League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda, Santa Clara County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Ash Bhatt 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?

We need to resist the temptation to make quick-fixes to the problem, and instead find creative solutions to the budget crisis. Instead of borrowing money that our children will have to pay back, which is what Gov. Schwarzenegger's "Balanced Budget Act," I propose increasing the price of state lottery tickets. This will generate $6 billion for the state. I also propose increasing the state sales tax to generate revenue.

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

The state should be spending less money on our prision system, and instead putting the money into our schools. If we invest more in our schools now, we won't need to pump so much money into prisons.

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

I support state-funded universal quality healthcare for all.