League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Jimmy Gomez Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 51

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

We need to revisit our tax code and level the playing field: no more special treatment for corporations and wealthy individuals. We need to reform the tax code to smooth out revenue collection to avoid boom and bust cycles, and crack down on corporations and individuals that ship their profits offshore.

2. What types of changes or reforms, if any, do you think are important to make our state government function more effectively?

We need to end the partisan gridlock that has created a stalemate in Sacramento. In my professional life and even my personal life, I live by a simple motto, which is: Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. This happens often when people are holding out for legislation that is perfect or a program that is perfect. And what they fail to accomplish is what is good for the community or the family

You need to able to reach across the aisle and compromise when necessary.

3. Fees for public higher education have gone up dramatically and funding has been cut. Is this a priority concern, and if so, what measures would you propose to address it?

As a Community Colleger teacher, I know first hand the affects the high tuition cost has on our students.

We need to invest in our educational system. I will restore funding to our schools, lower tuition rates at community colleges, and fight to fulfill the promise of California's education system to our students.

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

Health Care: Every child in California should have access to quality health care, and we should lead the way in guaranteeing every Californian health care coverage.

Jobs: I'm already fighting for good jobs in the health care industry, but we need to invest in our community colleges, infrastructure projects, and other programs that prepare workers and create good jobs you can raise a family on.

Schools: Education is the pathway to a better life for our children, but students can't succeed if schools fail. I will make sure our schools have the funding, support, and resources they need to prepare our students to succeed in college or the workplace.

I know how education can make a difference because it did for me.

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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 3, 2012 01:54
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