 STATE VOTER
The League of Women Voters of New York State
January 2011 |
 Betsey's Briefs - Betsey Swan, President | |
Dear League friends,
The election this past fall was exciting because of some very close election results and the use of the new voting machines. Results of our survey of voters using the new voting machines are outlined below. Many of the legislative races were close and undecided at the end of election day, prolonging the decision as to which party would have control of the NYS Senate. Controversy surrounded many of these races as the results were debated.
For the first time since its enactment, courts were asked to interpret Election Law 16-113, giving candidates the right to seek an order from Supreme Court for a full hand recount. This section of the Election Law was amended in conjunction with implementation of HAVA to protect against mistakes made in the reading of scanned ballots. Senator Craig Johnson sought a full hand recount of all ballots cast in the race for the 7th Senatorial district in Nassau County. The Court of Appeals brought his bid for reelection to a halt when it accepted the trial court's extrapolation that the rate of change in votes shown by full hand recount would be comparable to that shown by the partial audit, which would fail to make a material difference in the outcome of the election.
The state board recently discussed whether this decision represented a flaw in Election Law that would require further advocacy on the part of the League. .Read more. |
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| IRA Gifts to State League | |
Grand policies would mean nothing if the money was not there to implement them. Carrie Chapman Catt
Dear League Members:
At the end of December last year, Congress extended the Bush era tax breaks, including a provision that enabled people who are 70 ½ or older to enjoy tax savings by making charitable gifts directly from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Distributions made from an IRA in January, 2011, to an entity such as the League's Education Foundation, may, at the election of the donor, be declared as 2010 distributions from the IRA. Distributions made at any time during 2011 may be treated as 2011 distributions at the election of the donor. The advantage of making a distribution directly from your IRA to the Education Foundation is that it is not counted as income to you.
I recently made such a gift to the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation for the purpose of enabling the state League to move forward with new technology. I invite those League members throughout the state who are eligible for this type of IRA distribution to join me in doing the same. The state League has committed to moving forward to institutionalize an electronic voters guide, of the type provided by the SmartVoter and Vote411 platforms, made available on an annual basis to local Leagues at no cost to them. The goal is to make the guide available in 2011, with rollout and training at the 2011 convention in Albany.
If you believe, as I do, that a strong state League is essential to strong and vibrant local Leagues, I urge you to join with me in supporting it. Consider a gift to support those League activities you hold dear. In addition to moving forward with technology driven applications, for both itself and local Leagues, , the state League is continuing established programs for our youth, such as Students Inside Albany, and developing educational programs for local Leagues, such as the recently developed redistricting program, all at no or limited costs to local Leagues.
Call Laura at the state office for more information about how you can help to build a strong and vibrant League in the 21st century.
Aimee Allaud
Election Issue Specialist, LWVNYS Elections Specialist (1995-2011)
Past President, Albany County LWV
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| Redistricting Reform Update | |
Legislation to create an independent redistricting commission is still very high on our list of legislative priorities. LWVNYC and LWVNYS both testified in December before the NYS Senate Majority Conference Senate Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment emphasizing the need for an independent commission.
Local leagues have done an amazing job of scheduling educational forums around the state on the issue of redistricting using the materials made available by the state League in September. In addition to using hte materials, many local Leagues are inviting speakers, including state and county legislators, to join the presentation. Barbara Bartoletti and Laura Bierman have also presented the information in both Broome-Tioga and Tompkins County Leagues and have been invited to Plattsburgh and Syracuse for presentations as well. More are on tap, including one that was postponed because of a snow storm in New York City that was to include clips from Gerrymandering the movie. |
| Local Redistricting Efforts | |
LOCAL LEAGUES GAIN REPRESENTATION ON NONPARTISAN COUNTY REDISTRICTING COMMISSION
As this is being written, we have heard of two Leagues, the Suffolk County ILO and the Mid-Hudson LWV that will have members named to nonpartisan county redistricting commissions. Congratulations to Dare Thompson, who will represent Mid Hudson. Appointment of the Suffolk County ILO member will be announced as soon as vetting is complete. |
| Capitol Beat Returns |  The League is pleased to announce the return of Capitol Beat. This informative and entertaining column, written by the LWVNYS Legislative Director Barbara Bartoletti contains legislative updates about League issues, as well as political gossip. We will also outline the budget and of course, will chronicle the always-lively end of session. We have created a blog page for "Capitol Beat" and we welcome your comments posted on this blog page. A link to the new blog is at the top of the League's homepage (red in the top blue banner) or go directly there with this link. So, check out the blog and continue to watch it for updates - we hope to keep it lively and current. Get all the latest legislative info right on our website and blog! |
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| State Convention - May 20-22, 2011- Albany, NY | |
"STRONG MEMBERS, STRONG LEADERS,
STRONG GOVERNMENT"
2011 LWVNYS STATE CONVENTION
The Convention will be held at the Desmond Inn in Albany from May 20-22. We will again host a series of pre convention workshops on Friday, May 20. Although we hope all participants will stay for the convention, if you cannot, feel free to come for the workshops. Please mark your calendars for both the Convention and Friday workshops and plan to be part of this most exciting, informative, and enjoyable event.
