California State AssemblyCandidate for District 9

As a region, we are far behind the rest of the state when it comes to building sufficient rental and affordable housing options for working-class families, the homeless, and citizens on fixed incomes. We need to make every effort to bring stability to the housing market place. The key here is increasing supply at a price point that citizens can afford. It’s a supply issue.

We know from recent media accounts that some 17,000 bay area workers are living in our region because of their inability to find housing near their jobs. This influx of people living in our region is putting further pressure on our supply. The department of housing and community development estimates that California must build at least 180,000 units a year to keep pace with demand, not accounting for the backlog of approximately 2 million units that has accrued over the last several decades.

Last year, I voted in favor of legislation to help address California’s affordable housing shortage. However, the revenue generated by SB 1 is a drop in the bucket. California is a very diverse state and a one-size fits all approach for rent control could actually hinder economic growth and construction of new homes and affordable housing.

It’s clear that our region’s housing costs and supply are at a tipping point. Our focus must be on increasing housing production, streamline permitting while being environmentally conscious, and ultimately driving down the costs to produce housing.

I believe that we must treat everyone with the same amount of respect. We are all Americans and Californians. We all have more in common than not in common. People have become embolden to be disrespectful. We must restore morals and courtesy in our daily lives.  

Climate change is real and my Democratic colleagues and I have passed several pieces of legislation aimed at combating global warming. Including, passing SB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act) and extending California's cap-and-trade program. Additionally, I proudly authored AB 615 & AB 630 to help combat poor air quality in our region.

We must increase storage capacity and build additional reservoirs while being environmentally conscious. We must protect the Delta. I will continue to fight the Governor’s proposal to build tunnels to transport our water south.

I would continue to use the budgetary and legislative process when and where appropriate to restore funding to K through 12 to levels at least equal to what they were when California public schools ranked near the top in the nation. I also want to ensure that there is sufficient funding for key programs to ensure academic success for our low performing, at-risk students, including remediation and after school programs. I supported both legislative and budgetary efforts to provide at-risk students with those services and programs.

I would like to freeze and eventually roll back tuition at California's three systems of higher education. I also would like to ensure greater access to financial aid. I have supported numerous legislative and budget proposals to provide greater funding for higher education and increase financial aid options.