Issues

Jim Silva is a conservative Republican who believes in family values, free enterprise, strong law enforcement and limited government.

Taxes and Spending

Assemblyman Jim Silva voted NO on the tax increases placed on the ballot by the legislature in 2009. Jim believes that raising taxes only encourages the big spenders in Sacramento to dream up more ways to spend out money.

Jim took office as a county supervisor just days after the county declared bankruptcy. A staunch opponent of tax increases, Jim led the successful fight to restore the county’s fiscal stability, without raising taxes.

As a member of the Assembly, Jim works for sound, conservative fiscal policies that protect taxpayers and check growth in state spending. He opposes attempts to weaken Proposition 13 or lower the 2/3 vote requirement for spending measures. Jim is working hard to bring common sense to Sacramento by limiting annual increases in government spending to no more than inflation and population growth.

Economic Development

Jim Silva understands that California’s economic recovery depends on attracting and keeping new and growing businesses that provide jobs for the state’s citizens. He wants to make it easier to start or expand a business (streamlining of regulatory approvals, consolidation of state permitting agencies and a relaxation of legislative prohibitions that harm small business, etc.) and he opposes any bill in the Assembly that restricts or discourages entrepreneurship.

Eminent Domain Abuse

Jim Silva believes private property rights are among the fundamental rights enjoyed by Americans. He opposes attempts by government agencies to use eminent domain to condemn property except in extreme cases where the public’s health or safety is at stake. Jim also opposes onerous regulations and fees on property owners seeking to improve or develop their property.

Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigrations costs California taxpayers over $10 billion every year, increases crime and crowds our schools and hospitals. Jim Silva believes our local, state and federal governments must work together to stop illegal immigration and protect our border. Jim strongly opposes any move to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and he strongly opposes the granting of driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. 

Transportation

Jim Silva believes state government has shortchanged transportation in recent years, allowing our freeways, highways and streets to crumble and not planning effectively for future transportation needs. Jim believes the sales tax collected on gasoline should be spent to improve roads, and that the state should stop the practice of “raiding” transportation funds to pay for other programs.

Neighborhood Safety

A strong proponent of law enforcement and victim’s rights, Jim Silva believes government needs to do more to protect law abiding citizens, especially children. He opposes any weakening of California’s three strikes law, and he co-chaired the Jessica’s Law Initiative to keep sex offenders away from schools for life.