League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Orange County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Wendy Gabriella Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 73

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?

I would prioritize the fiscal choices as follows:

1) Establishment and maintenance of a Rainy Day Fund which ensures revenue growth is actually saved in good years.

2) Debt repayment: California is presently $340 billion in debt. Pursuant to the May 2014 revised budget, 50% of the reserves would be used to pay down the debt.

3) Revision of the statute under which the Governor can avoid placing money into the Rainy Day fund to include objective criteria. Under current law, Governor can simply issue a proclamation.

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?

Policy changes regarding water conveyance and sustainability are critical for the future of the state. A vigorous conservation program should be implemented in every city. City conservation goals should be set with incentives for meeting those goals. State officials must establish procedures for monitoring and protecting our underground aquifers which were depleted during 2008-2009. Critically, passage of a water bond is necessary to provide resources for increased storage capacity, recycling facilities, and ecosystem restoration.

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?

Student performance and student success rates are correlated with per pupil funding. According to recent Census Bureau data, in 2012, California spent $9,183 per pupil placing California 16th lowest in the US. We can do better. The highest amount spent per pupil was in New York at $19,552 and the lowest $6,659 in Idaho. New York has one of the best student performance indicators Proposition 30 will help address this issue but it is only a temporary solution to a long term problem. Thus, the legislature must develop and implement a consistent K-12 funding mechanism.

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

Continued economic growth, addressing water conservation,and education are top priorities. In addition, the legislature needs to address comprehensive California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform including the energy extraction process known as hydraulic fracking and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

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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 24, 2014 10:08
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