NEWS

League of Women Voters^®
of Nashville

LWVUS National Position

June 2 Health Care Forum. IMMIGRATION: League stakes out new position. VOTE411.org. Third Thursday - April 2010. Third Thursday - March 2010. Third Thursday - February 2010. Third Thursday - January 21, 2010. Third Thursday - November 19, 2009. Third Thursday - October 15, 2009. Third Thursday - September 17, 2009. Third Thursday - August 20, 2009. Poll Watching 2008.

June 2 Health Care Forum

Follow up to the June 2 Health Care Forum
On June 2, 2009, the League of Women Voters of Nashville hosted a forum about health care--What Comes Next: Understanding Legislative Options for Health Reform--at Vanderbilt First Amendment Center in collaboration with the Center for Child and Family Policy at the Vanderbilt Institute of Public Policy Studies and the Vanderbilt Center for Health Services. More than 80 people from across the Middle-Tennessee community attended and Public Television Channel 10 video-tapped the program for rebroadcast during July, August & September.
The program was edited to 58 minutes and represents the forum and its participants well. Kim Milligan, executive director of Public Access TV, has scheduled the rebroadcast on Channel 10 during several time slots each week: Tuesday at 9 pm, Wednesday at 5 pm, and Saturday at 11 am.
The forum was also taped by the Vanderbilt IT Department and live feed is available in Windows Media: http://media-srv1.its.vanderbilt.edu/asxgen/lectures/health_reform_090602.wmv OR Real: http://media-srv1.its.vanderbilt.edu/ramgen/lectures/health_reform_090602.rm Good viewing, however, is dependent on high speed Internet access.
The forum was designed to focus on how national health reform currently being structured and debate d in the U.S. Congress will be able to expand community health and protect those of us who are uninsured, underinsured, and often just one health care emergency away from financial disaster. While some have labeled the need for health care reform a problem of poor people, the reality is that of the over 47 million uninsured and additional 80 million underinsured are middle-class Americans. They face loss of health insurance related loss of a job, loss or changes in insurance offered through their jobs, increased premiums and deductibles that make coverage or use of insurance unaffordable, or the inability to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition. They have found that use of insurance can lead to rescission of policies (policies canceled retroactively on the grounds that the insured failed to disclose pre-existing conditions they did not know they had) or insurance companies declining payment for care that was supposed to be covered. As Mary Bufwack mentioned during the forum, the 30% of our populations that has been affected by lack of insurance is quickly growing to 50%--without comprehensive national reform, our broken health care system will continue to spiral out of control.
Click here for additional information about the forum and the participants.

IMMIGRATION: League stakes out new position

The League of Women Voters of the US recently completed a two-year Immigration Study aimed at helping communities understand the implications of immigration at the local, state and federal levels. As part of this project, League members in Nashville explored the reasons for immigration in our community, current federal immigration policy and the impact of immigration on American society .
The LWVUS recently adopted the following position, which State and Local Leagues can apply to education and advocacy work on issues at state and local levels: "The League of Women Voters believes that immigration policies should promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; and be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises. Provision should also be made for qualified persons to enter the U.S. on student visas. All persons should receive fair treatment under the law."
Learn more about this timely topic by checking out the National League's web site at http://www.lwv.org follow the link on the home page to access copies of National Voter articles and 8 excellent background papers. Learn more about Immigration Issues in Tennessee by reading the report issued August 1, 2007 by the Tennessee Comptroller's office, http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/RA_NR/newsreleasearchive.asp. This insightful report includes a 2-page executive summary.

VOTE411.org

Voting Information the Public Needs
The League of Women Voters has proudly joined forces with Yahoo! to provide www.VOTE411.org, a one-stop source for election information! This easy-to-use, nonpartisan national Web site features some of the most sought-after information about Election Day, including state by state data on:

Registration and absentee ballot rules
Early voting provisions
ID requirements
Voting machine information
Tools for overseas citizens
Contact information for elections officials.

Third Thursday - April 2010

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
APRIL 15, AT 12:00
TOPIC: MASS TRANSIT
Our lunch on April 15 at 12:00 will focus on evolving Metro transit plans. Anyone who has to travel into Nashville on any morning will already know that something has to be done! And, as we learned at the Food Desert lunch, part of the difficulty for those living in the downtown area is direct transportation to shopping areas. Improving that--and much more--is on the plate for Metro's planning.
A Regional Transportation Plan is also in the works. We will consider the implications for the region if we continue as usual and if we invest in multi modal options. Join us as we take a look at the problems and the strategies being considered to resolve them. Jim McAteer of MTA will kick off the event and League member Mary Beth Ikard, Communications Director of Nashville Area Metro Planning Organization, will facilitate the discussion.
Join us as we gather at the Edgehill Public Library, 1409 12th Ave. S (near Belmont) on April 15 at 12:00. To order a box lunch for $8, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com no later than April 13. Or simply bring a brown bag. Invite a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch!

