The Economy

Now more than ever, working families need a State Assembly that will help them get ahead. I am proud to be an advocate of working people and I look forward to joining with labor on issues important to workers and all Californians.  Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary for us to generate the revenues to fund the services all Californians expect.

Our tax code should be brought up to present day, so that we keep business and lucrative jobs in California. I will also work to update our laws to reflect modern science and to maintain innovation in our economy. I will work hard to preserve California as a place for companies that lead the nation in green technology, biotechnology, aerospace, agriculture, finance, and film production.

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Transportation

As California continues to grow, it is more vital than ever that our transportation infrastructure be modernized to meet our needs now and in the future. I will work to make public transit more accessible, reliable and safer, which can be made simpler by using the tools of comparative government on this regional issue.

The Environment

Moreover, our precious resources need to be protected, conserved and utilized in a sustainable manner. Water must be on the top of our list of priorities and so must the entire environment. Today, we are faced with the results of out-dated waste management that is contributing to the creation of state-sized garbage heaps off our coast. Again, a new wave of thinking must be brought forth if we are to truly clean up our act and our environment.

Education

I support fully funding education, and returning California to a model in public schools. Given the recent financial meltdown, we should institute a personal financial learning curriculum, so that our children are better prepared. I will demand accountability to ensure money enters classrooms to engage our youth, so that all students, including second language learners, can earn a high-school diploma. Likewise, health care for our children is also so fundamentally important for their future. California has an incredible opportunity in making sure every person has access to high quality, affordable health care.

Public Safety

No small part of a healthy society is the prevention of violent crime and keeping our communities safe. We must readily invest in our young people, use tools of rehabilitation and make sure our services are sensitive to diverse needs. We must make wise use of empirical data in our policy discussions and the relative value of all crime prevention ideas.

Equality

I will work to ensure equal access to state government and to equip all Californians with equal rights regardless of gender, class, ability and ethnicity. The public and private sectors must reflect the diversity of California. As a Democrat, I am committed to civil rights for all, strong enforcement of equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws. We will return California to a place of vision where equal opportunity adheres to the tenets of our constitution and a democratic way of life.