LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ®of Saginaw County Michigan

PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH with THE CLEAN AIR PROMISE

2011-10-24T23:07:00.000-04:00

Make the Clean Air Promise at http://www.peoplenotpolluters.org/

The Clean Air Promise campaign is a national effort to protect children and families from dangerous air pollution by obtaining commitments from our leaders to safeguard the Clean Air Act and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) enforcement authority. The League of Women Voters U.S. has initiated the campaign at the national level, along with several environmental and public health organizations.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUMS

2011-10-20T21:20:00.000-04:00

See the Candidate Forum on the City Council page:

http://www.saginaw-mi.com/Government/Departments/CityClerk/election/index.php

An Overview of Education Funding

2011-10-11T17:12:00.000-04:00

Featured Speaker

William Hartl

Recently Retired Director of Special Education Saginaw ISD

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 13

Saginaw Transitions Center

3860 Fashion Square Blvd. (just off McCarty)

Event will include a tour of the Transitions Center

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUMS

2011-09-07T17:02:00.000-04:00

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUMS

6:00 P.M.

Monday, September 17 ● Aired on SGTV

Women's Equality Day

2011-08-14T17:46:00.002-04:00

Celebrate Women’s Equality Day

Come Hear a Fascinating Presentation

About Michigan Women’s History

“Mixing It Up: The Fight of Michigan Barmaids for Civil Rights”

7:00 p.m.

Monday, August 22

Saginaw Township Fire Station #3

155 N. Center

Featured Speaker

Amy French

History Instructor, Delta College

The Fight of Michigan Barmaids for Civil Rights

2011-08-13T17:50:00.000-04:00

In 1945, Michigan legislators passed a law which prohibited women from being bartenders in cities with populations of over 50,000. In order to retain their economic livelihood, 28 women, bar owners and barmaids, sued. It ultimately ended up in a case (Goesaert v. Cleary) which was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Law schools teach this as a classic case of gender discrimination.

Amy French received a B.A. from U of M, a M.A. from CMU, and is currently working on her Ph.D. from Wayne. Throughout her career, she has attempted to bring women’s issues to the forefront. She is also very active in the community

2011-04-22T11:08:00.001-04:00

LWV Annual Meeting

6:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 26

Saginaw Club

Featured Speaker:

Rep. Stacy Earwin Oakes

Cost: $25

Representative Stacy Earwin Oakes will share her impressions of her

first term in office at our LWV Annual Meeting. She is planning to

speak at 6:15 p.m. Afterwards we will enjoy a wonderful meal at the

Saginaw Club and conduct the LWV Annual Meeting. Please mark

your calendars today, and plan on attending. Spouses and guests are

welcome as well.

April Meeting at Butman-Fish Library

2011-04-17T17:41:00.000-04:00

Alternative Voting Systems

Study and Consensus

Wednesday, April 20

7:00 p.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Story Hour Room

Alternative Voting Systems Study and Consensus

2011-04-17T17:32:00.001-04:00

The Presidential election of 2000, where the outcome was still in doubt 3 weeks later, challenged America’s complacency about the accuracy and fairness of our plurality voting system. In fact, several other democratic nations use a variety of voting systems to conduct elections.

The LWVMI is conducting a study of some of these alternate voting systems to answer the following question: Is the current method of plurality voting adequate under all circumstances, or should alternate systems be recommended?

Sherrill Smith will lead the discussion of 3 alternate voting methods, and lead the group through the consensus process.

Since this is a consensus meeting, no guests are allowed. Only LWV local members can participate.

Make Redistricting Open to the Public

2011-04-17T17:19:00.000-04:00

Make Redistricting Open to the Public

** Action Alert **

Contact Your Legislators and Local Newspaper to Say:
Make Redistricting Open to the Public
Redistricting is officially underway, following the State’s receipt of 2010 Census data last week. The Michigan Redistricting Collaborative has sent a letter to all legislators and has been meeting with editorial boards to gain their support for a more open redistricting process that includes public access to draft maps and opportunities for citizen involvement. The Detroit Free Press published an editorial last week saying that lawmakers should allow the public to give feedback about proposed districts and explain how and why decisions about redistricting are made. (http://www.freep.com/article/20110331/OPINION01/103310412/Editorial-redistricting-process-show-your-work)

We need you to add your voice to the call for a transparent redistricting process. We’re asking you to contact your legislators and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper this week. If you can only take one action, that will be helpful too. Then, as a last step, let us know who you’ve contacted.

2011-03-10T19:52:00.000-05:00

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THIS FREE INFORMATIONAL PROGRAM

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT REDISTRICTING

Join Saginaw County Treasurer Marv Hare for a presentation about

redistricting in Saginaw County. Some special Department of Justice rules apply to Saginaw County, and Mr. Hare is the County official with the most experience with the process.

Every ten years redistricting changes the face of the American political landscape on the local, state and national level. Saginaw County is no exception…and this year the process might be more controversial because of proposals to reduce the number of County Commission districts.

Thursday, March 31

11:30 a.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Lunch will be served.

Please RSVP by Thursday, March 24 by calling 989-791-3889 or emailing lwvsaginaw@yahoo.com

Participants are invited to stay for an afternoon showing of the film Gerrymandering. Its purpose is to make its complicated subject — electoral redistricting — a political hot topic. Written and directed by Jeff Reichert, it examines the legal chicanery by which electoral districts are modified for political purposes.

Co-sponsored by the Saginaw County League Women Voters and the Saginaw Branch NAACP

Michigan Redistricting

2011-02-21T16:04:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING LWV PROGRAMS

LWV PROGRAM PLANNING

Learn about LWV advocacy positions.