John Zogby to Speak
We have just learned that John Zogby, pollster of international repute and author of "The Way We'll Be", published in 2008, will be our Saturday night keynote speaker. Kudos to former Albany County League President Joanne Esposito for facilitating Mr. Zogby's attendance. We will be making available autographed copies of Mr. Zogby's book at convention. To reserve a copy, notify Stephanie at the League office. The list price is $25.00, but we can offer it for $25.00 (inclusive of tax) with an advance order. We will ship it to you for the additional cost of shipping if you cannot attend convention. We will not order extra books, so it will be necessary to reserve your copy in advance.
Silent Auction
The silent auction is both a source of fun at the convention and a major fundraiser for the state League. We depend on enthusiastic local League participation to ensure its success. Last year, for the first time, we listed our auction items on-line and received bids by telephone, so that League members who did not attend the convention and non-League members could bid on items.
If you have an item to donate, please contact the state office; we are looking for a wide variety of items, such as bed and breakfast weekends in the US or abroad, tickets to Broadway shows or athletic events, gift certificates to restaurants, jewelry, artwork, services, such as lunch with local celebrities, lunch with local politicians, dinner for 8 catered by the donor, etc. Complete the form to donate!
But we also need your help in attracting bidders. Watch for the online bidding to open in early March - and encourage friends, neighbors and co-workers to submit a bid. It all provides more support for the League. Winners will be announced on Saturday evening at Convention.
Recommended program
The last item local Leagues are asked to consider in preparation for convention is to make recommendations for program. Local Leagues that wish to recommend a study, concurrence, or one or update of League position should do so by returning their recommendations to the League office in the format contained in Attachment 8 by February 15, 2011. See form for more information about making program recommendations. The board will consider each proposal at its March meeting and vote either to recommend it or not. The delegates will adopt a program at convention.
Nominations for Local League Awards
As usual, local Leagues, groups of members or individual members will be honored at the state Convention for their wonderful projects, programs and services. Does your League have a great youth program, voter service project or maybe a membership or action program? Don't be shy - let us know! The categories for awards and the nominating form are attached. Please consider nominating your League or member(s) for an award. We all have great successes to celebrate - let's do it at Convention. Be sure to include samples or exhibits with your nomination. The forms and attachments are due to the state office by March 1.
Awards Program
This year we are planning to sell ad space in the Awards Program to businesses and individuals as a way of raising money for the state League and of getting the names of local Leagues out in the community. We are asking members of local Leagues to sell space to local merchants, banks, and individuals. A prize will be presented to the local League that sells the largest dollar amount of ads and the Local League that sells the greatest dollar amount of ads per local League member. Click here for more information and form to be completed for each ad solicitation. The forms must be received in the state League office no later than noon of May 2, 2011.
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| Issues and Advocacy - Sally Robinson | |
 We had a very busy November and December working with other good government groups to give a full barrage of suggestions for the new governor. Please look on our website for the full list but make sure to take a look at the very interesting Reinvent Albany Report on Executive Orders:Actions the Governor can take to make New York government more open, accountable and democratic issued on November 22, 2010.
Most recently we joined with NYPIRG in a January 2011 report on campaign finance entitled Capital Investments 2010: Analysis of Campaign Spending in the 2010 New York Election
ISSUES MEETING IN ALBANY ON FEBRUARY 7-8
Issues specialists, lobby corps members and lobby committee members will meet in Albany to discuss the future of advocacy for the state league. The state budget should have been released by then and attendees may meet with staff and possibly attend committee hearings as well as discussing league matters.
