League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
	Brad Sherman Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 27

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

I have been working to ensure the government provides struggling families and small businesses with assistance. I am focusing on methods that maximize the stimulus now while minimizing the increase to the national debt. I voted for legislation has saved or created 3 million jobs that would otherwise not exist today. Millions of dollars have flowed to the San Fernando Valley, like the 405 Sepulveda Pass freeway widening project. Hundreds of teachers who were slated to be laid off in this economic crisis are still teaching our kids.

3. What, if anything, should be done by the federal government to address our dependence on fossil fuels or spur the use of clean energy?

Protecting our environment, both around the world and here in the San Fernando Valley, is one of my top legislative priorities. I have consistently earned a 100 percent vote rating from the Sierra Club for my work in Congress.

Improving Vehicle Mileage & Reducing Greenhouse Gasses

California leads the nation in passing progressive environmental policies. I have worked to make sure that the federal government does not prohibit California from implementing those policies. In 2007, the Bush administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rejected California's request to regulate motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

I introduced the Right to Clean Vehicles Act (H.R. 609) to force the EPA to allow California to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Shortly thereafter, the Obama administration's EPA reversed the previous decision and allowed California to maintain its regulations.

Subsequently, the Obama administration issued new nationwide rules designed to reach reduction levels similar to those adopted by the State of California. The new rules will begin to be phased-in beginning in model year 2012 for cars and light trucks (pickups, vans, and SUVs). The rules are estimated to increase fuel economy standards to as much as 35.5 miles per gallon by model year 2016. The standards will require cars, SUVs, minivans, and other light trucks to meet combined emissions levels that the agency estimates will average a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to current levels.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to current federal policies or programs that promote or provide health coverage for Americans?

Protecting Medicare Benefits

The official budget plan put forward by the House Minority increases the minimum age of eligibility for Medicare, and new enrollees would no longer receive coverage through the current program, but would be given a voucher to purchase private health insurance. Who knows what kind of coverage the insurance companies will offer in return for the voucher? I oppose efforts to create a "voucher" system that effectively eliminates Medicare's guaranteed health care benefits.

Improving Economic Security for Seniors

Currently, Medicare does not cover prescription drug costs between $2,830 and $6,440 per year. Under legislation I helped pass, seniors who spend more than $2,830 and are affected by the donut-hole gap will receive a one-time, non-taxable $250 payment. Medicare recipients do not have to do anything to get the $250 check--once their drug costs for the year hit $2,830, the check should be issued automatically.

Beginning next year, the costs of prescription drugs falling in the donut hole will be discounted by 50 percent, because of this legislation. The out-of-pocket costs for seniors' drug costs falling in the donut hole will be further reduced incrementally every year. In nine years, the donut hole will be eliminated entirely.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. No candidate may refer to another candidate in the response.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 13, 2010 06:17
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