The entire infrastructure system throughout the United States has been sorely neglected for decades.  Congress should amend the recently-approved budget to redirect significant portions of the tax reductions given to major corportions and utilize that funding to finance promised infrastructure repairs and upgrades nationwide.  California, in conjunction with the Federal Government currently has numerous funding resources in place to fund highways, water resources, airports as well as High Speed Rail.  However, federal funding, especially for consumer water projects and California's High Speed Rail project need to be increased significantly.

Immediate authorization of all health agencies and programs to negotiate for better prices for prescription medications that are comparable to those paid by organizations and individuals abroad.  In the interim, introduce legislation to reduce the eligibility age for Medicare, as well as expand Medicare and Medicaid services to serve as many families as practicable, with the ultimate goal of providing universal health care throughout the United States.

The ACA ("Obamacare") was modeled after "Romneycare," a successful Republican healthcare system developed by then-Governor Mitt Romney.  At the outset, there were some difficulties with Governor Romney's program.  However, state legislators in Massachusetts worked with Governor Romney to "tweak" Romneycare to ensure a successful program.  Regrettably, Congress refused to implement similar adjustments to Obamacare because they put party politics ahead of the best interests of families.  I would introduce comparable/appropriate legislation to make the ACA more workable.

Congress must meet its responsibility of implementing a reasonable immigration policy that will benefit families and commerce alike.  A revised and updated version of S. 744, a comprehensive, sensible immigration bill written in 2013 by a bipartisan group of eight Senators (known as the "Gang of Eight") would certainly work today, if partisan politics and bigotry could be set aside in the best interests of the nation.

Among the actions I would take are: Reinstate federal mandates regarding the Safe Drinking Water Act and other water policy measures that have recently been weakened and/or eliminated by the EPA.  Review existing successful water conservation programs throughout the United States (eg. Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance & Technology; Columbia Basin Water Smart Projects) for possible adaptability and/or expansion with assistance of federal grants.  Additionally, explore various successful innovative water treatment projects abroad with the objective of implementing such technology throughout California and/or nationwide. 

Respect and thoughtfulness have always been an integral part of my life.  As an elected official, I would continue to make respectful conduct and treatment of others a public policy issue of my tenure.  However, respect for self and others begins in the home.  A strong spotlight should be focused on this aspect of the problem via community service organizations and schools.  As an educator, I have always modeled the behavior I wish my students to practice.  I would support an extensive national campaign that would focus on our schools throughout the nation.  It would be initiated and/or supported by the Federal Department of Education, in partnership with state and local school districts to encourage self respect and respect for others. Activities that encourage and reward respectfulness and regard for all others would be expanded, enhanced or developed as appropriate to address all forms of disrespect, bigotry, and intollerance.