REMINDER 2011 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA BROCHURE AND LOBBY VISITS
The 2011 Legislative Agenda brochure will be available for distribution to local Leagues in the next few weeks. If you have not already placed your order, please do so immediately. It also contains links to key government transparency websites and contact information for key NYS government officials and can be left behind for your legislator after your lobby visit later in the legislative session.
Legislative Packet 2011 will also be sent to local leagues at the end of January. This is an invaluable tool for the members who will lobby legislators. A hard copy will be sent to Presidents and an e-mail copy will be sent to Presidents and Issues and Advocacy Directors. The Packet will include: Legislative Lobbying: Purpose and Timetable, 2011 Legislative Agenda, Tips for Successful Lobbying, Speaking with One Voice: Action Guidelines for Local Leagues, and most importantly, Background Information on the 2011 Legislative Agenda.
The local Lobby Committee should fill out lobby Report Forms after the meeting. Once the Form is filled out, it should be returned to the state League office---by June 1, 2011. |
| Elections Specialist - Aimee Allaud | |
A NEW YEAR FOR ELECTIONS
2011 brings a new Governor and State Legislature to Albany and implications for changes in policymaking in order to deal with New York's $9 Billion deficit which will impact much of the NYS League's legislative agenda. Fortunately, the full statewide HAVA implementation has had its first test with the Primary and General Elections of 2010 but counties will continue to struggle with the longer term costs of the new systems of voting and will have to invent new ways to cost-share within their regions to maximize performance and reduce expenditures. The League will also continue to stress that the NYS Board of Elections be adequately funded so that guidance and oversight of the local boards of elections in these initial years with the new voting system will be achievable. The League's legislative agenda will include some recommendations for election legislation resulting from the implementation with the new voting system.
The League's Report of the 2010 Voter Survey, issued on December 16, will be a good source for local leagues to read, discuss and share our recommendations for improvement with their local legislatures and commissioners of elections. The Press Release and full report is available below and at www.lwvny.org. The Press Release, cites the major areas for improvement resulting from the over 1,000 respondents to the survey questions.
NYS Legislature Elections Committees
A new roster of chairs/members for the 2011-12 legislature is now available and provided here for you:
ASSEMBLY
Chair: Joan Millman, 52nd AD (Brooklyn)
Members: Alec Brook-Krasny, Robert Castelli, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Sandy Galef, Brian Kavanagh, Joseph Lentol, Barbara Lifton, Donna Lupardo, Tom McKevitt, Joel Miller, Marcus Molinaro, Fred Thiele, Jr., David Weprin
SENATE
Chair: Thomas O'Mara, 53d SD (Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Yates, part of Tompkins Counties) (Prior to his Senate election in 2010, he represented the 137th Assembly District. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2004 and represented Chemung and Schuyler counties as well as part of Tioga County for three consecutive, two-year terms.)
Members: Patrick Gallivan, Joseph Griffo, Greg Ball, Michael Nozzolio, Joseph Addabbo, Martin Malave Dilan, Jose Serrano
Citizens Union Releases Survey Report of NYS Counties Providing Sample Ballots Online
Citizens Union, a NYC-based organization, also working on good government issues (campaign finance reform, ethics, elections) issued a report on 12/04/10 showing that the boards of elections in twenty-seven counties in New York State - representing almost half of all counties - posted sample ballots online for voters to familiarize themselves with the ballot and races prior to entering the polling place.
NYC was not among those counties providing sample ballots online but the NYC Board of Elections has subsequently made a unanimous decision to make the implementation of posting sample ballots online a "high priority" for 2011.
Of the twenty-seven boards of elections posting ballots online, eight demonstrate exceptional practices by linking the sample ballot to the poll site finder for users of the site, a practice the City will emulate to enable voters to see the ballot that is tailored to their specific election and assembly district based on their residence rather than a ballot that is similar in design but may differ in the candidates from the one they will see on Election Day.
To see how your county fares in this report, visit www.citizensunion.org. Obtaining sample ballots online in all 62 counties in NYS is a priority in providing voter service information - local Leagues can be very effective in lobbying for this capacity.
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| 2010 Election Survey Results | |
Press Release
December16, 2010
2010 Election Survey: Machines Perform But Privacy Suffers
The League of Women Voters of New York State (League) released the results of an online survey of voters' experiences using the new paper ballot optical scanning system that was implemented statewide for the 2010 election cycle.
