League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Contra Costa, Alameda County, CA June 5, 2012 Election
	Nancy Skinner Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 15

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?

After five consecutive years of devastating cuts the most important budget decision is to raise state revenues. I strongly endorse the Governor's revenue initiative on the ballot this November, additional revenue is essential to support our K-12 schools. Further cuts to our UC, CSU and community college campuses are unfair to California students and families, leads to spiraling job loss, and diminishes California's innovative leadership. Eliminating tax breaks that favor out of state corporations could restore $2 billion in general fund revenue and reduce cuts to childcare, senior services and our state parks.

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

California voters recently ended the two-thirds legislative vote requirement to pass a state budget. That reform enabled the Legislature to pass the budget on time last year and I predict for years to come. But a two-thirds vote is still required to raise revenue or eliminate tax breaks, greatly impairing our ability to protect our schools and essential services. This super majority provision is not better democracy, it simply provides obstructionist veto power to a small handful of legislators. Reforming our tax structure to be more equitable to all Californians is also needed so that high profit corporations and the wealthiest among us pay their fair share.

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 noted above, protecting our internationally renowned higher education system is one of my highest priorities. I am a co-author of the Speaker's middle class scholarship legislation and support continuing UC's and CSU's strong financial aid for low-income students such as Cal Grants. There are efforts underway to ensure greater tuition predictability, and I also favor limiting the increase in out of state enrollment that is displacing California residents.

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

1. Protecting our homeowners and neighborhoods against unfair foreclosure practices
2. Ensuring that California's small businesses can thrive
3. Maintaining California's environmental leadership with clean air, clean water, clean, green energy

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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: June 2, 2012 14:19
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