Tuesday, Feb. 22

5:30 p.m.

Magic Bean Café

5789 State St.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT REDISTRICTING

Join Saginaw County Treasurer Marv Hare for a brief presentation about

redistricting in Saginaw County.

Thursday, March 31

11:30 a.m.

Butman-Fish Library

Lunch will be served.

Participants are invited to stay for an afternoon showing of the film Gerrymandering.

Co-sponsored by the Saginaw Branch NAACP

“Women in History”

2011-02-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

The LWV's 91st birthday party is coming up soon, and I hope you will be able to join us! Please feel free to bring a friend! To RSVP simply e-mail me back.

“Women in History”

Luncheon Meeting

Saturday, February 19

12:00 noon

Saginaw Township Fire Station # 3

155 N. Center

Keynote Speaker

Roberta Johnson

Retired CA Administrative Law Judge

RSVP 791-3889 by Feb. 15

Enjoy a fun, interactive program with Roberta Johnson as we focus on Women in History. She will ask for volunteers to participate in reader’s theater. The program will focus on the life of Mary Wollstonecraft. Roberta comments that her own history, and the barriers she overcame, makes her very interest in women fighting for equal opportunity. Roberta was a longtime LWV member in California, who recently moved to Michigan.

This free luncheon is a friend raising meeting. As a member of the League, you know that the LWV is an organization where smart, active leaders work to create lasting change in the community. For 91 years, the members our LWV have worked on civic improvement issues, published the Voter Guide and held candidate forums to educate voters, and advocated for good government

We hope that you will take this opportunity to introduce your friends to your fellow LWV members --and to the LWV, where hands on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement.

November 2, 2010 VOTER INFORMATION

2010-09-24T17:37:00.002-04:00

Voter information for the Saginaw County Commission races are ready. Click on the link to the Voter Guide pages November 2010 Voter Guides for the candidates own statements.

Register to Vote

2010-09-23T19:57:00.003-04:00

The last day to register to vote in the November 2, 2010, election is October 4th. For more information about voting requirement in Michigan check out the LWV Michigan link below:

http://www.lwvmi.org/voterinfo.html

LWV Breakfast Meeting 09/24/2010

2010-09-04T20:44:00.002-04:00

LWV Breakfast Meeting

8:00 a.m.

Friday, September 24

Sullivan’s Restaurant

5235 Gratiot Road

Featured Speaker

Sr. Marietta Fritz

“Women and Prison”

Order off Menu, RSVP by calling Janie Gugino at 799-9646

Please take the LWV Breakfast Challenge!

Bring a new member who joins, and the LWV will pay for your breakfast!

Our Speaker

Sr. Marietta is the founder of Emmaus House,

a series of residential halfway homes for women

who have just been released from prison.

The excellence of her program, and the support it gives,

are recognized throughout Michigan.

Winning the Vote

2010-09-02T15:06:00.001-04:00

In celebration of the League's 90th anniversary, author Robert Cooney has written an article about the roots of the League in the woman suffrage movement, based on his presentation at the League's 2010 National Convention. For a limited time, Mr. Cooney and his publisher are making available to members and friends of the League autographed copies of his award-winning, richly illustrated history, Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Woman Suffrage Movement (no charge for shipping). More information and the article are accessible here.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Message

2010-09-02T15:02:00.000-04:00

Woman Suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt recognized that getting the vote was not the end of the journey. The League of Women Voters was founded to "finish the fight," in her words, and for 90 years the League has continued the journey toward a society in which every citizen has a voice in a government of fair and equitable laws and policies. Speaker Pelosi's message recounts the journey.

90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

2010-09-02T15:01:00.001-04:00

This month we joyfully celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. Now, as we approach Labor Day, and Congress's return from recess becomes imminent, the League is focused on the unfinished business. We will continue our work for full disclosure of campaign spending and action on climate change throughout the fall. Comprehensive legislation to address climate change is as urgent as it ever was. We are in the middle of the primary election season, and the November 2nd Election Day is barely two months away. Stay tuned with us for action in September.

Voter Guides for the August 3, 2010 Primary election

2010-07-15T15:35:00.002-04:00

Voters Guides for the offices Governor, U.S. Representative, State Senator and State Representative are now available online: http://lwvmi.org/2010PrimaryVoterGuideIndex.htm

Check out the League of Women Voters of Michigan website for more information.

http://www.lwvmi.org

New Smackdown Your Vote! Democracy Award

2010-07-09T14:47:00.001-04:00

As part of the League's longstanding Smackdown Your Vote! (SYV!) partnership, World Wrestling Entertainment is supporting a new award to honor state and local Leagues for their work to engage young people in the political process. SYV!'s generous support will encourage innovation in the area of youth engagement for many years. Want to get involved? Contact your local League or download and share the brand-new 2010 18-30 Voter Issues Paper (VIP), a must-have resource for young people to learn about the issues that matter most to them.

2010 18-30 Voter Issues Paper (VIP)

High School Voter Registration Project Enfranchises Thousands

2010-07-09T14:44:00.000-04:00

Leagues in five states worked this spring to help thousands of students in high-minority high schools register to vote and learn about the importance of civic participation. The Leagues, in conjunction with the League's Education Fund and our research partner, Project Vote, will continue their efforts when school starts again this fall. The results of their work will help inform groundbreaking research and materials to support Leagues' youth engagement work for years to come.

2010 Unofficial Michigan Primary Candidate Listing

2010-07-09T14:34:00.003-04:00

A list of candidates for the August Primary and links to their web sites are listed on the Michigan Secretary of States page

http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/candlist/10PRI/10PRI_CL.HTM

Eighth Annual Patriotic Potluck

2010-06-14T10:23:00.001-04:00

You Are Invited!

