Alex Padilla's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)
Office:
- U.S. Senate (CA) - Sr, Democratic
Key
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Alex Padilla did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.
Issue Positions
For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.
- ""Every person has a right to make their own decisions about their body," Senator Padilla said. "Legislators across the country continue to attack reproductive rights by passing laws that have made Roe v. Wade a right in name only in many states. As the Supreme Court takes up the Mississippi abortion ban case, now, more than ever, we must pass the Women's Health Protection Act. This critical bill will protect patients from dangerous abortion bans and ensure everyone has access to safe abortion care, regardless of where they live."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "If the Supreme Court won't protect abortion access, Congress must. That's why I'm a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade into law." (twitter.com)
- Rated 100% by Planned Parenthood Action Fund. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Voted in favor of S 4132 "Women's Health Protection Act of 2022." (votesmart.org)
- "Every person has a right to make their own decisions about their body," Senator Padilla said. "Legislators across the country continue to attack reproductive rights by passing laws that have made Roe v. Wade a right in name only in many states. As the Supreme Court takes up the Mississippi abortion ban case, now, more than ever, we must pass the Women's Health Protection Act. This critical bill will protect patients from dangerous abortion bans and ensure everyone has access to safe abortion care, regardless of where they live." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "For 56 years, Medicare and Medicaid have provided lifesaving coverage for millions of seniors and working families. Im fighting to build on those successes and pass Medicare for Allbecause health care is a human right." (twitter.com)
- Signed letter to President Biden: "As you know, Medicare has been one of the most successful and popular federal programs in our nation's history since it was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. Now, 55 years later, the time is long overdue for us to expand and improve this program so that millions of older Americans can receive the health care they need, including eyeglasses, hearing aids and dental care." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Social Security is critical to the livelihoods of millions of Californians. We must strengthen and expand Social Security to ensure that more Americans can live and retire with dignity," said Senator Padilla. "I am supporting the Social Security Expansion Act because it will increase benefits, make sure the wealthy pay their fair share, and keep the program strong for current and future beneficiaries." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "The For the People Act would establish an important baseline of voting rights and ballot access for all voters in all states. I know that the For the People Act will improve voting rights in America because as California Secretary of State, I helped adopt and implement these best practices. The 2020 election in California was a success: it was accessible, secure, and safe, and it drew a historic voter turnout. With the right to vote under attack in states across the country, it is both important and urgent that we act on these proven, common sense election reforms. I will continue to fight for voting rights and election modernization until we find a path forward." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Voted in favor of S 2093 "For the People Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
- "If it wasn't already clear how they felt, Senate Republicans once again blocked even beginning discussion on voting rights, gerrymandering, and campaign finance reform. This is the fight of our livesno matter what it takes, we must protect the fundamental right to vote." (twitter.com)
- "Since Citizens United, dark money and super PACs have polluted our political system. Were going to end this corruption with the #ForThePeople Act and get dark money OUT of our elections." (twitter.com)
- "Eliminate the filibuster and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act." (twitter.com)
- ""In order to build trust in our justice system, we must give individuals the right to sue federal law enforcement agencies when the actions of their officers lead to a violation of civil rights," said Senator Padilla. "Despite having the right to sue state and local law enforcement officers, Americans lack the right to hold federal law enforcement officials accountable in the same way. This legislation will help close that gap and give the American people an important tool to fight against injustice."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "I stand with the community of Minneapolis, the Black Lives Matter movement, and millions of Americans in mourning the murder of George Floyd by Officer Derek Chauvin. And I know that true justice will require work far beyond this verdict. Accountability for police officers should be an expectation, not an aberration. It is past time to reform our justice system to recognize at every level that Black lives matter." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "In order to build trust in our justice system, we must give individuals the right to sue federal law enforcement agencies when the actions of their officers lead to a violation of civil rights," said Senator Padilla. "Despite having the right to sue state and local law enforcement officers, Americans lack the right to hold federal law enforcement officials accountable in the same way. This legislation will help close that gap and give the American people an important tool to fight against injustice." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "At a time when Congress is debating unprecedented domestic investments in the American people, this annual defense bill would authorize nearly $770 billion in the next year alone -- $25 billion more than the Biden Administration even requested. This significantly overshadows any single investment in the Build Back Better Agenda. I'm also disappointed that this year's defense bill fails to repeal outdated authorizations for use of military force in Iraq. While I support a strong defense budget that protects Americans and our interests at home and abroad, we need to better balance military spending and strengthening our national security with critical investments in domestic priorities. I cannot support a defense spending bill that does not do a better job of advancing this goal."
