Legislative Priorities
Priority Issues for Action in the Legislature
- State and Local Finances/State Budget
- Support reform of the state budgeting process
- Support equitable and adequate generation and distribution of tax revenues
Other Legislative Issues, As Time and Resources Permit
- Support requests from local Leagues and inter-League organizations (ILOs) for advocacy on bills of specific interest to their jurisdictions
- Take action as appropriate on core issues: Redistricting, Elections, Initiative and Referendum Process, Voting Rights, Campaign Finance Reform, and Reproductive Choices
- Consider Program Director recommendations for action on the highest priority bills in their program areas. We anticipate action in the areas of Health Care, and Campaign Finance Reform.
Statewide Ballot Measures
- Review all statewide ballot measures and recommend a position, neutrality, or that the LWVC take no position on each one to the LWVC Board of Directors.
LWVUS Legislative Priorities
The Board adopted the following LWVUS Legislative Priorities for 2011:
- Clean Air Defense
- Health Care Defense
- Money in Elections (campaign finance reform)
- Voter Registration and Election Administration
The Legislative Watch List* is as follows:
- CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women)
- Climate Change
- Ethics
- Immigration
- Safe Drilling and Mining (“Fracking”)
*The Watch List means that if an opportunity arises on these issues and does not interfere with action on an advocacy priority, the LWVUS may take action if it appears we can make an impact.
The Board discussed many issues and the responses from members suggesting Legislative Priorities. The decisions were made based on what issues are likely to come before the 112th Congress, the opportunities to make an impact, program decisions made at the 2010 Convention, member interest and resources available to manage these priorities effectively. The Board reviews these priorities throughout the year, making changes if warranted.