Saginaw County League of Women Voters

Eighth Annual

Patriotic Potluck

810 Fairway

6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 7

Enjoy a relaxing evening with fellow League members.

Hamburgers with all the fixings will be provided.

Paper plates, beverages and silverware will be on hand.

Please bring a dish to pass.

R.S.V.P. by July 3 to Janie, 799-9646

Climate and Energy Legislation

2010-06-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

League Urges Senate to Pass Climate and Energy Legislation
President Mary G. Wilson sent a letter to the Senate urging them to pass comprehensive legislation on energy and the environment. Opponents of this important legislation have introduced language that attacks the Clean Air Act and would block EPA from taking action against climate change. If it passes, this will put public health at risk and jeopardize long-overdue action to cut emissions from the biggest polluters. Take action now to tell your Senators to protect the Clean Air Act and to vote against Senator Murkowski's resolution of disapproval (S.J. Res 26) or any similar legislation that blocks EPA action, including S. 3072 introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D WV). The Murkowski resolution is scheduled for a vote on June 10.

Clean Air Act

2010-05-21T22:47:00.000-04:00

Action Alert: Defend the Clean Air Act
Act now! Tell your Senators to protect the Clean Air Act and vote against Senator Murkowski's resolution of disapproval (S.J. Res 26) or any similar legislation that blocks EPA action against climate change, including S. 3072 introduced by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D WV). Read the League’s strongly worded press release here.

Climate Legislation

2010-05-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

League Expresses Concern Over Lack of Adaptation Funding in Senate Climate Legislation
In a statement, the League and coalition partners commended Senators for releasing climate change legislation, but voiced concern over lack of funding for international action to tackle climate change.

ACTION ALERT

2010-05-07T12:16:00.001-04:00

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court handed down a far-reaching decision that allows corporations and unions to spend unlimited advertising funds in candidate elections. The practical effect of the decision in Citizens United v. FEC is that such unlimited spending can be done in secret!

We must act quickly to protect the 2010 elections from being swamped with secret corporate and union money. Legislation to require complete disclosure of corporate and union electioneering has been introduced in the House and Senate, and the League of Women Voters is strongly supporting this bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act.

Please contact your Senators and Representative and urge them to support the DISCLOSE ACT. Tell them that they must act quickly, in time for the 2010 elections.

The DISCLOSE Act will create strong new disclosure rules, require more complete disclaimers by those running ads, bar election spending by foreign corporations, create clearer coordination rules, and prohibit election ads by large federal contractors or corporations that receive federal bailout funds. Now, even foreign corporations can purchase ads in an effort to sway voters, and they can do so secretly.

We urgently need enhanced disclosure in time for the 2010 elections. Voters deserve to know who is paying for election advertising. Secret money, especially secret foreign money, has no place in America's democracy.

Act now to urge Congress to act quickly to protect the 2010 elections.

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Senators and Representative now. Tell them to support the DISCLOSE Act, and tell them to take action before the 2010 elections.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Senators and Representative today!

BACKGROUND

Learn more about what the League is doing to support campaign finance reform.

Sign up to receive Action Alerts directly by email. Don't miss an opportunity to take action! It's easy to sign up and the League will never share your email with others.

For additional information, please contact LWVUS Grassroots Lobbyist Christina Vamvas atlobbying@lwv.org.

Janet M Boes Speaks at Annual Meeting

2010-05-07T11:31:00.001-04:00

Janet Boes was the speaker at the League's Annual Meeting. Her topic "Reflections on the Bench" and subsequent lively Q&A brought insight into her experiences as a circuit judge and woman in the legal profession.

“Today is Earth Day.*

2010-04-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

As our nation reflects on the problems facing our planet, it's important to remember why these issues matter, and what we can do as citizens. League supporters are now asking their Senators to make sure a climate change bill is as strong as possible, and it's not too late to add your voice. Click here to contact your Senators [ http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5950/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1503 ]. You can also call *1-877-9-REPOWER*, a service our friends at Repower America are providing as another way to reach your Senators.

The League has been working year-round educating the public and lobbying Congress on climate change, and we expect legislation to be introduced in the Senate soon.

*Why is climate legislation important?* The scientific evidence is clear: climate change, caused largely by human emissions of greenhouse gases, is already threatening our health and causing environmental damages, including:
* Intensifying floods, hurricanes, sewage overflows and wildfires;
* Displaced populations and an increase in the spread of diseases like malaria;
* Severe droughts and heat waves leading to heat-related illness and deaths;
* Crop devastation and drinking water shortages.

*What next?* These disturbing trends will continue and worsen substantially unless we make serious changes. The League supports legislation that includes:
* A *declining cap on greenhouse gases* that reduces U.S. emissions at least 25% by 2020 and 80-95% by 2050;
* Funding to *help the poorest countries* deal with these emerging problems;
* A 10-year *moratorium on new coal plants* to restrict greenhouse gas emissions;
* Investments in a new *clean energy economy*, including wind, conservation and efficiency programs that will secure energy supplies, foster innovation, and create new jobs.

Ask your friends and relatives to take action with you today by forwarding this email. As citizens, we are in this fight together.

US Census 2010

2010-03-18T14:04:00.002-04:00

The U.S. Census happens only once every 10 years - and Census 2010 is fast approaching!

Across the country, individuals and families are beginning to receive their Census questionnaires. The League is dedicated to ensuring an accurate count, so we've mobilized a network of more than 300 state and local Leagues who are working in their communities to ensure broad participation. These Leagues are providing resources and getting the public involved.

