League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Contra Costa County, CA November 2, 2004 Election
	Paul Santiago Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 11

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. What does California need to do to address the current budget crisis?

The budget crisis remains the most import matter facing the Legislature. The California economy as a whole and Contra Costa's future economic health are dependant on a budget resolution that includes no new taxes.

I am most passionate about the budget and holding the line on taxes. Resolving the budget responsibly will solve many problems. The legislature must dramatically reduce special interest payoffs in the budget. Also, we must streamline funding to local communities by reducing bureaucratic overhead.

2. What should the state's priorities be for K-12 education? For the Community College System?

The State needs to get more funding to the classrooms and out of the beuracracy. We spend more then many other states per-pupil but we get poor reults. This is due to the funds not going into the classrooms.

For the Community College System, I see each fee increase as another tax. We need to reduce the per unit fees to at least $15/per unit.