League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
San Francisco County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Barry Hermanson Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 12

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. In this time of high unemployment and budget deficits, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy and sustain job creation?

Put people back to work by investing in infrastructure and green jobs. The spending by American consumers is the backbone of our economy. When people have money to spend, our economy will improve.

The national debate about increasing the minimum wage should instead be about what is a living wage. The minimum wage is not a living wage. Anyone willing to work should be able to support themselves without having to rely on public subsidy or charity.

2. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

The "Affordable" Care Act is a step forward for healthcare in America. However, it remains unaffordable for millions of Americans. And, there are little, if any, cost controls.

I am an advocate for an Improved Medicare for All. Other countries have it. They spend far less per person and have better health outcomes - people live longer.

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy?

We should tax carbon emissions and move as quickly as possible to carbon free sources of generating energy.

Invest in high speed rail and public transit.

4. What, if any, changes should be made with respect to our nation’s security, including our national defense or anti-terrorism measures?

We spend nearly as much on our military as the rest of the world combined. We have military bases all over the world. Not one other country has a military base on our soil. Our nation is the largest exporter of weapons.

It is time that we have a national debate about the effectiveness of our current spending. In my view, it is not making us safer.

5. What is your position on the issue of immigration reform? What, if any, changes to legislation or policy would you support?

There should be a clear path to citizenship. Anyone who has been in this country for 5 or 10 years, working, paying taxes and contributing to our communities should become eligible for citizenship.

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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 16, 2014 16:21
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