League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
State of California (Madera, El Dorado, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Amador, Placer, Mariposa, Mono, Alpine Counties) June 5, 2012 Election
	Marc Boyd Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 5

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?

The 5th Assembly district has been devastated by the recent downturn in the economy. We cannot allow more cuts to education, public safety, or economic development. I support Governor Jerry Brown's November ballot initiative to increase personal income tax on earnings over $250,000 by 1-3% for seven years, and to increase sales tax by 1/4 cent for four years.

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

I support the California Disclose Act (AB1648). The California Disclose Act will help turn the tide against unlimited and undisclosed campaign spending. Voters need to know who the top spenders are on political advertisements. A healthy democracy is dependent on transparency and accountability.

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?

Rising tuition costs at public colleges and universities is one of my top concerns. California's higher education system was once the envy of the world. California should remain committed to providing an affordable college education for high school graduates. It is unacceptable to allow budget cuts to sharply reduce the availability of a college education.

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

The Legislature should create an economic development fund for areas that have been the hardest hit by the economic downturn. We cannot allow one more business to fail in the 5th district. It is heartbreaking to see all the closed businesses in my hometown of Arnold. If elected, I will imediately propose a district-wide economic summit that will focus on rebuilding our foothill economy.

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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, 2012 12:57
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