Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 78; Democratic Party

My highest priorities in office are to tackle the annual recurring budget crisis in Sacramento, as well as address the critical issues that affect education, working families and the environment.

Recently, our Governor announced a growing $20 billion deficit and proposed a 10% across the board cut in spending as part of the solution. This proposal included a $4.5 billion cut to education. In per pupil spending, already California is ranked 48th among the fifty states. If we are to provide the technical workforce needed for the21st century and remain competitive in a global market economy, such an approach to budgeting is untenable. Common sense strategies must be found to address this long-standing problem. Certainly, there are tax loopholes that can be closed and non-essentials that can be cut; however, the challenges of such a huge deficit at this time require revenues that are yet to be identified.

EducationFirst California schools and universities were once the envy of the nation. I will fight against cuts to education and I will work to restore education funding to its previous level, hire qualified teachers, and make tuition affordable so our students can build a brighter future

Health Care For All Communicable diseases and health problems do not ask its victims if they have insurance. Children are the responsibility of adults, whether parents can afford insurance or not. In health matters, we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. "Health care for all" is a financial burden and responsibility we must all share.

Families, Seniors and Veterans I will work to make our neighborhoods safe and free of crime and pollution. I will fight to raise the minimum wage, protect overtime pay, make prescription drugs affordable, expand healthcare to all, and assist our veterans with needed services.

Environmental Protection I will work to make our neighborhoods safe and free of crime and pollution. I will fight to raise minimum wage, protect overtime pay, make prescription drugs affordable, expand healthcare to all, and assist our veterans and handicapped with needed services.