League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda, Santa Clara County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Tom Pico Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 20; Democratic Party

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

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

Republicans - including the Governor, must recognize that we need to increase taxes to address our current budget crisis. Democrats must recognize that we'll need to make cuts in some programs. We need to move the budget to a multi-year, balance sheet-based process to address future liabilities and make decisions based upon priorities and future costs vs. present benefits. We don't have to re-invent the wheel - we can follow the lead of Washington State to "zero base" budget, plan to live within our means, and stimulate our economy to create jobs and bring back the general fund revenue to past levels.

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

K-12 education spending is the one sacred area of the budget that I will protect at all costs. We need to push the responsibility of spending and performance in the classroom down to the school district and school level to place ownership of learning in the hands of those who can impact it the most. I believe we need to teach our children to learn - not to pass standardized tests. Finally - we need to make sure that the money earmarked for the community college system gets back to our community colleges - and increases paid by students should go to the community college they attend - not into the general fund for redistribution.

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

Water is our most valuable natural resource and will be a limiting factor in our growth if we are not careful. Too much water, and we drown. Too little and individuals and businesses face serious decisions. We must redouble our efforts on conservation, zone for appropriate use of run-off water, re-invest in our state's water infrastrcuture, and continue appropriate conservation measures in good times and bad to keep a steady supply of potable water available to all.

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

We need to create a health care system that ensures coverage for all Californians. The system needs to be fair and the costs shared amongst all parties. We definitely must continue to fund prevention programs. For example, a few dollars spent on prenatal care can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills down the line. This type of preventative spending will help our general fund in later years if we prioritize it now.