Economic Development

For many, there is a belief that businesses and corporations are evil entities that are trying to take advantage of the people. In fact, businesses are valuable members of society. Businesses invent new products that we all benefit from, and they employ the vast majority of us, giving us the money to purchase the items that we need and want. There is nothing wrong with any of this. California is currently one of the most unfriendly states in the nation toward businesses. Overtaxed and overregulated businesses are moving out of the state. When they leave, the State of California loses out on property taxes, corporate income taxes, and sales tax revenue. And perhaps more importantly, we lose the jobs that those corporations provided. As a result, unemployment rates rise and our ability to feed our families diminishes. The state legislature should change its current posture by enacting policies that encourage corporations to remain in the state and that will attract new businesses to California.

Government spending

Over the last few years, the State of California has been fiscally irresponsible. In good times, the budget became bloated as a result of easy money gained through income taxes and sales taxes. These volatile sources of revenue are highly susceptible to decreasing whenever there is a downturn in the economy. The state legislature must realize this and control its spending to account for economic downturns. A leaner and more efficient state government will leave more money in the hands of individuals, which is where it belongs. Allow individuals to choose what they wish to do with their own money.

Public safety

Every day, police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens. The courageous work of these people should never be taken for granted. The State of California and local governments should take steps to ensure that police and fire departments are adequately staffed and supplied to deal with whatever situations that may arise. Additionally, criminals should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The government must ensure the criminal justice system has the funding to prosecute and incarcerate those who break the law.

Infrastructure

Along with public safety, a major concern for the state legislature is to ensure funding for a first-class public infrastructure system. From well-constructed and safe roads, highways, and bridges, to robust reservoirs, levees, and water delivery systems, the government has a duty to provide a stable backbone for the State of California. A dependable infrastructure gives the people and businesses of California the means to succeed and thrive.

Education

Only after basic structural changes are made to California's educational system will it be possible for our students to catch up to those in other states and in other countries around the globe. Too much money is being wasted on administrative costs, and the system of holding teachers accountable for the education of their students is not working. Parents should be given greater choice in determining where their students go to get an education. And instead of receiving edicts from Sacramento, we must allow local school districts to determine the most effective methods for educating their students.