Third Thursday - March 2010

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
MARCH 18, AT 12:00
TOPIC: CHARTER SCHOOLS
Our lunch on March 18 at 12:00 will focus on charter schools. As we look for solutions to improve public education, few have stirred as much controversy as charter schools--schools that hover between the public and private sectors.
Alan Coverstone, Metro Schools' Director of Charter Schools, will join us as we discuss the many challenges and opportunities presented by charter schools in Nashville. The topic is especially timely when we consider:

New state legislation raises the cap for the potential number of charter schools in Nashville to 20.
Metro Superintendent of Schools Jesse Register and State Education Commissioner Tim Webb announced plans to seek a charter program to partner with the school system in turning around Cameron Middle School.
Mayor Dean recently announced the creation of a statewide charter school incubator, The Center for Charter School Excellence, to be based in Nashville.

Join us as we gather at the Green Hills Public Library, 3701 Benham Ave (behind the GH Post Office) at 12:00 (note the new time). To order a box lunch for $8, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com no later than Tues., March 16. Or simply bring a brown bag. Invite a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch!

Third Thursday - February 2010

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
February 18, 11:45
TOPIC:Nashville's Food Desert
Our lunch on February 18 will focused on the issue of food security. Many communities in Nashville are food deserts, lacking access to fresh, healthy food. Local food agencies report an increase in families needing food assistance. But the issue goes beyond stemming hunger. We looked at the issue of food security broadly. We discussed what is needed to assure that families have access to safe and nutritionally adequate food and we will explore some promising projects that provide access to locally grown food and opportunities for neighborhoods to grow their own food.
The League has long been interested in promoting health, wellness, and an adequate supply of food at reasonable prices to consumers. Our local League Human Needs program supports "programs and policies to prevent or reduce poverty and to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families."
Cassi Johns, Director of Food Security Partners, a project of the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policies Studies, will lead the discussion.
If you have questions, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com.

Third Thursday - January 21, 2010

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
JANUARY 21, 11:45
TOPIC: CUTTING TO THE BONE
Our lunch on January 21 at 11:45 focused on the issues facing the state legislature. Special emphasis was placed on the prospect that key League priorities--education, health care, and the environment--will be jeopardized by the need to cut spending to the bone. What alternatives are there to paring the budget? In fact, there are alternatives. The League supported several bills last year that would close existing tax loopholes and provide comprehensive tax modernization.
Lawmakers passed a $29.6 billion budget for the year that began July 1, including $2.2 billion in federal stimulus money. The state share of the spending plan--$12.1 billion--represented a 10% reduction from the previous year. The Governor has asked departments to prepare spending plans for FY11 with reductions of 6% to 9%. Compounding the problem, the two-year cash infusion provided by the federal stimulus will expire in 2011. If we do nothing, officials predict that Tennessee will not return to FY 2008 budget levels until 2014.
Kick off the New Year by learning more about these legislative proposals. We will gather for lunch and discussion at the Germantown Café, 1200 5th Ave. North at 11:45, and will order from the menu. Margie Parsley and Karen Weeks will facilitate the discussion.
If you have questions, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com. Bring a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch!

Third Thursday - November 19, 2009

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
NOVEMBER 19 12:00, CONEXION AMERICAS
TOPIC: DREAM ACT
Our lunch on November 19 focused on the DREAM Act, which would make a college education affordable to undocumented high school graduates. Currently an estimated 1000 Tennesseans who were brought to this country as young children face limited prospects for completing their education. Congress will look at legislation that (1) permits undocumented students who graduate from high school to apply for temporary legal residency and (2) allows these students to pay affordable, in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in their home state. It will give hard-working bright immigrant students a chance at college education and will benefit their communities.
We will gather to discuss the DREAM Act at Conexion Americas, an organization that helps acclimate immigrant families in Nashville, located at 800 18th Ave. South. Parking is available on 18th Ave. or Roy Acuff. If you wish to order a box lunch for $8.00, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com by November 16. Or come with your own brown bag. So bring a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch.
Debby Gould facilitated the discussion. For additional information, see two short pieces from the National Immigration Law Center at http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/DREAM/dream-basicinfo-2009-03-30.pdf and http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/DREAM/dream-bills-summary-2009-03-31.pdf

