During these lean times our state must do more with less. Though cuts are inevitable, they are only one part of the solution to our massive deficit. Cutting too far puts more Californians out of work and deprives our state of much needed federal matching funds. Through strategic investments that help retain and create jobs, [...]
Issues
Manuel sought elected office because he believed the 80th Assembly District needed more effective representation. He is not a career politician, and in his two years at the Capitol he has seen both the problems and the promise of our legislative and budget processes. By staying focused on the needs of the 80th District, and through his willingness to work hard and reach across the aisle when necessary, he is getting the job done for our communities.
Below are Manuel's positions on several key issues. For a listing of Manuel's accomplishments during his first term, please click here.
Education & Workforce Development
During these lean times our state must do more with less. Though cuts are inevitable, they are only one part of the solution to our massive deficit. Cutting too far puts more Californians out of work and deprives our state of much needed federal matching funds. Through strategic investments that help retain and create jobs, [...]
Jobs & Economy
California’s powerhouse economy is owed to its innovative spirit, geographic location, abundant resources and climate, but is also due in large part to its diverse and resilient people. The global recession has put many of these good people out of work, and families are struggling to make ends meet. As chair of the Assembly Jobs [...]
Community Health & Safety
Prior to being elected, Manuel was a community health director for a local clinic system and in that capacity he worked to improve the health status of families in the Coachella Valley. Therefore, he understands that many issues influence a person’s health — not only access to affordable medical care and a primary care physician, [...]
Government Reform
Manuel also firmly believes that we must address the broken aspects of state government. For example, one major hindrance to the budget process is our structure of state government finance. There are too many loopholes and not enough transparency. Therefore, Manuel supports efforts to evaluate tax expenditures to analyze the true impact of this state [...]
Veterans
California is home to more than two million veterans, many of whom are facing serious challenges transitioning back to civilian life – particularly when it comes to finding a job. A U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs study reported that 18% of the veterans who sought jobs within one to three years of discharge are unemployed, [...]