Why is 2010 Census participation so important for your community? Here's what's at stake:

The distribution of $400 billion in federal funds per year to communities around the country;
Funding to build infrastructure, such as new hospitals, roads, tunnels, and schools;
Funding to improve public services, such as emergency services, job-training and senior centers;
Critical demographic data informing businesses where to invest in local economies;
Perhaps most importantly, for the next 10 years the Census will help determine how we are represented in Congress, in every state legislature, and in many local legislative bodies.

The 2010 Census is a short form with 10 questions that will take 10 minutes to complete.

We need your help spreading the word that the Census is important, easy, and fair. Will you forward this message to 5 of your neighbors or friends today?

The Census influences public policy decisions, and we all must do our part to see that it is accurate and inclusive. Our goal is to help eliminate any undercount, particularly in low-income and minority populations.

It's too important to miss. Fill out and mail your questionnaire by the April 1, 2010 deadline - and make sure your family and friends know what's at stake.

For more information on confidentiality, language assistance, and other questions on how the Census works, click here.

Sincerely,

Mary G. Wilson

President, LWVUS

ACTION ALERT: Pass Strong Health Care Legislation Now!

2010-03-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

ACTION ALERT: Pass Strong Health Care Legislation Now!

The House of Representatives is poised to take final action on health care reform legislation in the next few days. If ever there was a time to let your Representative know of your support for comprehensive health care reform, this is it! Please contact your Representative today and urge him or her to vote for the legislation that is coming to the House floor that will establish comprehensive health care reform.

Contact your Representative now, by clicking here and entering your zip code. You can also call him or her at 202-225-3121. Tell your Representative to pass strong health care legislation NOW. The House is poised to vote on health care legislation that will extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans.

The federal government needs to take strong action to extend health care coverage and reduce health care costs for individuals, businesses and communities. The current state of health care in this country is unsustainable. America is facing a health care crisis caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and an insurance system that leaves 47 million living day-to-day without coverage. The federal government needs to take strong action to reduce costs for individuals, businesses and communities. As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Over the last three decades, increases in the amount spent on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. If nothing is done, we could be spending $3 trillion for health care by 2011 and $4.2 trillion by 2016.

We cannot afford to do nothing. If comprehensive and effective health care legislation is not passed now, more Americans will lose coverage, endangering both our economy and our health.

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Representative now, by clicking here and entering your zip code. You may also call the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask for your Representative. Tell your Representative to support comprehensive health care reform legislation.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their elected leaders.

BACKGROUND

Learn more about what the League is doing to support health care reform.

Sign up to receive Action Alerts directly by email. Don't miss an opportunity to take action! It's easy to sign up and the League will never share your email with others: https://member.lwv.org/Subscribe.asp.

For additional information, please contact LWVUS Grassroots Lobbyist Christina Vamvas at lobbying@lwv.org.

Heart Health in Women

2010-02-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

Luncheon Meeting

Saturday, February 27

12:00 noon

Zauel Library

Keynote Speaker

Joyce M. Geary, M.D.

Michigan Cardiovascular Institute

RSVP 799-9646 by February 24

Please take this opportunity to hear about the important steps you can take to protect your heart’s health from a local physician who is an expert in the field.

This free luncheon is a friend raising meeting. As a member of the League, you know that the LWV is an organization where smart, active leaders work to create lasting change in the community. For 90 years, the members our LWV have worked on civic improvement issues, published the Voter Guide and held candidate forums to educate voters, and advocated for good government

We hope that you will take this opportunity to introduce your friends to your fellow LWV members --and to the LWV, where you are a part of an organization where smart, active leaders create lasting change in their communities.

Become an LWVUS fan

2009-12-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

Become an LWVUS fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leagueofwomenvoters.

2010 LWVUS Advocacy Priorities

2009-12-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

2010 LWVUS Advocacy Priorities: Time to Submit Your Suggestions
The LWVUS Board will be determining Advocacy Priorities for 2010 at the Board Meeting in late January. If you would like to submit suggestions, please send an email to jduffylwv@aol.com by January 15. Please indicate whether your suggestion is submitted as an individual or the result of a committee or League meeting. All suggested advocacy priority topics will be compiled into a report to the Board for consideration.

One of Ten Ways to Change the World

2009-12-26T11:05:00.003-05:00

Elections: VOTE411 Is One of Elections: VOTE411 Is One of Ten Ways to Change the World
We recently learned that VOTE411.org is featured in a new book, Ten Ways to Change the World in Your Twenties. VOTE411.org and the League are featured in Chapter 3, “Ways to Be the Life of Your Party” (p. 60). Literature like this is a great way to get young people excited about political awareness and the great work of the League! Don’t forget to check out our free downloadable voter outreach publications located in the LWVUS library.

LWVUS Executive Director Appointed to Advisory Panel

2009-12-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Openness in Government: LWVUS Executive Director Appointed to Advisory Panel
LWVUS Executive Director Nancy Tate has been appointed to an advisory panel to help the U.S. General Services Administration manage an online collaborative dialogue to solicit public feedback on USA.gov, an online portal designed to quickly connect Americans with government offices and services. This task fits in well with other open and collaborative government activities at the federal level in which LWVUS has become engaged since the Obama administration increased efforts to improve government openness, participation and collaboration.

