Strengthening Public Education

As a legislator, I've worked to fully fund education, starting with restoring Prop. 98 funds that the state owes our schools.  As a Certified Public Accountant, I've demanded accountability to make sure dollars get into classrooms and help students learn.  I've opposed George Bush's No Child Left Behind Act and worked to ensure that all students, including English language learners and students with learning disabilities, can receive a high-school diploma.  In the community, we've worked together to help families figure out how to afford college and expand vocational programs for high-school students who go straight to work.

A few examples:

Voted for a budget that fully funded Proposition 98 and repaid funds the state owed to public education.

Authored AB 125 to ensure that bond funds for schools and colleges are properly spent by establishing a minimum standard for performance audits.

Co-authored AJR 23 to establish California's policy position for No Child Left Behind reauthorization, and joined legislative colleagues in opposing the renewal of a No Child Left Behind bill that punishes teachers and increases high-stakes testing.

Sponsored workshops in the community to expand awareness of the Cal-Grant program, that helps California's students afford college tuition.

Worked with community organizations to expand language and vocational training at all levels of life.