Empowering Voters/
Defending Democracy
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
 Scroll on down and find what interests you.




OUR DEMOCRACY
New and Important: Report from PEN
TRUTH ON THE BALLOT: FRAUDULENT NEWS, THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS, AND PROSPECTS FOR 2020
"We see disturbing signals that domestic political actors are beginning to view disinformation as a necessary evil , believing that they have little choice but to fight fire with fire . . . ”

Truth on the Ballot  offers a " stark warning" about this normalization of fraudulent news as a political tactic.
ERA Rally, March 11th,
at the Capitol

Very sadly,
the ERA efforts in AZ died, at the Capitol, for this year, although eventfully.
And, at last Friday's ERA Forum, listen to Rep. Steve Andersson from Illinois, a pro-life Republican who shepherded the ERA to passage in Illinois, speak about why the ERA is not about abortion and Republicans should support it.

More on women's struggle for EQUALITY:
How the Daughters and Granddaughters of Former Slaves Secured Voting Rights for All
Read about it HERE.
Is Dark Money Ban Legal in Tempe?

It's illegal in Arizona for a city to require nonprofits to disclose the identity of those making $1,000 or more in campaign donations during an election. But Tempe voters overwhelmingly passed such an ordinance in 2018

Now, Sen. Vince Leach is filing a complaint, which will require the state attorney general to launch an investigation; the legal question is: since the voters passed the ordinance (although at the instigation of the city), does the state law apply ? Read full article HERE.

EDUCATION
The Charter Schools Reform Dilemma
How much is not enough?

SB1394 is the bill that purportedly improves accountability and credibility of charter schools. Read the fact sheet here.

So far LWVAZ has supported this bill through the Senate, as a step in the right direction, while entities such as the Grand Canyon Institute, Save Our Schools, the Democrats in the legislature and others have worked with the Republicans to suggest amendments that would bring substantial vs. minuscule improvements. A few small changes were adopted, but the bill that is now in the House leaves much to be desired.

IF SB1394 is not significantly improved,
the League will oppose it.

The LWVAZ's position on education can be seen, with most significant portions highlighted, HERE.

In addition, with the acknowledgment that charter schools are private schools operated with public money, we adhere to the LWVUS position on privatization , as per Impact on Issues ,
portions of which are below:

**When governmental entities consider the transfer of governmental services, assets and/or functions to the private sector, the community impact and goals of such transfers must be identified and considered. Further, the League believes that transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good must be ensured . 
** . . . services fundamental to the governance of a democratic society should not be privatized in their entirety . These services include the electoral process, justice system, military, public safety, public health, education , transportation, environmental protection and programs that protect and provide basic human needs. 
** Best practices for government regulation of the privatization process should include the . . . retention of liability and responsibility with the government entity.

It's possible that amendments will be made to SB1394 and approved in the House, and the League may then continue to support it.

However, as it currently exists, with its failure to address conflicts-of-interest, and failure to require that charter schools provide reporting on expenditures and control of expenditures equal to what district schools must provide, as well as reporting achievement and other students data that would allow comparisons between schools, it is not in the interests of children or citizens.

Here's a recent article, if you missed it:

The Environment
Feeling Glum?
Read this anthology describing 50 innovative "fixers",
from a wide range of career fields, taking positive action
to address climate change.

Watch this Voter Education program, hosted by Tucson League,
on " Climate Change in Arizona: What Can and Should We Do ?"

Read the LWVUS Climate Change Position HERE.







LWVUS
You've heard?
HR1: "For the People Act" passed in the U.S. House
HR1 is the biggest democracy reform agenda many of us have seen since the Voting Rights Act. Read about the 4 main elements HERE.
Gerrymandering:
On March 26th, the Supreme Court will hear the redistricting case,
Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina , combined with two other gerrymandering cases, including one out of Maryland
for which we also have an amicus brief.
We will be rallying that day on the steps of the Supreme Court.
You can watch it  live on Facebook  and follow along with us on social media as we rally to End Gerrymandering Now and demand #FairMaps for all.  


The League of Women Voters is proud to be represented at the commission by our  UN Observers  and 20 official delegates, who will share experiences and strategies for how to overcome obstacles regarding this year’s theme: “Social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
The League of Women Voters was instrumental  in garnering public support for the formation of the United Nations following World War II, and in helping to form the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). 


EVENTS!
Arizona Education "College Bowl"!

The Northwest Maricopa County League is inviting all interested in education to join them in a spirited, interactive game similar to the old T.V. College Bowl.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

         5:30 p.m. -- Martha Thompson's delicious homemade pizza,
salad, cookies, beverages
Please RSVP for this part, to ( Bonniesaun@aol.com )
no later than Tuesday, March 26th

         6:00 p.m. -- Questions on education to competitive teams
Buzzers, bells, whistles or noise-makers are involved!
Can your team be the big prize winner?
Questions asked by Joye and John Kohl, education experts

Where:    Unitarian Universalist Church, 17540 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise
Save the date!
LWVAZ Convention!
May 18th and 19th

Residence Inn Marriott
3599 Lee Circle
Prescott, AZ


The League of Women Voters Central Yavapai County is hosting the bi-annual state convention in Arizona's territorial capital, Prescott.
League leaders and League delegates come together to discuss, caucus and decide what will be the program focus for the next 2 years, the statewide budget for the organization and the League leadership for the statewide organization. There will also be a variety of workshops to attend on current issues and leadership development along with organized outside outings.
If you are interested in attending as a voting delegate , please contact your local League president. You are also welcome to attend as a guest - also contact your local League president.
A registration form for convention will be sent out by April 1, 2019. 
News from Local Leagues around the State

Greater Verde Valley: http://lwvverdevalley.com/calendar.html Northwest

Thanks for being
an involved citizen!

Please consider a donation to support our advocacy and education efforts.