Issues
As a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, John knows the concerns of Californians in these difficult economic times. He’s working to make a difference on the issues that most affect people’s lives: good-paying jobs, access to high-quality, affordable health care, better schools and improved air and water quality.
John has spent his life fighting for California’s families, and he has brought that same fighting spirit to the Assembly. Below are some of John’s priorities.
Jobs and the Economy
John believes getting Californians back to work should be our number one priority. In one of his first acts as Speaker, John pushed legislation to create thousands of jobs by expanding green businesses in California.
He also took action to save the jobs of more than 60,000 workers and small business child care providers throughout the state, introducing legislation to restore child care funding to working parents. John also believes that California must innovate to take advantage of new jobs in growth industries. He introduced legislation to create public-private partnerships with community colleges that will guarantee students in nursing and allied health programs access to the classes they need and expedite their entry into the job market.
Education
John understands the importance of quality education to our children’s future. A world-class education is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. Today our children are competing with kids from India and China – and all over the world.
As Speaker, John is fighting to improve our colleges and universities because he knows that we need to restore common sense to higher education and put students’ needs first. John also knows that our kids need safe schools and safe neighborhoods. Children have a right to attend schools that are free from drugs, violence and the gang influences that permeate many neighborhoods.
Health Care
One in four Californians lack health insurance. Millions more struggle with rising health care costs. John believes that affordable health care is critical to creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.
John has spent his career fighting to expand access to quality health care. As Speaker, he authored the legislation that created the California Health Benefits Exchange, which gives individuals and small businesses the same health insurance choices and cost savings that were previously available only to large employers.
The Environment
John knows that clean air and clean water are vital to the quality of life of every Californian. As a former board member of the California League of Conservation Voters, John understands California’s environmental challenges.
He’s working to make a tangible difference for his constituents. John helped pass legislation that requires local water companies to clean up the city of Maywood’s drinking water, which suffers from high levels of contaminants. He also created a process to make sure the water companies do their job – requiring public hearings and annual water quality statements.
Budget
John understands that a key to fixing our state budget is to ensure public input and independent review. He pledged that the budget will not be written behind closed doors. Instead, he has held budget hearings throughout the state so all Californians have the opportunity to offer their ideas and tell legislators how budget proposals will affect their lives.
John also believes that the state budget should reflect our priorities, with investments needed today for the future. From our economy, to education and health care, John will work to protect the interests of California’s working families.
Civil Rights and LGBT Issues
John has been a leader for Californian’s civil rights, fighting for marriage equality, immigrant rights, a woman’s right to choose and protections against hate crimes. As a member of the Assembly, John supports legislation that promotes greater tolerance and inclusion for all Californians, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