Third Thursday - October 15, 2009

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
OCTOBER 15 12:00, FIRST AMENDMENDMENT CENTER
TOPIC: ENSURING A COMPLETE CENSUS
The focus of our lunch on October 15 at 12:00 was the 2010 Census, a vital civic count of all Americans. The LWVUS is partnering with other groups in emphasizing the importance of every single resident being counted in the community where they live. The data is used as a basis for most federal funding to states and communities as well as for determining the number of Congressional representatives and state legislators. "Our goal is to work with others to eliminate the `undercount' that occurs, particularly within low income and minority populations," says national League President Mary G. Wilson. A representative from the Tennessee Partnership of the local Census Committee, will speak on the impact in the community and Tennessee and the mechanics of the local Census. Let's find out how we can help!
We will gather at 12:00 at the First Amendment Center, 1207 18th Ave. S. for lunch and discussion. If you wish to order a box lunch for $8.00, please contact Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com by October 12. Or bring your own brown bag. Invite a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch! . League members Jo Singer and Lynn Williams will facilitate the discussion. For additional resources on an inclusive census, see http://www.LWV.org and search for Census.

Third Thursday - September 17, 2009

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
SEPTEMBER 17, 12:00, BRONTE BISTRO AT DAVIS-KIDD BOOKSELLERS
TOPIC: HEALTH CARE REFORM
Our lunch on September 17 at 12:00 will focus on proposals currently under discussion for national Health Care Reform. The LWVUS has entered the debate, urging Congress and the President to continue support for inclusion of a public option as the best way to ensure access to comprehensive coverage and economical delivery of health care. We'll focus on key issues in proposals currently in play in the National health care reform debate and the outcome we'd like to see. League member Pat Post, former Policy Director for the national Health Care for the Homeless Council, will provide introductory remarks and facilitate the discussion. She suggests several references from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Kaiser Family Foundation to bring you up to date on current legislative vehicles in the House and Senate, key issues in health reform, and how a reform plan might be financed.
We will gather at 12:00 at the Bronte Bistro at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in the Green Hills Mall and will order from the menu. Please RSVP by September 14 to Jo Singer at 794-2781 or gjosinger@aol.com. Bring a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch!
For additional information about current legislative proposals, key issues, and how a reform plan might be financed please click on the sites below:
1. SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF MAJOR HEALTH CARE REFORM PROPOSALS. Kaiser Family Foundation. click here
2. Health Policy Brief: KEY ISSUES IN HEALTH REFORM. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health Affairs, August 20, 2009. click here
3. Explaining Health Care Reform: HOW MIGHT A REFORM PLAN BE FINANCED? Kaiser Family Foundation, Focus on Health Reform, July 2009. click here
4. Health Policy Brief: A PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health Affairs, June 19, 2009. click here
Additional information about health care reform is available under LWVN Publications (see "Quick Information About Health Care") and at http://www.LWV.org. or click here

Third Thursday - August 20, 2009

"THIRD THURSDAY" LUNCH AND DISCUSSION
AUGUST 20, 2009, 12:00
NOTE NEW LOCATION: Edgehill Public library
TOPIC: LOCAL IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Nashville League continues a monthly series of informative and thought provoking discussions of today's issues. League leaders will provide background information, League positions and starter discussion questions. You take it from there! Locations will change, but the date and time will not. This month's topic will focus on the current program in Nashville that screens all persons brought to the Sheriff's office regarding immigration status under an agreement with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). A recent US Government Accountability Office report describes the 287 G Program as resulting in the deportation of thousands of illegal immigrants, most of whom have committed only minor offenses. The Department of Homeland Security has issued new guidelines which would focus efforts on deportation of violent offenders. However, the guidelines will also make data about the program less accessible to the public. The Metro Council could vote soon to accept the changes in the program or could decide to end the program.
Debbie Gould will lead the discussion of this controversial program. We'll gather at 12:00 at the Edgehill Library, 1409 12th Ave, South (continuation of Granny White Pike). If you wish to order a box lunch for $8.00, please RSVP by August 17 to Jo Singer at gjosinger@aol.com. So gear up for Fall, bring a friend and enjoy another lively League lunch!
For additional information about the 287 G Program, please click on the sites indicated below:

Tennessean article, July 24, 2009 click here
Nashville Public Radio story, July 24, 2009 click here
ACLU of Tennessee press release, July 23, 2009 click here
Heritage Foundation, date, click here
Immigration and Customs Enforcement statement click here

Poll Watching 2008

With the help of 40 enthusiastic volunteers, the Nashville League conducted poll watching for the November 6, 2008 general election in Davidson County. Overall, individuals voting on election day and during early voting found polling places staffed with professional, helpful poll workers, waited just a few minutes to vote, and found the electronic voting machines functioning without problems. Poll watchers collected valuable data from their observations.
See the full report Click Here for a 3 page summary of the project, recommendations to the Election Commission. For a table summarizing our observations Click Here.
We are proud to offer this report to our community, and want to thank everyone who participated in this exciting project.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: July 7, 2010 18:32 PDT.