League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin Counties, CA November 4, 2008 Election
	Abram Wilson Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 15

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

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

As a fiscal conservative, I believe we need less spending, not higher taxes to solve our budgetary problems. Gasoline prices are skyrocketing, home values are down, the economy is stagnating, and like families everywhere, government must tighten its belt. If we sunset all programs, it will force the Legislature to spend more time on oversight and that will improve delivery of vital services.

Also, as Mayor of San Ramon, I balanced the city budget every year while creating a "rainy day" reserve. We need budgetary discipline at the State Capitol and I support a spending cap based on population and inflation growth that mandates a reserve for when times are tough.

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

Both of my parents were public school teachers, so I have a deep commitment to making sure our local schools receive their fair share of "equalization" funding. In fact, the state Department of Education estimates that $130 million is still needed to achieve "full" equalization for all shortchanged schools.

With the state in a deep financial hole, I believe we can stretch the dollar by reducing inflexible categorical grants so that our local schools can spend those funds as they see fit. And, it makes no sense for local schools to pay for a mandated program when the state doesn't fully fund it and I will always vote to keep the high school exit exam.

3. What measures would you support to address California's water needs?

It's vital that we invest in water-based infrastructure and reservoir improvements that include expanding Los Vacquerous Reservoir. However, I not only oppose the creation of a peripheral canal that will only siphon off northern California's water resources, but we also must protect our fragile environment as we increase our water capacity.

Furthermore, levee improvements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have been ignored far too long and it's imperative that we expedite flood protection. I'll work to ensure that Proposition 1E & Proposition 84 funds are spent wisely in order to repair erosion, fortify our levees and enhance flood control.

4. What should the Legislature be doing to address the needs of Californians without health insurance?

Costs are spiraling out of control for Californians. In order to solve the problem, aggressive market-based solutions must be implemented that will enable health care to become more accessible as a result of lowered costs.

A government-run, universal health care program will only lower quality and create the rationing of health care. Let's allow individuals to carry their health insurance between jobs, permit tax deductions for all medical expenses, encourage out-of-state insurers to compete in California and expand community-based health clinics.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: September 21, 2008 12:04
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