upon which our public schools depend. ____________________