League Delegation Attends UN COP15 Meetings in Copenhagen

2009-12-26T11:03:00.000-05:00

League Delegation Attends UN COP15 Meetings in Copenhagen
Eight League leaders have been in Copenhagen attending the United Nations Framework Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) as official non-governmental organization delegates. Click here to read impressions from LWVUS Delegation Chair Carole Conors and here to read her informal take on the ambiance of the meetings. LWVUS Delegate Sarah Diefendorf has been blogging for the Environmental Finance Center at Dominican University of California; you can follow her blog posts by clicking here. Read the LWVUS statement on this delegation here.

2009-12-07T19:05:00.009-05:00

Action Alert on Global Climate Change

The League of Women Voters of Michigan is working in partnership

with the international humanitarian group Oxfam America, to get the

message out that now is the time to act on global climate change.

We have been working on a variety of fronts to advance policies that

will reduce global warming. An event, featuring a screening of the

video Sisters on the Planet, was held in September. You can view

these videos at

http://www.oxfamamerica.org/campaigns/climate-change/

sisters-on-the-planet.

Attendees included key environmental leaders across the State and

LWVUS President Mary Wilson. While in Michigan, President

Wilson and I met with a representative from Senator Levin's office.

Following up, in October I travelled to Washington DC and, along

with an Oxfam representative, held meetings with staff members

from both Senator Levin's and Senator Stabenow's staffs.

Oxfam America's Sisters on the Planet initiative brings together
prominent women in the US, including Members of Congress
and leaders in civic, business, faith-based and philanthropic
communities who recognize the disproportionate impact of
climate change on poor people, especially women and children.
These ambassadors are willing to use their strong voices on
behalf of voiceless and vulnerable women around the world.

Michigan, Indiana, New Mexico, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, are

considered swing states. Our Senators are considered crucial

in getting the Climate Change legislation through Congress.

LWVMI is getting the Sisters message out and recruiting

influential women across the state who can help carry the

message to Senator Stabenow. We want to increase the number

of Sisters ambassadors by asking presidents of statewide

organizations and other prominent Michigan women to join

in this effort.

Our current Michigan Sisters Ambassadors list includes:

Honorable Jennifer Granholm Governor

Honorable Liz Brater Michigan State Senator

Honorable Sheila Cockrel Detroit City Commissioner

Honorable Shelby Bupp Ingham County Commissioner

Jocelyn Benson Law Professor, Wayne State University

Debbie Dingell Member Democratic National Committee

Patricia Gillis Executive Director, Voices for Earth Justice

Amanda Stitt Director, Michigan Voices

Raj Weiner Former Director, Michigan Department

of Public Health

Marianne Williamson Author

Jessica Reiser President, League of Women Voters of Michigan

If you have personal contact with someone who you believe

would consider becoming a sister and you are willing to ask

them to do so, please let me know. Contact me at president@lwvmi.org.

Thank you for your help,

Jessica Reiser

Do The Right Thing, Joe!

2009-11-29T17:25:00.001-05:00

The League believes it's not too late for Senator Lieberman to do the right thing when it comes to health care reform. That's why we've launched a new campaign that includes a Facebook page, "Do The Right Thing, Joe!" Other Senators need to hear this message as well. Join in the conversation today.

A Revolution from the Court? A Closer Look at Citizens United

2009-11-29T17:24:00.000-05:00

The Supreme Court is expected to reach a decision soon in Citizens United vs. FEC, a case that could allow corporate wealth to dominate elections. National League President Mary G. Wilson outlines exactly what is at stake in the case in a new opinion piece.

League Outlines Opposition to Threats to Clean Air Act

2009-11-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

The League and coalition partners recently released a fact sheet in opposition to legislation that would repeal sections of the Clean Air Act requiring coal-fired power plants to meet modern standards for global warming pollution.

Senate Version Health Care Bill

2009-11-19T13:28:00.002-05:00

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the Senate version of the health insurance reform bill. The bill was merged from the bills passed by the Senate Health Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Debbie Stabenow has posted the bill on her web page for your information.

http://stabenow.senate.gov/healthcare

ACTION ALERT

2009-11-07T17:31:00.001-05:00

ACTION ALERT: House Vote On Health Care Reform Imminent!

The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on historic health care reform legislation this weekend. Your Representative needs to hear from you right now!

Please contact your Representative immediately and ask him or her to support H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act!

Congress needs to pass comprehensive health care reform and the public option is a vital component. On Saturday, November 7, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962. Congress needs to hear that Americans want real health care reform. Opponents of reform are concentrating on the public insurance option because they know it is the key to controlling costs and ensuring consumer choice.

Enter your zip code to encourage your Representative to support comprehensive health care reform legislation.

The League of Women Voters believes that Congress must pass H.R. 3962. The Affordable Health Care for America Act is strong health care reform legislation that guarantees quality, safe and affordable health care coverage, including the choice of a public insurance plan. Everyone deserves the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans. Our health care is too important to be left only to private insurance companies.

Members of Congress need to demonstrate real leadership and move forward by passing H.R. 3962, including the public option.

Take action today to encourage your Representative to support H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act!

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Representative now, click here and enter your zip code. Tell him or her to support H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act with the public option. Emphasize that the public insurance option will guarantee consumer choice in health care while controlling costs.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representative today!

BACKGROUND

Health care reform is a complex issue on which the League has worked for many years. Click here to see the wide variety of the League's work on this critical issue.

Click here to read League President Mary Wilson's recent letter to the House of Representatives on the pending legislation.

100 Turn Out to Launch Quest for a More Diverse Judiciary

2009-11-02T18:43:00.000-05:00

More than 100 people attended this month's launch of "Safeguarding U.S. Democracy: Quest for a More Diverse Judiciary" in Topeka, KS. Also in attendance were Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, several Supreme Court Nominating Commissioners and Kansas State Representatives, and the Honorable Rebecca Love Kourlis, Executive Director of the Institute for the Advancement of the Legal System, who served as keynote speaker. For more on the project and to see pictures from the event, click here.

