POSITIONS ON ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES

By Timothy J. Hannan

REGULATING VOCATIONAL LICENSES

RESOLVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

California's economy includes over a million people who are licensed to do business in 34 trades or professions, including accountants, architects, appraisers, dentists, chiropractors, nurses, real estate brokers, engineers, contractors, and auto mechanics. As some retire from business, others open new businesses. The Attorney General supervises the numerous state agencies which license and otherwise regulate the 34 trades and professions. As Attorney General, I will see to it that the State Government's licensing agencies:

1) Respond to license applications promptly and fairly. 2) Take prompt but fact-based disciplinary action against licensees who abuse or damage their patients, clients, or customers. State employees who staff California's licensing agencies need to understand that their job is to protect the integrity of the trades and professions, not obstruct them.

RESOLVING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Let's not be angry at illegal immigrants. Most come to this country seeking better lives for themselves and their families, just like our ancestors did. But California's health care, educational and criminal justice systems are seriously overburdened by the large numbers of poor, uneducated, and unhealthy people who have come here illegally. Essentially, illegal immigration is a federal problem. The federal government should be protecting the borders and paying for the governmental costs of illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, the federal government, under both Democratic and Republican administrations, has failed in its responsibility to protect the borders against illegal immigration. But the State Government can contribute to resolving the problem. As Attorney General, I will implement a policy to hold employers who hire undocumented workers strictly accountable for their illegal hires. If illegal immigrants have too much trouble finding work, they will probably go elsewhere or they will apply for legal immigration.