Issues
Our Economy
Our district has one of the most diverse and dynamic economic bases in America. With major business centers and some of the most desirable recreation and vacation communities in Southern California, our local economy is driven by key employment sectors such as high tech, bio-tech, clean tech, green tech, automotive design, financial services and hospitality.
Health Care
Those in Congress who have opposed health insurance reform are focused on the wrong patient. They want to keep the insurance industry healthy at the expense of the long-term healthcare interests of the American people. They want to preserve a marketplace that benefits the bottom line of pharmaceutical companies, even if it means that millions of Americans cannot afford the medicines they need to live.
Education
As a former teacher and a mother, I regard education as a cornerstone to our success as a nation. I am a product of public education and appreciate the educational resources that were available to my own children. America’s future workforce, our think-force, must have access to a high quality education if the United States is to remain a world-leader in innovation.
The Environment
Our district is home to four coastal cities — Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. Coastal preservation is not just about aesthetics and recreation, it is a bottom-line economic issue. And with most of our wetlands gone, ensuring that the Newport Back Bay is effectively managed and preserved is critical.
Housing
For many, the dream of home ownership has turned into a nightmare. Here in Orange County, there were 8,500 foreclosures last year. The good news is that the number is down from the year before. The bad news is the number of families defaulting on their home loans continues to grow and has almost doubled in the past two years. These are tough times in America and we’re not out of the woods yet.
