Positions on Education, Seniors' Services and Veterans

By Robert John Banuelos

I believe that all members of our District, and throughout the country, deserve a voice in Washington. A congressional representative's first priority is to ensure that the concerns of the district's constituents are heard, understood and brought to Washington.

I believe in educating our young people well and providing them with marketable skills without drowning them in debt.

I believe in not only continuing to support seniors with critical services but also reaching out to help them better understand the benefits they have earned while providing guidance to navigate the bureaucracies they face. I am a strong advocate for veterans and have a vision for restoring lost benefits to veterans and their families and better educating them about the benefits they have earned;

I have personally ensured that hundreds of Orange County veterans receive the critical educational and medical benefits we owe them in return for the service they've provided our nation.

Education: Quality, Affordability, Access to Classes and Marketable Skills

Education is one of the keys to success in America, but wages are stagnant while tuition costs rise at a rate exceeding inflation. 71% of students graduate from college with students loans with an average balance over $26,000. (http://www.projectonstudentdebt.org/ ) On average it takes students an average of six years to get a four year degree, increasing the opportunity cost of lost or lower wages during those years. The solution is not to increase loan availability but to decrease the cost of a college education and other career training alternatives. Some states are experimenting with ways to decrease the cost of a 4-year degree and even guaranteeing certain 4-year college degrees within 4 years at a fixed cost of $10,000. While that price tag may not be achievable everywhere, the Federal government could encourage plans like this and facilitate the sharing of best practices among the states. I do not endorse cutting salaries of educators in the classroom nor increasing their workload to accomplish this. However, I believe that there are effective ways to decrease administrative costs, expand the role of community colleges, and enhance trade school offerings and apprenticeships to increase the affordability of a wider variety of educational options.

Many students and their parents also complain that there are not enough required classes available so it takes longer to complete their degree. The "guaranteed 4-year degree" proposal would pressure schools to address this problem but additional some basic steps can be taken to reduce this problem. In many state universities, state residents must compete for class space with non-resident foreign students. While non-resident foreign students are a great asset to the school by adding diversity and talent, state residents should receive priority for classes in the schools they and their families have supported with tax dollars for years and years. Expansion of community college offerings and improved integration between community colleges and universities will also improve class availability within California and every state. Another major issue is the mismatch between the education provided and the skills required to fill many of the jobs in the ever-changing marketplace. I propose an initiative to facilitate improved and expanded communication between employers and universities throughout the country.

Universities, colleges and trade schools can develop curriculum, degree, certifications and apprenticeships that better fit the needs of employers. By teaching skills that employers themselves request, our schools can ensure lower unemployment rates among their graduates while helping businesses fill critical positions within their organizations.

I have a university professor and college students on my team. They and others will work with educators, students and teachers' unions in the District and throughout the state to keep me advised of education-related concerns and proposed solutions.

Senior Services: Guidance, Simplified Procedures, Quality Care and the Dignity of Living in Their Own Homes

I have had the honor of working with seniors in the 46th Congressional District as part of my role as a Congressional Aide there. I was also Assistant Director of the Southwest Senior Citizen Center for several years. Today's seniors are more active, healthier and productive than ever before but they have some unique concerns as well. As the population ages, the importance of providing critical services and guidance to seniors grows.

In my experience, seniors are bombarded with changes to programs, new programs and misinformation about the services and benefits they have earned for themselves after working for years to support their families and the community. Due to misleading propaganda and unclear media reports, many seniors express concern that their benefits are being taken away even in cases where that's definitely not the case.

Medical benefits for seniors continue to serve most seniors well if and when they fully understand the programs and services available to them. My current role as Congressional Aide, and my promise as your future Congressional Representative, is to ensure that seniors better understand the benefits and programs for which they are eligible.

I also frequently hear that many seniors wish to stay in their homes but are forced by circumstances to move into assisted living or nursing homes. While many in-home health care services are eligible for Medicare payment, many seniors don't know how to seek out such services and research which are covered and which are not. Seniors deserve to have the option to stay in their homes if their situation allows. In-home care is often lower cost than residential care, so increasing the amount, type and accessibility of in-home care services can save the government money while improving the quality of life of many seniors. I will work to increase the availability and coverage of such in-home services on a Federal level while using my office staff to assist seniors in our District as they seek stay-at-home care options for themselves and their family members.

Additionally, I will push to simplify program materials and enrollment processes for seniors at the Federal level while implementing senior outreach programs in our District to ensure all seniors receive the guidance and support they deserve. I am committed to keeping my finger on the pulse of the senior community in District 48, listening to their concerns, finding solutions to their challenges and making their voices heard loudly in Washington.

Veterans' Services: Restoration of Services, Guidance and Simplification of Education and Medical Benefits

Veterans are the focus of much of my work as a Congressional Aide in the 46th District. I have high esteem for those who risk their lives to defend our freedom and our way of life. I am often embarrassed by how poorly "the system" treats veterans and their families when they are in need of assistance. I have dedicated much of my time and effort to ensure that veterans and their families receive the medical, educational and financial assistance they need. I have learned to navigate the bureaucracy that veterans face when they seek the benefits that they have earned while defending our country, but still many veterans don't know what benefits they have or how to apply for them successfully.

I give you my personal vow that as your Congressional Representative I will work diligently to reinstate lost veterans' benefits, communicate benefits available more clearly to veterans, improve orientation programs for veterans newly leaving service, reduce red tape in the application process, and provide guidance and assistance to veterans as they seek out educational, medical and other benefits due to them. I will further make it a priority to pursue any misconduct in the Veteran's Administration healthcare system and improve the services thereof. My office will employ veterans and have staff dedicated to providing assistance to veterans within the 48th District.

Other Issues

A website can only cover a limited number of topics, but I pledge to listen to the concerns of the District's constituents regarding any and all issues because I wish to ensure your voice is heard. Please email me to let me know the issues most important to you. Together we can find solutions as we support the District and its residents to reach their full potential.

You are welcome to email Robert directly: Robert@BanuelosForCongress.com