California's high unemployment rate contributes to the stagnation of the housing market and reduces revenue collected by local governments, prompting more cuts to the local services that people depend on.

I continue to support legislative actions and host events in my district to create jobs. It must be our top priority.

Since my election to the Assembly in 2008, I have traveled all across the 15th district; from Walnut Creek to Livermore, from Oakley and Brentwood to Elk Grove and Galt, meeting with parents, educators, administrators and students to hear their stories about the impacts of recent education cuts. These informal “Classroom Cabinet” meetings keep me well informed about the issues and guide many of the education related bills I introduce and support.

Our current budget process in the State of California is both outdated and outmoded. My experience balancing budgets in the corporate world as well as my 18 years balancing budgets on the San Ramon Unified School District Board, taught me that benchmarks, review and accountability are key to effective management of limited financial resources.

Join me in supporting reform that will reduce cost and improve outcomes.