Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 18; Democratic Party

As your elected representative, I have authored legislation to protect seniors, promote children's health, and support public education. Among the 2007 Legislative Scorecards released by leading advocacy organizations, I received a 100% voting record from the Sierra Club and California League of Conservation Voters, a perfect pro-choice record by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, a perfect score from the American Cancer Society, and recognition from the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) for an outstanding legislative voting record that protects consumers.

Health care reform remains one of my greatest priorities. I worked to address the devastating effects of dental disease on our children and provided vision care for our retirees and their families. I was honored to receive an award for this work by the California Dental Association, as well as to be named Legislator of the Year by the Neuropathy Action Foundation. As a Commissioner on the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, I have continued my efforts to increase access to mental health care.

As Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Community Colleges, I am working to create more job opportunities in the rapidly-growing green technology industry. As demand grows for more environmentally-conscious technology, I am committed to investing in our education system so that they may continue to provide the education and training necessary for our workforce to be competitive.

I have been honored to serve you in the State Assembly, and I hope my work has earned your vote for re-election. Thank you.