Candidate for Ca. Gov. talks legislative issues in Coachella Valley
Former Los Angeles Mayor and 2018 Gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa spoke with Valley leaders, including State Assembly Members Eduardo Garcia and Chad Mayes, at the All Legislative Lunch at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
“California is a great place,” Villaraigosa told KESQ and CBS Local 2 in a one-on-one interview. “But, if we want to make it greater still, we need to invest in every part of the state and show up.”
Villaraigosa talked about issues he wanted to address, including creating more middle-class jobs.
“(To) ensure that we’re growing together,” he said. “That we’re not just growing rapidly on the coast, (and) building infrastructure on the coast, but actually growing in places like the Coachella Valley.”
He, Garcia and Mayes tackled other issues in a discussion lead by KESQ’s John White, including the debate on healthcare.
“Not only, over time, could we lose something like $20 billion to provide healthcare to the uninsured, but very importantly, that will be an impact on the economy,” Villaraigosa said. “On the economy here in this area, in the Inland Empire and in the Central Valley.”
“There are a lot of challenges when it comes to healthcare overall, and I think everything needs to be put on the table, including the conversation about single-payer. ” Eduardo Garcia said. “Let’s not be afraid to have that conversation.”
Assemb. Chad Mayes/ (R) 42nd district
“The system currently is broken,” Chad Mayes said. “And let me tell you, if I was a Democrat back there in Washington D.C., I would be working with Republicans to try and make it a better deal.”
Overall, all three men agreed collaboration will be key on both sides.
State Senator Jeff Stone sent a video from Sacramento addressing those at the lunch.
Garcia also announced his endorsement of Villaraigosa for Governor Friday afternoon.
Villaraigosa is also running against Democrats California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Treasurer John Chiang and Former California Superintendent of Public Instruction Schools Delaine Eastin. Republican businessman John Cox also announced his candidacy for the 2018 Governor Race.
Villaraigosa also commented on the revised state budget, and the debate of sanctuary status during our one-on-one interview. To see our entire one-on-one interview, watch the video below.
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