The online survey of 1,072 respondents, from 47 counties including all 5 counties of NYC, showed that the voting machines indeed did perform well; however, the respondents did make note of several inadequacies that the League feels must be addressed to ensure that voters are guaranteed a secure and private franchise. The League's recommendations for immediate action are listed below; the state Board of Elections should move to implement these recommendations before the next election cycle.
Increased Voter Education on the Voting Process
The State Board of Elections must provide standard template materials which county boards of elections can tailor for their specific needs. Remaining HAVA funds should be used for this purpose.
Increased Training for All Elections Personnel
The survey showed an immediate need for better trained election personnel. Legislation has passed permitting split shifts for election inspectors and recruitment of younger poll workers. These new laws need to be implemented.
Revision of the Paper Ballot for Maximum Usability by Voters
There is an immediate need for improving the design of the ballot. Legislation to address the full-face ballot should be a legislative priority and should be introduced early in the 2011 Legislative Session.
Privacy Issues
Over 20 percent said they did not have sufficient privacy in marking the ballot, scanning the ballot, or were not given a privacy sleeve or instructed how to use it. Poll workers need to be trained that any viewing of the markings on a completed ballot is a violation of the voter's privacy.
As noted by League Elections Specialist, Aimee Allaud, "Improving ballot design, providing better trained poll workers and ensuring privacy in voting are fundamental to our voter electoral system. We must take immediate steps to resolve these problems."
"The League's Voter Survey shows that we need to do much, much more if we're to take full advantage of the State's new voting systems. In particular, the design of New York's ballot must be completely overhauled in order to be fully usable by voters." said Bo Lipari, the League's Technology Director.
The full report is available on the League website: www.lwvny.org. |
Voter Services - Maggie Moehringer
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Paper Voters Guides: Local League Usage Report
We are continuing to monitor local League usage of the paper Voters Guide. Based on our statistics and your responses to the Voter Service Survey, we can say the following:
- Local Leagues continue to use the guides.
- 2011 orders - Part I: 22,000, Part II 18,000.
- Many Leagues who make smaller orders distribute the guides only to members or donors.
- Leagues with large orders often distribute the guides through newspapers, their Board of Elections, or public library distribution services.
- Some Leagues expressed via the survey that the paper guides are becoming obsolete, go unused, that they are too difficult to distribute, or losing ground to alternative online services with an increasing number of the voting public.
- Leagues were happy this year with the earlier printing of both parts of the guide.
LWVNYS will continue to design and print paper guides as long as they are useful and enough local Leagues want to pay for them. We will, however, put an equal amount of effort into the development of online guides, and will use the information gathered and text developed for both purposes.
New Voter Registration Forms
We'll keep you abreast of the NYS Board of Elections development of new Voter Registration forms. If you are on the LWVNYS Voter Service listserv, check your email to see a sample of the new forms. This new form should be approved soon and available at the NYS BoE web site.
Trouble in Paradise: Candidate Forums Fall 2011
This year in the Voter Service Surveys we saw something we had not seen before: multiple complaints about disruptive audiences. Disruptions occurred when:
- candidate supporters made disruptive displays of support
- members of the audience insisted on the "Pledge of Allegiance" being said
- members of the audience insisted on recording the proceedings
- the moderator was heckled.
Leagues often have some forewarning that an audience might be feisty. It's more important than ever to be prepared, have good local policies on debate procedures, on rights to record and re-broadcast the event or any part of it, on co-sponsor responsibilities. Remember that you are in charge, that you can ask an audience member to leave, that you can make arrangements for security, and that if things get out of hand you can refuse to continue the event. |
| Electronic Voter Guides | |
If the League is to remain relevant in the 21st century, it must publish a statewide electronic voters guide that has the ability to cover all candidates and races. The state League is pleased to announce that, at its January board meeting, the board moved one step closer to its goal of a statewide electronic voters guide available for all geographic areas of the state without cost to local Leagues. We have entered direct negotiations with providers to enter a statewide contract if the LWVUS does not offer Vote411 in 2011. The platforms at which we are looking would enable local Leagues to determine the local races to be covered, including board of education and special district races. We are seeking a platform that will make it easy for people with word processing experience to efficiently create the guide.
