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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Economy,
Budget,
Energy,
Health care,
Campaign financing
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?
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Answer from Jared Huffman:
If elected, my most urgent priority will be getting people back into the workforce. I would work on immediate and short-term strategies to spur economic recovery, coupled with a long-range vision to create and retain quality middle class jobs by fostering innovation, clean energy, domestic manufacturing and sustainable resource management.
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2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?
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Answer from Jared Huffman:
I believe our national debt crisis must be confronted immediately, but that we must do so in a sensible and balanced way that doesn't harm seniors or put our fragile economic recovery at risk. Solutions include targeted cuts in spending, including substantial reductions in military spending; increasing revenues by allowing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans to expire and eliminating special tax breaks and loopholes such as those for oil companies; and key investments in education, clean technology and infrastructure to grow the economy.
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3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?
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Answer from Jared Huffman:
In the Assembly, I have supported increasing California's RPS in addition to other bold policies to increase energy efficiency and expand renewables. Among other things, I authored the Renewable Generation and Efficiency Incentives Act (AB 920), which is expanding green energy incentives by requiring utility companies to pay homeowners and small businesses for any surplus power they produce from renewable energy sources; and the Solar Hot Water and Efficiency Act (AB 1470), which created the nation's largest solar hot water program.
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4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?
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Answer from Jared Huffman:
We must defend the Affordable Care Act. It's already making a difference for millions of Americans and lives are being saved through coverage that otherwise would have been unavailable. Longer term, America needs single payer. I've co-authored single payer legislation each year in the Assembly and will continue to support it in Congress.
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5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?
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Answer from Jared Huffman:
I support overturning Citizen's United. Additionally, I believe we need increased transparency of campaign contributions. I have co-authored a recent bill, which is currently making its way through the state legislature, the California DISCLOSE Act, AB 1648. This bill will fight back against unlimited hidden spending on campaigns by letting voters know who really is paying for political ads -- on the ads themselves.
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.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
