League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
San Diego County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Rocky J. Chavez Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 76

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. How will you prioritize the budget choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

My number one priority for the State Budget is education. I know there are other demands for the budget but I feel we need to first look at expenses of government and align our limited resources to priorities. I have experience, having been an Undersecretary of a Department, to know that there are savings to be had when we look at expenses.

2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?

The most important change we can make in state government is how the budget process is determined. As of now, the Legislative bodies are more focused on bills and not focused on setting priorities and working on the budget. I would support a two year budget. As stated above, my priority is to fix education as the current funding cycle always puts school districts at a disadvantage in having to make financial decisions (hiring teachers/buying supplies/upgrade of needed facilities) before a budget is passed. With a two year budget we can have more stability in education.

3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it?

Fees are too high. We need to invest in our citizens so that they can be competitive in a world market. It is an investment in our future and people when we support education.

4. What other major issues do you think the Legislature must address? What are your own priorities?

My other priorities are jobs and Veterans. We need to make sure California welcomes small businesses and ensures we have the infrastructure to grow business (ports, roads, water). Veterans have given their lives for our freedom, they need to be allowed to enjoy the American dream for which they have fought and wanted when they returned to California.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 24, 2012 06:46
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