League of Women Voters of Massachusetts

November League Leader Update
 

LWVMA Calendar
December 12:  LWVMA Board Meeting, Noon-2pm, 133 Portland Street
December 13:  Special State Primary Election for the Second Suffolk and Middlesex
                    Senate District
January 23:     LWVMA Board Meeting, Noon-2pm, 133 Portland Street
February 15:   Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for Presidential
                    Primaries
March 6:        Presidential Primary Election
May 5:           Save the date for the LWVMA Council
Give Us Your Ideas for Council Theme and LWVMA Website Content

The LWVMA Council will be held on May 5 (location to be determined). Each year we choose a theme on which to base choices for guest speakers. We would like your ideas on a theme. In the survey link below there are two questions about the theme for Council 2012.

 

LWVMA is reviewing the content of our website. We would like your input on what information should available on the LWVMA website. The survey link below includes 2 questions on the website content. 

 

Click here to answer the 4-question survey. Your thoughts are very important in our efforts to make our meetings and websites useful and meaningful to local Leagues and all members. To view our current LWVMA website click here.  

Introducing the Nominating Committee

Hello to League members across the Commonwealth! We were elected last May to serve on the 2011-2013 LWVMA Nominating Committee. Our committee will be active throughout its two-year life as envisioned in the new strategic plan, rather than focusing solely on building a slate for the next Convention.

 

Our primary task this year is to help connect League members with opportunities to volunteer on state-level projects and initiatives. We'd like to talk with you about your interests and goals and see how they might match up with LWVMA's activities in a wide variety of areas, including Development, Finance, Membership and Training, and Program and Advocacy. Please contact us anytime at nominating@lwvma.org. 

 

Getting involved with LWVMA - as a volunteer, committee member or board member - benefits you, your local League and the state League. You gain valuable skills and experience, while working with bright, engaging women and men who care about public policy and government. LWVMA benefits from your active involvement and your unique background, perspective and talents. Your local League can do more and be more effective with a strong state League partner. Everyone wins.

 

Please share your ideas and suggestions with us, and encourage other League members to contact us, too. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Erin Pastuszenski (Concord-Carlisle)

Florence Seldin (Cape Cod Area) 

Terry Yoffie (Newton)

Be Part of a Coalition of Local Leagues
The Environmental Forum Planning Committee would like to invite local Leagues interested to join them to bring environmental forums to three areas across the state this spring.

 

We need your help in finding local sites to hold a meeting, to help us identify any local environmental problems in your area that we may be able to include in the program and most importantly, to assist the Planning Committee to publicize each event. There will be templates available from the committee to send to your local publications etc.

 

We would love to combine forces with you and if you would like us to make a presentation to your League Board or a group of interested members, please call the LWVMA office at (617)523-2999.
Legislative Update

HB 1106: An Act to Establish Election Day Registration - Testimony in support was provided to the Joint Committee on Election Laws on 11/2 by Elections and Voting Specialist, Linda Freedman.

 

HB 3815: An Act Enhancing the Practice of Nurse Midwives, the current version of a bill supported by the League, was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing on 11/16 and referred to the House Committee on Hearing, Policy and Scheduling to be voted on by the House. Health Care Specialist Judy Deutsch will continue to take action on this bill.

 

SB 2078: the current version of An Act Relative to Information Technology Producer Responsibility, which incorporates bills supported by the League, was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture and referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on 11/21. Environment Specialist Launa Zimmaro will continue to take action on this bill.

 

SB 2079: the current version of An Act for a Competitive Economy through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals, which incorporates a bill supported by the League, was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources & Agriculture and referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on 11/21. Environment Specialist Lynn Wolbarst will continue to take action on this bill.

 

HB 2109 & SB 566: An Act Regarding Higher Education Opportunities for High School Graduates in the Commonwealth was reviewed by the Board and approved for support on 11/21. This bill will allow students who have graduated from a high school in the state (or its equivalent)g, with at least 3 years of in-state attendance, to attend state colleges and community colleges at the resident rate. Education Specialist Terry Yoffie is preparing testimony to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Education.

 

HB 3807: An Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth was finalized by the House and Senate Conference Committee, passed in the House and Senate on 11/16 and signed by the Governor on 11/22.The controversial Senate amendment that would repeal the 1984 ban on "happy hour" in bars and restaurants and allow them to offer free or discounted drinks if they are allowed in casinos was removed from the bill.

Annual Phonathon Follow Up

If your League called members as part of the annual phonathon-THANK YOU!

Remember to return your summary report, pledge sheets (completed or not completed), and leftover envelopes to the LWVMA office. Ideally the materials should be returned by mid-December. If you need more time please inform Natalie.

Phonathon Donations from Local Leagues

Local Leagues can also make donations to the LWVMA during the phonathon or anytime during the year. These donations are most welcome!

Presidents' Breakfast

The LWVMA Presidents' Breakfast was held October 29 in Needham. Thirty-nine people attended from 24 local Leagues and the LWVMA board. Topics for discussion included communications, useful tools, the results from the Presidents' Survey, membership tools, fundraising roundtable, voter service initiatives, and an update on the LWVMA strategic plan. Presentations and handouts are posted on the Presidents' Council sharing website. Go to our Facebook page to view photos from the event.   

Not Our TV Ads  

We have had questions about recent television ads that criticize Sen. Scott Brown for his voting record on the environment.  Those ads are sponsored by the League of Conservation Voters.  The League of Women Voters is not involved with them in any way.  And despite the similar names, there is no connection between the LWV and the League of Conservation Voters.

Sign Up For LWVMA Emails

We are tailoring the way you get emails from us so you only receive notices and topics that interest you. Please click here to sign up for the types of League correspondence you would like to get and forward along the link to your League members. 

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