Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 16

I am Edward Ytuarte, a first time candidate for public office. I want to talk about our country in ways the Republicans and Democrats don't. These two parties have prioritized government resources in ways detrimental to working class people. The war in Iraq is one example, with its huge costs in money, damage to that country's institutions, people, and troops. Worse yet, the war endangers world peace by boosting terrorism and by increasing international contempt for the U.S. government.

We must fully fund California schools. The state's businesses have saved enormous amounts of money by having public schools educate and train millions of their current and future workers at no cost to the employer. The state should tax businesses more heavily so that they pay more of their share of this employment preparation.

I support doubling the current minimum wage and will work with labor unions in fighting any unfair and coercive legislation.

I strongly oppose any further privatizing of public services, especially the running of schools by outfits like Edison.

I am opposed to the death penalty in all cases.

I will also work on behalf of stronger protections for tenants, including the repeal of the Costa-Hawkins Law and the requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.

The disability community needs a champion in the legislature who brings a strong isability perspective and consciousness to Sacramento. I support >expanding >health care coverage for all Californians as one way to assist the disability community. I am also opposed at any legislative efforts to weaken the ability of the disability community to sue entities for discrimination.

I am currently the Oakland Tenants Union's coordinator and co-producer of a disability oriented show on KPFA radio.