We encourage all local Leagues to participate in this venture - at no cost to your local League. We hope to cover as much as the state as possible, but we need help from the local Leagues. Come to convention for training in how your League can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. |
| Transportation Issues - Gladys Gifford | |
New Year, continuing Challenges
These uncertain times demand the unwavering commitment of Leaguers to insist on government that serves the common
good. This commitment is especially imperative when faced with the NYS budget, due in early February. In a climate of spending cuts and tax caps, will the essential services of public transit be preserved? Will crumbling highways and bridges be fixed? Will the funds raised by the gasoline tax be insulated from raids for the general fund?
For more on the fragile condition of NYS transportation infrastructure, see the Ravitch report, issued November 19, 2010.
Let's take every opportunity to comment on the NYS budget, and speak clearly and loudly to preserve NYS commitment to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure and operations.
Federal Outlook Uncertain
Action by the House of Representatives on January 5 changed the rules by which Federal transportation funds are distributed. No longer are states assured that the funding levels required by the Transportation Act will be distributed for transportation. Under previous rules, the House is prevented from taking up any legislation that would result in lower funding levels for transportation than those guaranteed in the authorization law. The new rules package for the 112th Congress eliminated that firewall, thereby putting transportation projects at risk of losing funding as part of budget-cutting.
In response, can NYS establish firm fiscal foundations for transportation funding without Federal aid?
Meanwhile, the current Transportation Act (SAFETEA-LU) has been extended to Sept. 30, 2011.
Ongoing efforts to propose a completely new transportation act continue. The effort was begun by Representative Jim Oberstar (D-MN), a veteran Congressman who lost his 18-term seat in the 2010 election. Advocates are already working with Representative John Mica (R-FL), new chair of the House committee on transportation, to sustain the momentum for a new bill.
Cuomo Offers Positive Outlook
Did you notice? Governor Cuomo, in his State of the State message, January 5th, did mention transportation, as part of the "NY Cleaner, Greener Communities Program" announced late in his address. "These competitive grants would encourage communities across New York to develop regional sustainable growth strategies. Grants will be awarded to the best and most innovative comprehensive regional plans that coordinate sustainability efforts in housing, transportation, emissions control, energy efficiency and create jobs, while taking into account the cumulative impact of prior development."
There may be a lot of "wiggle room" in Cuomo's proposal, but there is encouragement here to sustain the League's efforts to address transportation as a key element in community planning. Local Leagues can ask elected officials, local transportation authorities, and NYSDOT planners: Will you help our community develop plans that can compete for Gov. Cuomo's sustainability grants? |
| Membership News - Georgia DeGregorio |
 CAN MEMBERSHIP GROW BY YOUR ATTENDING CONVENTION???I have seen this happen and here is how: 1. Leaders become refreshed by meeting with their counterparts and exchanging successes and working together to solve challenges. 2. Newer members learn how State League works and begin to make friends across the state with people who share their concerns. 3. The speakers, the workshops and the caucuses lift us out of our parochial interests and we see why the League is important at every level and how we can work together in Making Democracy Work. When you return to your local league, you will be fired up and ready to bring your enthusiasm for the League to your fellow members as well as to those who may be interested in joining your league. This can be catching if you don't watch out!!! Try to send at least two members from your league: a leader and a newer member. You will be surprised at the effect it will have on your League's growth and success in the coming year. WELCOME TO GREATER WESTBURY MAL A warm welcome to our newest MAL [Member at Large] league. Led by Angela Jenkins and Betty Hylton, as well as the able support of Nassau League member Paula Blum, the group has been approved by the LWVNYS to serve the Greater Westbury area. As election season rolled around in 2008, the community of Westbury asked themselves, "Where is the League? Where are the forums and candidate nights?" The Pi Pi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority took on the reactivation of the League that had folded a few years ago. They called a general community meeting in May 2009 and began the process. Today they currently have 17 members and a full slate of leaders to promote the League's mission of Making Democracy Work. Their application observed, "It is important to note that the group recognizes that the demographics of the Greater Westbury area indicate an increase in Spanish and French speaking residents. The group will work diligently to include these groups in voter education/registration efforts. High school and college students will be actively recruited for membership." Their next meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2011. If you live in this area, email Angela at Ajay8866@yahoo.com for the place and time. Needless to say, you will be welcome to join in on the opportunities of helping your community be effective participants in government. |
| Survey of Local League Youth Programs - J. Gorenstein | |
Thirty-nine local leagues, ILOs, and MALs have now responded to our youth program surveys. Of those who have responded, 24 will be or are trying to participate in SIA this year. We have started to contact leagues who have had difficulty getting a student. There is a power point they can obtain as well as using ides that have worked with other leagues. Hamilton County ILO has made a video interviewing their 2010 SIA student. The video can be an excellent tool to promote this program.
