Candidate for
State Senator; District 13; Democratic Party

As your next State Senator I will continue to work to protect our Democratic values in the State Senate, and that is why I have been endorsed by the California Democrtic Party.

Specifically, I will work to:

• Safeguard funding for our public schools so that every child has a chance to succeed. This includes--specifically protecting funding for smaller class sizes and after-school programs. This past budget cycle, I worked to keep cuts far from the classroom, as well as protect funding for basic-aid school districts that would have impacted schools in Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. I am honored to have received the support of the California Teachers Association, the California Federation of Teachers, California Faculty Association and the Faculty Association of CA Community Colleges for my efforts to protect our schools during this difficult budget process. I believe education is the key to opportunity that so many of our children need.

• A healthy community begins with a healthy start and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Californians--especially our children and seniors will continue to be a top priority. I will work in the State Senate to continue our efforts to expand the "Healthy Kids" program statewide which provides health insurance to all children under 18 statewide. I wrote AB 495 - Healthy Kids, so that other counties throughout the state would be able to provide the kind of care we are providing right here in Santa Clara County. This past year I secured an additional $200 million dollars in federal funding for children's health programs statewide. I will also fight attempts by the Governor to scale back funding for In Home Support Services. This program provides critical care and services for our seniors and disabled. I will not support attempts to take away funding for those who need it most. I will continue to support legislation that makes health care for all a reality in California. I am honored to be supported by those who are providing the frontline care in our community -- the Healthcare Workers, Local 250, the largest group of healthcare workers in the State.

• Protecting California's environment, air quality, and natural resources is a fight that I will continue in the State Senate. I wrote tough "polluter pays" legislation that will increase fees on polluters and protect our environment -- as well as provide funding for critical transportation needs.

• Developing more affordable housing in the Valley and across the state is important for our working families and I will continue the work that I started in this area nearly 20 years ago. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Legislature to make sure our Valley receives its fair share of funding for critical redevelopment, housing, and transportation needs.

• Our Valley has suffered more than most regions during this recent economic downturn. As the Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Transportation and Information Technology I am working to get California back on track as a great place to live and work. Small business' need our support, and I will continue to support legislation that brings relief to these critical providers of jobs and services in our Valley.