Affordability concerns dominate early discussion, but ideas to tackle the crisis differ
Moderators set the “theme” of the first half-hour of the debate as “affordability,” a major issue in expensive California. They then asked the candidates various different questions on the topic.
Steve Hilton, up first, talked about his campaign promise of $3-per-gallon gas. Chad Bianco said Democrats have long over-regulated and over-taxed Californians, and California’s supermajority Democratic legislature will have to get in line with him and end those things if he’s elected.
Matt Mahan said the state’s gas tax is regressive and needs to be changed, and that he will remove barriers to housing. Xavier Becerra said he would reduce prescription drug prices and build shovel-ready housing projects. Tony Thurmond said he would provide down-payment assistance grants to those trying to own their first home.
Tom Steyer said he would shorten and reduce the cost of permitting for new homes, and drop the cost of construction by using industrial off-site building processes. Antonio Villaraigosa said he would provide better first-time homebuyer assistance, and fast track and streamline housing construction.
Katie Porter said California builds housing much more slowly than other states, and needs to build faster by innovating and cutting red tape, which she said would bring down housing costs.
Asked about healthcare, the candidates agreed costs were up, but not on the reason. Becerra and Hilton sparred over the issue directly.
Becerra blamed the Trump administration for costs going up and for stripping healthcare funding from California. He said California has to fight back to bring those costs down. He then called President Trump, “Steve Hilton’s daddy,” and said Hilton would not be the fighter California needs.
Hilton said costs are up because of “decisions made here in California by our politicians,” that federal funding coming to the state for healthcare is increasing, and that state rules prevent insurance companies from competing, which drives up costs.
Becerra tried to get Hilton to say he would fight Trump’s cuts to healthcare funding. Hilton didn’t bite.