- Voted against S 1605 "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. (votesmart.org)
- "After four years of talk, infrastructure week is finally here. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will deliver long overdue, historic investments in rebuilding America's infrastructure and public transit, while creating millions of good-paying, union jobs. This bill will improve Californians' lives and start to rebuild our infrastructure in an equitable and sustainable way. Now, we are continuing to work towards even bolder investments in the American people. My Democratic colleagues on the Budget Committee and I are well underway on the next step of our infrastructure effort to invest in child and elder care, immigration reform, and transformational programs to combat the climate crisis and address environmental injustice." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "If we can give trillions in tax cuts to the wealthiest few Americans, we can certainly invest trillions to help the majority of Americans by improving broadband access, public transit, drinking water, schools, and more." (twitter.com)
- "The new Infrastructure Law is bringing crucial funding to California to protect our water resources, increase the number of permanent, full-time firefighters, and expand our wildfire prevention and mitigation programs." (twitter.com)
- Voted in favor of HR 3684 "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." (votesmart.org)
- "After a year of devastating loss and unprecedented hardship, help and hope are on the way. This historic legislation will deliver overdue relief to families and communities, lift millions of children out of poverty -- including half a million children in California, and speed up vaccinations so we can defeat this pandemic. I'm proud to have voted to pass one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in our history that will have a lasting and transformational impact on our most vulnerable communities. The work must continue to help our state fully and equitably recover from this pandemic." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "The American Rescue Plan will do more in the fight against child poverty than any legislation in modern history. In California alone, it means we have an opportunity to lift over 550,000 children out of poverty. That is a big deal." (twitter.com)
- Voted in favor of HR 1319 "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." (votesmart.org)
- "Democrats are moving forward on a historic agreement to lower costs for working families and take bold action to combat the climate crisis. The Inflation Reduction Act will deliver the single largest climate investment in history, dramatically reducing emissions all while bringing down energy costs for consumers. We are also lowering the costs of prescription drugs and health care, as millions of Americans struggle to afford the medicine and care they need. And it will not only be fully paid for by making wealthy corporations pay their fair share in taxes, it will also reduce the deficit overall. This is transformative legislation to fight inflation and lower costs for Californians." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "It's unacceptable that families are struggling to find formula for their children," Padilla said. "There is no time to waste --we must take action on creative solutions to support the safe and rapid increase in the production and availability of baby formula that families rely on." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "The Inflation Reduction Act builds off of Californias climate leadership to deliver bold action to reduce emissions while fighting inflation and lowering health care costs for California families." (twitter.com)
- Voted in favor of HR 5376 "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
- "BIG NEWS: @POTUS is taking historic action, canceling thousands in student loan debt and extending the pause on student loan payments. This will bring much needed relief to Californians and millions across the nation." (twitter.com)
- Signed Letter to President Biden: "In roughly 35 days, on September 1, 2022, tens of millions of federal student loan borrowers are scheduled to resume payments. Despite repeated reports and surveys concerning whether borrowers will be able to pay,1 we understand the Administration is considering restarting student loan payments at the end of August.2 We write today to urge you to extend the pause on student loan payments, given the numerous economic issues facing borrowers across the nation, as well as administrative actions in process by the Department of Education. For over two years, the Department has provided critical flexibility to millions of federal student loan borrowers by pausing payments, as many have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. This much needed pause has helped many borrowers to keep a roof over their heads, secure childcare, and purchase food, health care, and medicine during the course of a pandemic responsible for the deaths of more than 1 million people in the U.S.3 For the first time, many borrowers have had the opportunity to pay down debt, open a savings account, purchase a home, and save for retirement--none of which would have been possible without the payment pause." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Under the student debt relief announced by @POTUS this week, nearly HALF of all student debt owed by Latinos will be completely forgiven. This is a HUGE deal for our communities." (twitter.com)
- "As California's former chief elections officer, I was proud to strengthen election security and boost voter turnout by implementing the critical reforms contained in the For the People Act. They are proven, they are secure, and they should be available to all voters," said Padilla. "Instead, we continue to witness an assault on American democracy based on lies and conspiracy theories. It has been two decades since Congress last took significant action to improve voter access and election administration--we cannot wait any longer. The fate of our democracy rests on our ability to protect voting rights for all citizens." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Voted in favor of S 2747 "Freedom to Vote Act" (votesmart.org)