Climate Change: League Leaders Visit D.C. to Lobby Senators

2009-11-02T18:40:00.001-05:00

In the last two weeks of October, state League leaders from Florida, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington visited the nation's capital to urge their Senators to support strong climate change legislation. National League President Mary Wilson also participated in a conference call with press outlets to discuss Oxfam America's new report Exposed: Social Vulnerability and Climate Change in the US Southeast.

Election 2009

2009-10-31T18:38:00.000-04:00

Only 4 days until Election Day in 24 States!
November 3rd is Election Day in 24 states across the county! Go toVOTE411.org for candidate information, polling place hours, identification requirements and other information about elections in your area.

2009-10-25T17:04:00.002-04:00

Become an LWVUS fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leagueofwomenvoters

ACTION ALERT

2009-10-25T16:55:00.001-04:00

ACTION ALERT: Public Option is Vital for Health Care Reform

Very soon, the House of Representatives will vote on historic health care reform legislation. Your Representative needs to hear from you right now! The public option, which will ensure consumer choice and control rising costs, hangs in the balance.

Please contact your Representative immediately and ask him or her to support the public option as part of health care reform.

Also, please ask your friends and neighbors to contact their Representative as well. Forward this email alert to them and let them know how important health care reform really is. The steps we take in the next few weeks will determine whether quality, affordable health care will be available to all Americans!

Click here and enter your zip code to encourage your Representative to support strong health care reform legislation.

The League of Women Voters believes that Congress must pass strong health care reform legislation that guarantees quality, safe and affordable health care to all U.S. residents, including the choice of a public insurance plan. Everyone deserves the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans. Our health care is too important to be left only to private insurance companies.

Opponents of reform are concentrating on the public insurance option because they know it is the key to controlling costs and ensuring consumer choice.

Without these essential elements, health care reform can't succeed over the long term, so we must remind our representatives that the public option will make it possible for Americans who cannot obtain coverage through traditional employer-sponsored plans to find health insurance at a reasonable price.

The House will be considering H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act, which is a strong and comprehensive bill supported by the leadership. But additional support from rank and file members of the House of Representatives is still needed.

Members of Congress need to demonstrate real leadership and move forward by passing comprehensive health care reform, including the public option.

Take action today to encourage your Representative to support HR 3200!

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Representative now, click here and enter your zip code. Tell him or her to support HR 3200 with the public option. Emphasize that the public insurance option will guarantee consumer choice in health care while controlling costs.

2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Representative today!

BACKGROUND

Health care reform is a complex issue on which the League has worked for many years. Click here to see the wide variety of the League's work on this critical issue.

Click here to read League President Mary Wilson's recent letter to the House of Representatives on the pending legislation.

LWV on YouTube

2009-10-25T16:30:00.000-04:00

“Stand Up to the Lies” TV Ad Viewed 4,000 Times on YouTube (NEW)
Last week the League began airing a 30-second TV ad in support of health care reform on select stations in Maine, North Dakota and Arkansas. We also continued to promote the ad on our website,YouTube and Facebook, and in a League e-engagement email. The ad and its press release were distributed to a wide media list, the White House press office and all six Senate offices in the targeted states. Feedback on Facebook has been positive, and the ad has been viewed almost 4,000 times on YouTube. Press coverage has included the Boston Globe; ABC.com, The Hotline, South Carolina Newsand KTSU FM Houston (NPR). We encourage you to adapt our press release to get the ad out to your local media. Also, please use this Facebook “How-to” to share online and encourage your members to do the same.

New 90th Anniversary Resource: “Celebration Ideas”

2009-10-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

New 90th Anniversary Resource: “Celebration Ideas”
A new resource to help you engage your community in the League’s 90th Anniversary has been added to www.lwv.org. This page offers ideas for local and state Leagues as they plan their programs around the 90th celebration. While our anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate, it is also an opportunity to gain visibility for the organization, which starts with engaging your community. Be sure to check the90th Anniversary section for updates. This section gives you access to the League’s 90th Anniversary logo, which you can start using today and throughout the anniversary year. And, appoint your 90th anniversary committee NOW.

First Call to National Convention 2010

2009-10-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

First Call to National Convention 2010 (NEW)
The first call to Convention 2010 went out this week! The 2010 National Convention will be held in Atlanta on June 11-15. It will be one of the exciting events in a year of celebrating our 90th Anniversary – so please come on down to Atlanta! You can find more information on Convention activities, as well as timely updates, on the LWVUS Convention Page. You can start discussing Convention and Program Planning with other League leaders by joining the Convention list. (Subscription information can be found after you login at https://member.lwv.org/member.asp.)

2009-10-18T16:57:00.000-04:00

Fair and Impartial Judiciary: 100 Turn Out to Help Launch Quest for a More Diverse Judiciary (NEW)
Safeguarding U.S. Democracy: Quest for a More Diverse Judiciary launched its campaign Saturday, October 17, in Topeka, KS, with the Honorable Rebecca Love Kourlis, Executive Director of the Institute for the Advancement of the Legal System, as keynote speaker. There were 100 attendees, including Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert, several Supreme Court Nominating Commissioners and Kansas State Representatives, who were present to discuss and hear about the need for a more diverse judiciary in Kansas. To learn more about the event and to see a Flickr image slideshow of the reception and the forum click here.