There are four leagues that have done Vote 18. The LWV's of Rye, RyeBrook, and Port Chester did a training workshop on Jan.22; contact the League or the state office if you'd like more information on the Vote 18 program.
Several leagues that do not do Vote 18 have other programs promoting voting and participation in government. Many of the leagues go into high schools and teach a government class. Wayne County MAL has developed a power point presentation they bring to the schools. League of Buffalo/Niagara has a youth program committee and speaks to high school classes about importance of voting. The League of Chautauqua teaches a lesson in every senior government class on being an educated voter. LWV of Plattsburg presents Voter Registration Packets to all graduating seniors and also holds a Meet Your Legislator Event. The Westchester ILO has a Student Legislative Day to help students learn about county government.
"Take Me to Vote" is being done by four leagues. Saratoga and Tompkins County are doing the program with 5th graders, and Chautauqua and Schenectady are involving students in grades K-5. Each of the programs has unique features. St. Lawrence MAL was trying to start a "Take a Parent Vote" this past November.
Three leagues, Buffalo/Niagara, Smithtown and Saratoga ILO have programs leadership development programs (either LeaderSpark or successor programs).
There are several creative programs for youth that leagues have developed or are thinking about trying in their communities. During the next several months, and before state convention this year, Judie, Judi and Lisa will be organizing the results of this survey and arranging for the information about all the youth programs to be put on the state website. Several leagues have indicated they are looking forward to learning what others are doing.
From the surveys, it is evident that the major reason many of the leagues do not do any youth programs is low membership and too few active members. It is our hope that the website will help set up a resource network for all leagues, allowing those with programs to share their ideas and possibly even provide leaders of programs in conjunction with other leagues . We feel that the youth programs can be a vehicle to not only achieve the league's mission, but also can be an impetus for increased membership and involvement in the league. |
| Local League News | |
Many local Leagues have held or are holding Legislative breakfasts, brunches and lunches to meet the elected officials. In Broome-Tioga LWV, state and federal representatives, mayors and supervisors, and Broome and Tioga County Legislators are invited to join Leaguers for breakfast. In Albany County LWV, the state assemblymembers and senators are invited to breakfast at which LWVNYS Legislative Director, Barbara Bartoletti, will moderate a discussion. The LWV of Cortland held a brunch at which local officials, including the Mayor of Cortland, attended. The LWV of Port Washington-Manhasset will continue their tradition of more than 25 years by hosting the annual State of the Town Luncheon with an address by North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman. 
THe LWV of Utica-Rome recently hosted NYS Senator David Valesky in a discussion on redistricting; NYS Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney also was present. Both are pictured with LWV Utica-Rome Co-Presidents Donna Gillette and Carole Torok Huxtable.
Changes to the open meetings law will permit videography or recording of open meetings beginning April 1, 2011. This presents a wonderful opportunity for local Leagues to team up with public access television to record and broadcast local governmental meetings. It also could present just the opportunity your League to establish or revitalize monitoring of local government activities. By serving as a local watchdog, the League informs the public, attracts new members, and generally burnishes its reputation as a nonpartisan good government group. This role can take many forms. The Westchester County ILO performs an annual review of the county's proposed budget. The LWV Hamptons has recently reinstituted its Observer Corps. The LWV of Rochester has also formed an Observer Corps as a subcommittee of the Local Government Committee. THey are attending county and town meetings providing summaries to be included in their local bulletin.
The Suffolk County LWV Housing Committee is starting a study of accessory apartments in the various towns to determine the laws for obtaining a legal license, how many have been licensed and how many they think are as yet unlicensed. The Health Care Committee of the LWV of Schenectady County recently completed a survey of 31 agencies; agencies included in the study were selected with a goal of interviewing respondents who observe citizens seeking health care services and are knowledgeable about the system. The survey found service gaps in information, affordability, primary doctors, mental health, accessing insurance, dental care, transportation, case coordination, prevention, and other services. The survey is an unverified summary of respondents' information and opinions and will be used to guide the League in its selection of issues to research more fully.
THe LWV of Chautauqua recently organized a meetings on school finances with Dr. Jim Merrins, expert on school finance and administration, speaking on "The Dynamics of Public School Finance: Where Does the Money Go in NYS?"