- "California no longer has a fire season, because of climate change the danger is now year round. The evidence is right in front of us. Now is the time to invest in a clean energy future." (twitter.com)
- ""Our energy grid must be strengthened to keep the power on in communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters. In California and across the country, climate change has made these events regular occurrences rather than once-in-a-generation disasters," said Sen. Padilla. "That's why I'm glad to see these necessary, smart investments included in this energy infrastructure package to strengthen our electric grid and reduce the need for public safety power shutoffs and prevent electric system failures due to extreme weather."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- ""Senator Padilla spoke about the importance of building back better to protect our communities and address the climate crisis, including implementing climate resilient infrastructure across the nation saying, "We have additional challenges nowadays that are absolutely undeniable challenges posed by climate change. We need to address the resiliency given extreme weather that is impacting every region of the country in different ways." Padilla discussed the importance of moving towards transitioning to renewable energy and deploying smart grid technologies, noting California as a leader in both these spaces. Padilla also raised the topic of energy efficiency, asking the witnesses to comment on the importance of this cost-effective measure and the job creation opportunities it could provide."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "We must meet the challenges of the climate crisis with the urgency they demand. Thats why I am co-leading a bill with Sen. @ossoff to help millions of households transition to renewable energy & meet @POTUS' goal of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030." (twitter.com)
- "Our energy grid must be strengthened to keep the power on in communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters. In California and across the country, climate change has made these events regular occurrences rather than once-in-a-generation disasters," said Sen. Padilla. "That's why I'm glad to see these necessary, smart investments included in this energy infrastructure package to strengthen our electric grid and reduce the need for public safety power shutoffs and prevent electric system failures due to extreme weather." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Senator Padilla spoke about the importance of building back better to protect our communities and address the climate crisis, including implementing climate resilient infrastructure across the nation saying, "We have additional challenges nowadays that are absolutely undeniable challenges posed by climate change. We need to address the resiliency given extreme weather that is impacting every region of the country in different ways." Padilla discussed the importance of moving towards transitioning to renewable energy and deploying smart grid technologies, noting California as a leader in both these spaces. Padilla also raised the topic of energy efficiency, asking the witnesses to comment on the importance of this cost-effective measure and the job creation opportunities it could provide." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Rated 0% by Independent Petroleum Association of America. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Signed Letter to Secretary Buttigieg: "We are urging the Department of Transportation and PHMSA to take quick action to complete this rulemaking process and issue strong regulations that will enhance pipeline safety and reduce harmful methane emissions throughout the United States. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your Administration to achieve these goals."
- ""There's no question about it, the climate crisis is here and we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of inaction," Senator Padilla said. "We cannot sell out our public lands for destructive fossil fuel development that pollutes our air, water, and land. Transitioning to renewable energy sources that create and keep good-paying jobs in America must be our focus. It's vital that we act now for the safety of our planet and for future generations."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- ""We've known for years that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change we must work to end our reliance on fossil fuels sooner rather than later," said Padilla. "I'm proud to join Senator Heinrich in leading this important resolution to electrify our nation and fight for an emissions-free future. Electrifying America will help save our planet while creating millions of new jobs in the process."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "There's no question about it, the climate crisis is here and we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of inaction," Senator Padilla said. "We cannot sell out our public lands for destructive fossil fuel development that pollutes our air, water, and land. Transitioning to renewable energy sources that create and keep good-paying jobs in America must be our focus. It's vital that we act now for the safety of our planet and for future generations." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "We've known for years that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change we must work to end our reliance on fossil fuels sooner rather than later," said Padilla. "I'm proud to join Senator Heinrich in leading this important resolution to electrify our nation and fight for an emissions-free future. Electrifying America will help save our planet while creating millions of new jobs in the process." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- ""Expanding background checks for all sales and transfers of firearms is simple, popular, and commonsense," Senator Padilla said. "The Background Check Expansion Act will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, and combat senseless gun violence. This is a matter of life and death, and Congress must act."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "My heart breaks for the San Jose community and for the families of those who tragically lost their loved ones today in yet another senseless mass shooting. We cannot become numb to the horrific crisis of gun violence, and I am committed to passing commonsense legislation that will protect our communities. We must put an end to this disturbing cycle of tragedy. My office will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, and I will do everything I can to ensure San Jose receives the support it needs during this difficult time." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Rated 0% by National Rifle Association. (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Expanding background checks for all sales and transfers of firearms is simple, popular, and commonsense," Senator Padilla said. "The Background Check Expansion Act will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, and combat senseless gun violence. This is a matter of life and death, and Congress must act." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Voted in favor of S 2938 "Bipartisan Safer Communities Act" (votesmart.org)