Lake Michigan LWV Annual Meeting in Saugatuck

2009-09-19T18:39:00.001-04:00

The Lake Michigan League of Women Voters is an interleague organization studying and advocating Great Lake issues for over 40 years. This year's annual meeting will be in Saugatuck, MI on the shores of Lake Michigan on October 2 and 3. All LWVMI members are invited to attend any or all sessions of the meeting and events.

Location: Presbyterian Camp in the dunes on Lake Michigan shore
631 Perryman Street
Saugatuck, MI 49453
Cost: $70. Includes rustic cabin lodging and all meals (Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast and lunch.)

Schedule:
Friday
11-2 pm LMLVW Board Meeting
1-2:30 and 5-6 Registration open
3:00 Star of Saugatuck boat cruise. Cost $14.
716 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
Cruise down the scenic Kalamazoo River into Lake Michigan. This river is an AOC contaminated with PCB's .
5-6 pm Cocktails at Camp available at cost with appetizers
6-9 pm Dinner and program at Camp. The Public Trust Doctrine: Preserving the Promise of the Great Lakes. This event available separately for $15.
Guest speaker, Jim Olson, Traverse City attorney with over 25 years experience in environmental law. Water has been a public resource under public control for over 2000 years. The public trust doctrine means that state governments hold public trust resources, like water, under a high, solemn, and perpetual duty to maintain these waters in trust for the basic needs of all citizens. Can the water be legally sold or alienated for private profit or gain? Has this trust been violated?
9-11 pm FLOW (For the Love of Water) Award winning documentary film investigating the important political and environmental issues of the 21st century world water crisis.

Saturday
8-10:30 Breakfast and annual meeting
11-12:30 Outdoor dune lecture, John Legge, West Michigan Conservation Director for the Nature Conservancy
12:30-2:00 Lunch and speaker. This event available separately for $10.
Guest speaker, Melvin Visser, author of Cold, Clear, and Deadly. After a career with Upjohn, Mel became obsessed with the persistence of already banned pollutants in our waters and initiated a study.

Please note that lodging is cabin style, with shared bathrooms. Couples can be accommodated in room with door. Only lower bunks will be used for your comfort. You provide own towels, pillows, blankets, and or sheets and toiletries and flashlight.

Suzanne Dixon
616-335-5076
Sydbarret7@aol.com

Opportunity Is Knocking!

2009-09-19T18:29:00.000-04:00

The LWVUS Nominating Committee is still accepting nominations for the 2010-2012 LWVUS Board and Nominating Committee. Serving the League at the national level is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. LWVUS Board Member Carolie Mullan (now in her third term) writes:

Being on the LWVUS Board has been challenging, stimulating, exciting and educational. It has been life-changing for me – now I feel I can do anything! I only wish the opportunity could have come earlier in my life. I also wish that every League member could have this experience and I urge you to take that first easy step. Get someone to nominate you or nominate yourself.

The Nominating Committee urges you to think about what this experience could do for you. If you want more information about serving the League at the national level, go to nominating committee’s page where you’ll find FAQs about being an LWVUS Board member, criteria that will be used to evaluate nominees, the Nominating Committee’s schedule, and nomination forms – both hard copy and on-line.

It’s important to note that the Nominating Committee will build the 2010-2012 slate only from those names submitted by members like you. You are, in effect, a nominating committee. We hope you will consider nominating yourself or a League leader you admire. The postmark deadline for nominations is September 30. We look forward to hearing from you!

LWVUS Nominating Committee

Meet with President Mary Wilson from LWVUS

2009-09-08T18:35:00.000-04:00

ATTEND A PROGRAM ON CLIMATE CHANGE:
GLOBAL CONCERNS AND LOCAL ACTIONS

All LWV members are invited to participate in a community dialogue on climate change challenges
locally, nationally and around the world.

Watch a video featuring four inspirational women in countries around the world fighting back against climate change and learn how you can help.

A distinguished panel of experts includes:

Mary Wilson, President LWVUS
David Gard, Michigan Environmental Council

Thursday, September 17, 7:00-9:00 pm
Lexington Lansing Hotel (former Sheraton)
Aurora Room
925 Creyts Rd
Lansing, MI

Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 6:00-7:00 pm. To facilitate food ordering,

please RSVP 517-484-5383 or office@lwvmi.org by Monday, September 14, 2009.

Just leave your name and the number attending. The event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Michigan
Made possible by a grant from Oxfam America

Census 2010: Conference Call Next Week

2009-09-03T18:37:00.000-04:00

The LWVUS is offering a training conference call on the Census for all those interested in doing this important work. Date/Time: Thursday, September 10, 3:30 pm (ET). Dial: 1-888-272-7337. Conference ID: 9368535. Speakers from the National Census Bureau will provide an overview of Census efforts and League-specific information on how to get involved. We continue to encourage Leagues currently involved in Census efforts to reach out to your local government offices and urge your public leaders to get involved in Census efforts by joining a Complete Count Committee, for example. For more information on the conference call and how to become a Census Partner, please contact Sergio España (SEspana@lwv.org).

