League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Patric M. Verrone 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?

Over the past several decades, we have seen more financial burdens being placed on the backs of middle class families - those who can least afford to take them. We need to invest in priorities that preserve and expand the middle class - from investing in our children, promoting high-wage jobs, strengthening our state's infrastructure and protecting our seniors. Read my plan for the middle class at http://www.patricverrone.com/fighting-for-the-middle-class/

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?

Southern California's struggle to secure the water we need will only grow more urgent as a result of climate change. The only solution to this challenge that will not cause immense environmental damage is one that relies primarily on more efficient water use, water recycling, and smarter growth - not on spending billions of dollars for underground pipes to bring us more water from elsewhere in the state or in the nation. For our economy, and for our environment, we must adopt a comprehensive water efficiency plan that incorporates all these elements.

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?

As State Senator, I will fight to make sure California provides every child the resources to be successful. Right now, California is ranked near the bottom in per student spending. We need to raise the level of school funding every year for 10 years until we get to the national average. Then let's work to get even better.

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

From raising the minimum wage to closing corporate tax loopholes, I believe we have to make work pay. From making college more affordable and accessible to working to address childhood hunger and truancy so more kids can succeed, I believe we must prepare our workforce for the high-skill jobs of the future. From fighting harder to protect consumers to teaching financial literacy, I am focusing on ways to keep families in the middle class. From getting kids the right start with universal kindergarten to improving home care so seniors can retire with dignity, I am proposing ways to do what a strong middle class community should do first - protect children, seniors, and families. Read my plan for the middle class at http://www.patricverrone.com/fighting-for-the-middle-class/

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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 10, 2014 15:20
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