League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Julio Perez Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 69

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?

We are not going to balance the state budget tomorrow - it is going to take hard work. There are steps we can take to bridge the gap between what we're spending and what we're taking in. We can broaden our tax base to protect it from our boom and bust economy, close loopholes to force corporations to pay their fair share. What I won't do is punish working families for the state's budget shortfalls.

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

It's time to reform the state initiative process, which too often is hijacked by deep pockets with myopic interests.

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?

Student fee increases are a huge concern of mine. We are in danger of placing higher education out of reach for a growing number of Californians. I want to fully fund our state's colleges and universities, and freeze or even roll back the fee increases of recent years.

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

Apart from the budget crisis, the biggest challenge facing California is the state's high unemployment rate. As the economy recovers, we need to be ready. If elected, my top priority will be to create and protect good-paying jobs today, while preparing our children to compete for the jobs of tomorrow. I have fought my entire career for working families, and on behalf of the people of this district, I will continue that fight in Sacramento.

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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: April 25, 2012 16:36
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