LWV Marks FOIA Anniversary

2009-08-02T18:33:00.000-04:00

Press Release--
Washington, DC – This Independence Day marks 43 years since the landmark Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was signed into law. FOIA established the public's right to access government records. However, recent polling data indicates that most Americans continue to view our government as secretive – something that the League of Women Voters has long been trying to change.
"The key to a healthy, open government is public access and participation. Given the gravity of the issues facing our nation, the need to increase public access – and input - to the governmental decisions and policies that affect all Americans is greater than ever," said Mary G. Wilson, national League President. "The League has acted as a government watchdog for decades – at all levels of government."
On his first full day in office, President Obama called for making the federal government more transparent, participatory, and collaborative, and The White House is soliciting input from citizens and groups to improve policy making. The League has been active in this groundbreaking public-private policy discussion, sharing our expertise and decades of experience.
"FOIA - and related state and local laws - are only as good as we demand that they be," Wilson stated, and more attention needs to be paid at the state and local levels as well. As a result,Leagues in 11 states conducted Freedom of Information audits this spring, partially funded by a grant from The Herb Block Foundation, as part of the League's latest effort in this area. "While the audits ranged in scope from focusing on local school boards to county and state agencies, some common threads emerged that shed light on ways to improve access and public participation," Wilson noted.
"There needs to be better use of technology," said Wilson. "Can citizens access information online? Can they request public records online? These are just some of the questions that government officials need to ask themselves as they conduct business. It seems only natural that agencies would be taking advantage of such technology, but they simply aren't," Wilson added.
"A more alarming trend that we saw was that of a public hesitant to get involved," said Wilson. "Several of the participating Leagues reported that individuals were reluctant to request information as they thought it would be perceived badly – as being meddlesome or even trigger some type of retribution. This is very disturbing and points to the need for education on all fronts."
Wilson also addressed the need for training. "In many instances, Leagues learned that the 'first line' responders – those who interact with public daily were not trained – only those in more supervisory roles were," said Wilson.
The League has worked for decades helping Americans gain better access to their government officials and the policy decisions that affect citizens. For more information, visit www.lwv.org.

League’s Safeguarding U.S. Democracy Program Updates

2009-08-02T18:31:00.000-04:00

The LWVUS Safeguarding U.S. Democracy project is working with state Leagues’ new efforts to change rules in their state judicial systems in light of the Supreme Court decision on Caperton v. Massey last month. The decision could lead to new rules to make judges recuse or pardon themselves from cases in which a party or lawyer contributed money to their election campaign. A new two-year project with its focus on “The Quest for a Diverse Judiciary,” funded by The Open Society Institute, begins on September 1, 2009.

Health Care Action Alert

2009-07-27T10:50:00.001-04:00

Health care reform legislation has been moving quickly this summer, and your voice is vital right now. Take action today and urge your members of Congress to support strong health care reform legislation!

Health Care Education Task Force: New Paper Posted on the National LWV website:
http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Health_Care_Education&CONTENTID=13761&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm by Task Force Member Doris Isolini Nelson (LWVCA).

Elections: PARTISAN No! POLITICAL You Bet!

2009-07-27T10:46:00.001-04:00

Elections: PARTISAN No! POLITICAL You Bet! This is the season when we need to be most careful to guard the nonpartisan reputation of the League. The League as an organization does not support or oppose any political party, candidate for elected office, or any group that supports candidates. But, we are a political organization. We encourage members to run for office. And, we are proud that many do. Does your board review your nonpartisan policy annually? See the National League's website for our Nonpartisan Political Activity Policy. http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=For_Members&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=9458

Global Democracy: Three Projects Receive Funding!

2009-07-27T10:41:00.002-04:00

The League’s Global Democracy Program just received a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges, to connect future legislators with civil society organizations in Colombia and Brazil; financial support for technical assistance to the National Albanian American Council in Kosova; and funding from the Open World Leadership Center for two additional groups from Georgia and Azerbaijan to be hosted by the Leagues of Boulder (CO) and Baltimore County (MD). More information for League participation in the Colombia and Brazil project will be published in the next two weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Zaida Arguedas at zarguedas@lwv.org.

Advocacy

2009-07-15T14:09:00.001-04:00

Action Alert: Climate Change Battle Moves on to the Senate!
House passage of America's Clean Energy and Security Act means the fight for strong climate change legislation has moved to the Senate. Take action today to encourage your Senators to support strong global climate change legislation!

Action Alert: Did Your Representative Vote Correctly on Climate Change?
The House of Representatives made history by passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES). The bill, passed by a close vote of 219-212, will be the first to curb the greenhouse gases that cause climate change and will help move our country into a clean energy economy. Find out how your Representative voted and contact your Representative about his/her vote. Read the League's press release on House passage of the bill. The LWVUS Lobby Corps was very active on the Hill and will continue its work in the weeks ahead. www.lwv.org

Critical Time for Health Care Reform Advocacy
As the House and Senate begin serious consideration of health care reform legislation, this is a critical time for state and local League presidents to contact local media in support of comprehensive health care reform, using this letter-to-the-editor. The letter calls on Congress to take action to pass real health care reform that guarantees quality, affordable health care to all U.S. residents and includes a government-administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans.

from LEADER'S UPDATE

Search the Web and Raise Funds for the League!

2009-07-10T15:19:00.000-04:00

Earn money to support the LWV Education Fund (LWVEF) every time you search the web! Simply log onto www.goodsearch.com; designate the League of Women Voters Education Fund - LWV (Washington, DC) as your charity of choice; and start using GoodSearch as your primary search engine. Each time you search, 50 percent of the advertising revenue (about a penny per search), will automatically go to the LWVEF. GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same high quality search results you get from Yahoo.

League Annual Meeting

2009-06-01T17:17:00.004-04:00

We held our annual meeting at the Saginaw Club on May 13, 2009. Cheryl Hadsall, business owner and Saginaw County Commissioner was our Guest Speaker on the topic "Baseball Hats and Bandaids."

The Membership voted to renew our local program positions, elected officers for the 2009-2010 term, approved the treasurers report and the 2008 Annual Minutes.

2009-05-31T19:13:00.002-04:00

Census 2010

The Census is a right fit for Leagues across the country: it is a local civic event, it is inclusive, it is consequential, it is non partisan. Participate!