League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Alameda, Santa Clara County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
	Henry C. Manayan 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 first pass Prop. 57 and 58 to keep the State operating. Second, we need to be realistic and accept a level of compromise that contains a certain measure of cuts and taxes that will be fair. Third, we must aggresively establish a business-friendly environment that allows companies to prosper and create jobs for a stronger economy.

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

Legislators must be mindful of the public mandate of keeping funding to the minimum levels established by Prop.98. Second, we need to also meet our commitment to the funding levels established for the Community Colleges, which has traditionally been short these past years.

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

We need to stress the importance of Conservation through more outreach and education. Additionally, we need to make sure that more local governments implement water recycling measures, and clean water programs. Finally, California needs to ready itself for future growth by planning for additional water supplies and resevoirs.

4. What should the Legislature be doing to address the needs of Californians without health insurance?

SB2 is a good start to add more Californians to the ranks of the insured. However, we need to be careful that we do no unfairly burden small and mid-size businesses. Selective State exemptions will help there. As our economy starts to recover, we should be mindful of the needs of the uninsured and set aside a portion of increased state revenues towards insuring those without health insurance. I would support a minimal plan that can accomodate more of those who can lease afford insurance.