- "Health care is a human right and it's past time that we pass Medicare for All to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care, regardless of zip code or tax bracket," said Sen. Padilla. "No American should go bankrupt because of exorbitant medical costs. Congress can and must act to better control health care costs." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "In the wealthiest nation in the world, access to health care shouldnt be determined by zip code and no one should go bankrupt because of rising medical costs. Im proud to cosponsor #MedicareForAll, and Im eager to work with my colleagues to move this legislation forward." (twitter.com)
- "As a father of three & voice for working families in CA, I am committed to finally guaranteeing paid leave in the United States. We must keep this critical policy in the #BuildBackBetter agenda." (twitter.com)
- "Far too many workers are being denied crucial FMLA coverage due to requirements that are difficult to meet, and it's disproportionately impacting women and workers of color who may work part-time, have multiple jobs or are reentering the workforce," said Sen. Padilla. "All workers deserve access to family and medical leave, that's why I'm proud to support the Job Protection Act to expand the number of workers eligible for the necessary benefits and protections FMLA provides." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Importantly, the Inflation Reduction Act will bring down the cost of life-saving medications, because no one should have to choose between affording health care or paying their rent or mortgage." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or being able to afford life-saving medication," said Senator Padilla. "For far too long, Americans diagnosed with diabetes have been exploited at the hands of pharmaceutical manufacturers who profit off of their illness. I am committed to making health care more affordable and lowering prescription drug costs, including lowering the cost of insulin for millions of Californians." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by @POTUS this week, Californians on Medicare wont pay more than $35 a month on insulin or more than $2000 a month on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. That is a huge win for working class families and our seniors." (twitter.com)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "As negotiations continue on specific immigration language, we must continue to advance our shared goal of delivering meaningful, humane immigration reform through the reconciliation process. We cannot let our immigrant communities wait any longer. We have a moral imperative to get this done. Last week we were encouraged when the House included provisions to provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. And today, we strongly urge Senate and House leadership to act boldly and continue fighting for the broadest legal protections possible to fully unleash the economic might of the undocumented community. That's the only way we can fully Build Back Better and transform the lives of millions of hardworking people and their families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- ""The essential workers that have worked so heroically on the front lines during the pandemic include more than 5 million undocumented immigrants. These heroes have risked their health and their lives to keep our communities safe and our economy moving and they have earned a pathway to citizenship," said Senator Alex Padilla. "My parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico. My father worked as a short-order cook and my mom used to clean houses, jobs that would be considered essential today. Dignity, respect, and citizenship for essential workers is personal for me and in the best interest of our country. I'm proud to lead my colleagues with Representative Castro to give undocumented essential workers the protections they have earned."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- ""We cannot turn our backs on the "Documented Dreamers' who have spent most of their lives in this country, contributing to their communities and our economy but face continued uncertainty and risk deportation once they turn 21," Senator Padilla said. "These young people deserve the opportunity to pursue their American dream and continue building lives in the country they call home."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "The essential workers that have worked so heroically on the front lines during the pandemic include more than 5 million undocumented immigrants. These heroes have risked their health and their lives to keep our communities safe and our economy moving and they have earned a pathway to citizenship," said Senator Alex Padilla. "My parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico. My father worked as a short-order cook and my mom used to clean houses, jobs that would be considered essential today. Dignity, respect, and citizenship for essential workers is personal for me and in the best interest of our country. I'm proud to lead my colleagues with Representative Castro to give undocumented essential workers the protections they have earned." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "We cannot turn our backs on the "Documented Dreamers' who have spent most of their lives in this country, contributing to their communities and our economy but face continued uncertainty and risk deportation once they turn 21," Senator Padilla said. "These young people deserve the opportunity to pursue their American dream and continue building lives in the country they call home." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Just spoke with Ukrainian Consul General Kushneruk to reaffirm our support for the people of Ukraine. We stand with them and support President Biden and our allies in enacting severe sanctions against Putin for his unprovoked and dangerous attack on an important democratic ally." (twitter.com)
