League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Bill Quirk Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 20

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 would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

We must continue to balance the budget while paying off the wall of debt incurred in the years before I came to Sacramento. Instead of a budget deficit, we now have a deficit of services. As the recession ends and funds become available, we must be fiscally responsible that is why I support establishment of a rainy day fund. To the extent funds are available, education is my highest priority. As we have funds available, I would prioritize health care and services to keep seniors in their homes rather than going to senior care facilities.

2. Given our current drought condition, concern for water rights and usage is an important issue. What solutions would you support to address our water problems?

My colleagues in the State Assembly and I have worked to develop a water bond proposal for the November 2014 ballot. The bond includes funding for improving drinking water quality, protecting rivers and watersheds, improving the reliability of clean water delivery, protecting the state's Delta water system, and funding storage projects that will protect us from future droughts.

3. California high school students rank lower than many states in student performance. What do you see as the ongoing role of the Legislature in addressing this problem?

To face our unique challenges, we must invest more in all our schools. A quality K-12 education and higher education should be accessible to all children in our state. The legislature has agreed to invest even more in schools that have more students who are being raised in poverty and/or speak English as a second language.

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

During my 18 months in office, I have achieved the priorities I set in my first election campaign and will continue to do so: Increased funding for k-12 and higher education. Protected local funds for police and fire from state raids. Helped businesses by eliminating red tape.

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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: July 16, 2014 10:39
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