Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 57

Health Care
I am a health care provider and everyday I see working families who suffer because they lack affordable health care. Those who do not have access to health care only go to the doctor when their health deteriorates to the point when they are forced to seek serious medical attention. I especially see the devastating effects on my patients who seek help too late.

We need to ensure access to quality, affordable health care for children and all working families by providing universal health care. I am dedicated to addressing this issue while serving in the legislature.

In 2004, I led the winning San Gabriel Valley campaigns for the Mental Health Initiative and both the Children's Hospitals and Stem Cell Research Bonds to fight Diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Cancer. I also led the campaign in the San Gabriel Valley in support of Proposition 72 - so large corporations provide health insurance for their employees.

Education
I am a firm believer that education is the great equalizer in our society and a quality education should be available to all children regardless of what social, economic, or ethnic background the child comes from. We especially need to improve our urban schools... from infrastructure, teachers to textbooks. I will advocate for quality schools, and that's why I am already challenging President Bush's education policies in Federal court.

Our community colleges must stay affordable and within the reach of all Californians. The difference in income between someone who completes an A.A degree at community college and someone with a high school diploma is hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of their career.

Too many politicians say they want to fix education but do nothing about it. It is not as simple as throwing money at the problem. I will visit the schools in my districts, talk to teachers, students, and administrators all to figure out what they really need to succeed.