- "We stand with the people of Ukraine and support President Biden and our allies in enacting severe sanctions against Putin for his unprovoked and dangerous attack." (twitter.com)
- "Today, the United States sent a strong message to Putin that America stands firmly with the Ukrainian people in defense of their home and their democracy. For nearly three months, Ukrainians have braved an unprovoked and unjust invasion. The outcome of this war will have enormous consequences for the future of democracy and the rule of law around the world. It is vital that the United States continue to support Ukraine not only to protect our strategic interests, but to preserve the fundamental freedoms that we hold dear. This additional funding provides strategic military support to help Ukrainians continue to defend themselves, as well as funding to help alleviate the global food shortages and humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- Voted in favor of HR 7691 "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "And it will reduce the deficit by making sure that billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share in taxes. With the passage of this historic legislation, Democrats are delivering on longtime promises and investing in the safety and prosperity of our communities." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "It's well past time that the wealthiest Americans start paying their fair share in taxes." (twitter.com)
- "Working class Americans struggle to make ends meet, yet massive corporations have raised prices on consumers and continue to post record profits. Greedy corporations must be held accountable. It is past time they paid their fair share in taxes." (twitter.com)
- Signed Letter to Ambassador Tai: "Wineries in our states are already under siege by the pandemic, wildfires, and now drought. Many will not survive if they are also asked to indefinitely sustain a damaging trade war. Thank you for your support of this critical industry, and we look forward to working with you to support free and fair trade." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
- "Wineries in CA are already under siege by the pandemic, wildfires, & now drought. Many will not survive if they are also asked to indefinitely sustain a damaging trade war. @SenFeinstein and I are calling on the Admin to push China to lift these tariffs." (twitter.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding abortion.
| a) Abortions should always be illegal. | |||
| X | b) Abortions should always be legal. | ||
| c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy. | |||
| X | d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape. | ||
| X | e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered. | ||
| f) Prohibit public funding of abortions and to organizations that advocate or perform abortions. | |||
| g) Require clinics to give parental notification before performing abortions on minors. | |||
| I support a woman's right to choose. | |||
State Budget: Indicate the funding levels (#1-6) you will support for the following general categories. Select one level per category.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels (#1-6) you will support. Select one level per tax.
| Greatly Increase | a) Education (Higher) | ||
| Greatly Increase | b) Education (K-12) | ||
| Greatly Increase | c) Environment | ||
| Greatly Increase | d) Health care | ||
| Greatly Increase | e) Law enforcement | ||
| Greatly Increase | f) Transportation and highway infrastructure | ||
| Slightly Increase | g) Welfare | ||
| Slightly Increase | h) Emergency preparedness | ||
| Slightly Increase | a) Alcohol taxes | ||
| b) Capital gains taxes | |||
| Slightly Increase | c) Cigarette taxes | ||
| Slightly Increase | d) Corporate taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | e) Gasoline taxes | ||
| f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000) | |||
| g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000) | |||
| Maintain Status | h) Property taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | i) Sales taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | j) Vehicle taxes | ||
| No | l) Should the state sales taxes be extended to Internet sales? | ||
| No | m) Should accounts such as a rainy day fund be used to balance the state budget? | ||
| n) Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget? | |||
| Yes | o) Should the state sell bonds in order to fund levee repair? | ||
| Yes | p) Should the state sell bonds in order to provide further funding for transportation and public works? | ||
| We must work to make government more efficient with existing resources to better serve our communities. | |||
| I would close corporate tax loopholes and ask multi-millionaires to pay their fair share. | |||
| Some fee increases may be appropriate to cover the cost of services, but I would not support fee increases that disproportionately affect middle class families, such as increaases in college tuition. | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?
| Yes | a) Do you support the current limit of terms for California governors? | ||
| Yes | b) Do you support the current limit of terms for California's state senators and representatives? | ||
| Yes | 1) Individual | ||
| Yes | 2) PAC | ||
| Yes | 3) Corporate | ||
| Yes | 4) Political Parties | ||
| Yes | d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information? | ||
| Yes | e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns? | ||
| Yes | f) Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying and ensuring accuracy of votes? | ||
| Yes | g) Do you support prohibiting media exit polling of voters until all polling locations in California are closed? | ||
| Yes | h) Should California recognize civil unions between same-sex couples? | ||
| i) Other or expanded principles | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding crime.
