League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Kern, Fresno, Kings, Tulare Counties, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues United States Representative; District 21

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 and Jobs, Health Care, Energy Policy, National Security, Immigration Reform Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 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? Answer from Amanda Renteria: In the 21st district, creating economic growth means investing in education, like universal pre-k, Pell grants, and job training programs, so that we can improve our 56% high school graduation rate and give more of our children access to economic opportunities. Creating economic growth also means achieving comprehensive immigration reform, so millions can come out of the shadows and expand the vital role they already play in our economy. Finally, creating economic growth means ensuring that our farmers have the resources they need to feed the country, that our leaders are working together to attract new business and industries, and that Washington understands how important the Central Valley is to our country. 2. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs? Answer from Amanda Renteria: The Affordable Healthcare Act certainly is not perfect + the rollout was mismanaged and the law still falls short in some ways. But at the end of the day, I just don't believe any family should be one accident or illness away from bankruptcy. In the 21st district, one out of four families did not have health insurance prior to the Affordable Care Act. Though there are problems with how the ACA was implemented, I believe Congress should talk openly about the problems and work to fix them. 3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Answer from Amanda Renteria: I think it is important that we consider all options when it comes to meeting our growing demand for energy, realizing that some methods are cheaper and more efficient than others, and some more dangerous than others. By balancing all considerations, we can attempt to find the best solution, which limits effects on both the environment and the economy. I can't wait to unleash the potential of the Central Valley when it comes to renewable and alternative energy. We are perfectly poised to be a leader in solar and bio-renewables. Not only is Fresno County the home to a large solar panel investment, but we are also home to the largest biodiesel plant in California, and to a number of early stage research projects on the usage of renewable energy sources such as manure. There are a host of policies that could drive this innovation including, but not limited to, tax credits, loan guarantees, alternative energy grants, and rural development bonds. The only missing piece is a leader who has the skills and passion to bring people together, create the "roadshow" needed to attract investors and businesses alike, and continue to adjust so that the Central Valley is poised to lead. 4. What, if any, changes should be made with respect to our nation’s security, including our national defense or anti-terrorism measures? Answer from Amanda Renteria: Our priority must be ensuring the safety and security of the American people. However, recognizing the inherent value of human life and the increasing interconnectedness of the global community, there is no doubt that the United States should play a role in international security. This is especially true in the fact of extreme global terrorism. Still, I believe we must be cautious in the ways we exercise that role and establish clear and appropriate criteria for U.S. Involvement abroad. 5. What is your position on the issue of immigration reform? What, if any, changes to legislation or policy would you support? Answer from Amanda Renteria: As a daughter of migrant farmworkers, I will be a true champion for comprehensive immigration reform, because I understand the urgency with which we need it + for our children, for our families, and for our economy. A pathway to citizenship is essential to achieving the American dream and keeping families together, and this country is strengthened when everyone has a stake in our economy. Immigration reform is one of my top priorities. Congress must act swiftly to pass comprehensive immigration reform to bring millions of hardworking families out of the shadows, improve temporary worker programs, and provide a pathway to citizenship. My father emigrated from Mexico, I grew up in the Central Valley where so many immigrant families live and work, and I am running to represent a district with one of the largest numbers of undocumented workers in the country and in which 70% of the residents are Latino. If elected, I will be a strong, active voice for immigration reform in Congress. While working in the U.S. Senate, I was known for working across the aisle and bringing everyone to the table to develop commonsense solutions to our nation's problems, and I plan to use the same approach and passion to fight for immigration reform. 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.