League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Betsy Butler Answers Questions Candidate for State Senator; District 26

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 would you prioritize the fiscal choices the Legislature must make to align the state’s income and spending?

It is imperative that we move as quickly as possible to restore crucial public services that were cut as a result of structural deficits in previous years. Now that we are on more sound financial footing, we must adequately fund our courts, public education and public safety entities. We must invest in our students and ensure that everyone in California has access to a world-class education and has the tools to compete for the jobs of the 21st Century. Our courts and our first responders must also have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

2. Given our current drought condition, concern for water rights and usage is an important issue. What solutions would you support to address our water problems?

It is critical that all communities have access to safe and plentiful water and that we promote and invest in water capture, reuse and conservation. We must invest fully in rainwater capture at home, on playgrounds and schools, parking lots and other urban areas that can benefit from the use of porous surfaces. It is incumbent upon each of us to take responsibility for our water use and for the government to provide the tools to make this as easy as possible. Our state's plan must include conservation, water recapture and an end to hydraulic fracturing which consumes and pollutes an enormous amount of this scarce and precious resource.

3. California high school students rank lower than many states in student performance. What do you see as the ongoing role of the Legislature in addressing this problem?

I am committed to fighting for adequate funding for our public schools. We need to expand the revenue base for our schools and ensure that teachers have the resources they need to prepare our students. California cannot continue to languish at the bottom of the list of states when it comes to per pupil funding.

With sufficient funding and innovative teaching, our state needs to prioritize investing in our youth and preparing them for the jobs California companies will create and grow throughout the 21st Century. California has been a leader in technology and innovation and by expanding our commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and forward thinking programs like linked-learning, we will begin to prepare our students for a vibrant future. We also need to ensure that every student has a safe and clean learning environment and that we provide a more balanced education which includes art, music and physical education. We are blessed to live in a state with unlimited potential and we need to realize this potential by investing in diverse programs that give students real options if they choose not to go to college.

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

I am focused on affordability and sustainability throughout the state and the district. We need affordable housing, competent public transit, fair and equal wages and healthcare for all. We also need to plan for a very large and growing elder population and the very important needs of the veterans who are returning to California after serving their country. We must also focus on growing our middle class and ensuring that taxation is fair. I was honored to serve in the legislature and hope to return to continue to fight for those who do not have a voice and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in the Golden State.

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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: May 9, 2014 22:45
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