| X | a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and hiring of additional prison staff. | ||
| X | b) Support the death penalty in California. | ||
| X | c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released. | ||
| X | d) End parole for repeat violent offenders. | ||
| X | e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders. | ||
| f) Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. | |||
| X | g) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes. | ||
| h) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults. | |||
| X | i) Make crimes based on race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation be prosecuted as hate crimes. | ||
| X | j) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth. | ||
| X | k) Increase state funding for state and local emergency agencies to prevent or respond to terrorism. | ||
| X | l) Strengthen sex-offender laws. | ||
| X | m) Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine). | ||
| X | n) Make offenders who fall under the Sexually Violent Predators Act complete treatment before becoming eligible for release. | ||
| o) Grant a court hearing only once every five years for offenders who fall under the Sexually Violent Predators Act and decline treatment. | |||
| X | p) Renew Proposition 36, which requires treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent drug offenders. | ||
| r) Other or expanded principles | |||
| Recent studies are showing that Proposition 36 is working and helping to alleviate our overburdened prison system. I look forward to working with law enforcement to continue to monitor Proposition 36's progress and make changes as necessary. | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.
| a) Support national standards and testing of public school students. | |||
| X | b) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any public school. | ||
| c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school. | |||
| X | d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure). | ||
| X | e) Increase funds for hiring additional teachers. | ||
| f) Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay. | |||
| g) Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools. | |||
| h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams. | |||
| X | i) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries. | ||
| X | j) Increase funding for Head Start programs. | ||
| X | k) Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable. | ||
| X | l) Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods. | ||
| m) Support abstinence-only sexual education programs. | |||
| I will work to ensure our students have access to up-to-date text books and that every child can read at grade level by third grade. | |||
Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment.Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies decisions on:
| X | a) Increase funding for state job-training programs that retrain displaced workers and teach skills needed in todays job market. | ||
| b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion. | |||
| X | c) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses. | ||
| X | d) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families. | ||
| X | e) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families. | ||
| X | f) Include sexual orientation in California's anti-discrimination laws. | ||
| X | g) Increase the state minimum wage. | ||
| No | a) Public employment | ||
| No | b) State college and university admissions | ||
| No | c) State contracting | ||
| Economic investment is important to my district and I have worked hand in hand with local businesses to help them access financial and technical assistance. | |||
| California's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We must do all we can to outreach to all communities to ensure they understand employment, contracting, and educational opportunities available to them. | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.
| X | a) Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology. | ||
| b) Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil). | |||
| X | c) Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned. | ||
| X | d) Increase funding for improvements to California's power generating and transmission facilities. | ||
| X | e) Support funding for open space preservation. | ||
| X | f) Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law. | ||
| g) Other or expanded principles | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.
| X | a) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns. | ||
| b) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns. | |||
| c) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns. | |||
| d) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns. | |||
| X | e) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows. | ||
| X | f) Require a license for gun possession. | ||
| g) Other or expanded principles | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health.
| X | a) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary. | ||
| b) Transfer current Medicaid recipients into managed care programs. | |||
| c) Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits. | |||
| X | d) Support patients' right to sue their HMOs. | ||
| e) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government. | |||
| X | f) Legalize physician assisted suicide in California. | ||
| X | g) Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes. | ||
| I support a universal health care system, and am on record in support of State Senator Sheila Kuehl's proposal (SB 840) | |||
Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.
| X | a) Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients. | ||
| X | b) Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients. | ||
| X | c) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work. | ||
| d) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations. | |||
| X | e) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor. | ||
| f) Support marriage promotion programs for welfare recipients. | |||
| g) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs. | |||
| h) Other or expanded principles | |||
| If elected, my priorities will be: A. Ensuring access to quality public education, including ensuring students have up-to-date textbooks and that all children can read at grade level by third grade. B. Ensuring access to quality health care. C. Access to quality jobs with fair wages and benefits D. Protecting our streets and neighborhoods from crime and gang violence. E. Bulding and repairing California's infrastructure. |
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