The LWV of Nassau County is being honored by the National Council of Jewish Women for its advocacy work. The award will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 11:30 AM, at Temple Avodah in Oceanside. The theme of the luncheon, is Women + Advocacy = Power. In recognition of LWVNC's advocacy within our community, there will also be the presentation of a monetary award to be used towards the county League's 2011 Voters Guide. Another honoree at this event is Judy Jacobs, NC Legislator and long-time member of our League. Congratulations LWVNC!
 LWVNYC hosted, in collaboration with NYC Bar Juvenile Justice Committee and Fund for Modern Courts, a forum on New York's broken juvenile system. The meeting drew a standing room only crowed composed of League Members, students, and professionals in the field interested in learning and participating in solutions to the problems plaguing New York's juvenile detention and prison facilities.
Redistricting forums are being held across the state often using the materials prepared by the state League. Orleans is holding their forum on Thursday and Albany County held a discussion on the topic with County Legislators in January. Barbara Bartoletti and Laura Ladd Bierman presented the information at forums in Binghamton and Tompkins County LWVs with over 75 people in attendance in Tompkins County; and Barbara and Laura will be presenting again in Plattsburgh later in Februrary and in Syracuse in April. The forum in NYC was co-sponsored by the Women's City Club and the Brennan Center for Justice and was to be moderated by LWVNYC member, Toni Coffee, and include the following speakers: Hakeem Jeffries, Member the NYS Assembly and sponsor of the redistricting bill in the Assembly, Erika Wood and Myrna Perez of the Brennan Center, Jeff reichert, Writer/Director of the recent film, Gerrymandering, and Barbar Zucker of the Women's City Club; unfortunately, snow caused a postponement of the event - we hope to hear that it can be rescheduled!
The LWV Plattsburgh Area has developed an exciting local "Meet your State Legislators" day as a way to bring the Students Inside Albany experience to more high school students and to pick participants for the Albany program. Students from all high schools were invited to participate. Through the incredible generosity of our area State Legislators, Senator Betty Little, Assemblywoman Janet Duprey and Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, (who was unable to be present but provided information and certificates for delegates), students and audience members were able to get a glimpse of the workings of the NYS Assembly and Senate. A lottery was then held of the students to select the SIA participant (and delegates). Students and Senator Little and Assemblywoman Duprey are pictured on right.
Teddy Roosevelt (portrayed by Paul Stillman) will be appearing in Saratoga in February at the League's Famous Person Fundraiser. During Women's History Month of March, the LWVS of Larchmont-Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester, and the LWV of Westchester are honoring former NYS Court of Appeals Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye at a luncheon.
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| Susan B. Anthony Musical Tribute | |
"Only the Message Matters"
Music and Lyrics honoring Susan B. Anthony
CDs available with a portion of sales donated to the LWVNYS
The song cycle/narrative, written by Bob Warren, focuses of Susan's early influences, her arrest for voting in the election of 1872 and subsequent trial. Bob Warren delivers a poignant musical exploration into the life and spirit of Susan B. Anthony with "Only the Message Mattered." Mr. Warren takes listeners on a journey that is as significant spiritually as it is socially. With its breathtaking harmonies and hauntingly beautiful melodies, the music is seamlessly interwoven with historical dialogue that leaves audiences of all ages and genders informed and enlightened. ( click here for purchase info) |
| 1919 Society |
We are pleased to announce another member of the 1919 Society: Paula Blum. She joins Barbara Bartoletti and Elizabeth Hubbard. Thanks so much to Paula, Barbara and Libby - your names will be engraved on a plaque in the state League office. Don't forget to tell the state League office if you have remembered the state League in your will. Join the 1919 Society, by including the LWVNYS in your will. If you already have included the League in your will, just let us know and we'll add you to the members of the Society. We will not ask for either proof of the bequest or its amount - we just want to honor your future support. You have worked so hard for the League for so many years. Why not help to ensure the future of the League by including support for the League in your will? Your donation can specify the Centennial Fund of the Education Foundation, a perpetually endowed fund, the general fund of the Education Foundation or the League. The process is simple, and we can help you with the correct language. Just contact Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director, LWVNYS, at Laura@lwvny.org or by phone at 518-465-4162 for more information or to join this new Society. If you believe that a strong League is vital to the health of our democracy, please become a member of the 1919 Society.
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