Eloise Reyes grew up near the train tracks in south Colton. Although her family had modest means they had great aspirations for their children. They knew it would take perseverance and a great education to live a better life.
We need to ensure that the new green and biotech industries create jobs for Inland Empire families.
A just society must invest in its young people. This means access to high quality early childhood education; strong, sustainable community schools in every neighborhood; and comprehensive youth programs and employment opportunities.
Why does the United States have more people in jail than any other advanced country in the world? No one disagrees that dangerous criminals belong behind bars. However, many of those who are incarcerated could be living productive lives and caring for their families.
Sadly, gun violence has become an epidemic in the Inland Empire. As your Assemblymember, I will write "common sense" gun laws and work with law enforcement and our community to help end the violence.
At the Inland Regional Center, AR-15 rifles were used to murder fourteen people and seriously injure twenty-two. It took only four minutes.
They were purchased legally and were easily modified into assault rifles.
When thinking of common sense gun laws, I think of my client George who at 16 was shot and rendered a quadriplegic. George now requires 24-hour attendant care, but has graduated from high school and community college. Because of George's nomination, I humbly accepted the 2013 "Community Hero Against Gun Violence" Award.
California is "Graying"—we have the largest number of people over age 65 in the country. By 2020, it is projected that California will have more than 6.5 million seniors.
Many seniors whom I visit are concerned about protecting their independence. They want to live in their own home and community as long as possible. Public policies need to address this issue.
Inland Empire residents have served our nation in wars ranging from World War II to Iraq to Afghanistan. Now, some of these people battle PTSD, injuries, homelessness, and other maladies. They deserve not just our gratitude, but also our assistance.
strongly believe in full equality under the law for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I support marriage equality as a Constitutional right.
During my years as an attorney, adjunct professor, community advocate, businesswoman and now as an Assemblymember, I have been committed to diversity at every level.
Many of the things that make us different from one another are the things that make our society better.
In Sacramento, I continue to advocate a zero-tolerance policy for bullying on K-12 campuses, including bullying around gender identity and sexual orientation.
Our Police and Firefighters deserve our support. Unfortunately, some legislators are trying to balance the state budget by cutting their pensions. I believe that these are promises that need to be kept.
We have all been traumatized and saddened by the unspeakable mass shooting in our community. We are also proud of the incredible job of our first responders.
In Sacramento, I will continue to advocate for additional police and firefighters for our local communities.