NEWS - Hop Topic Luncheons - LWV of Nashville

League of Women Voters^®
of Nashville

NEWS - Hop Topic Luncheons

Hop Topic Luncheon Archives

How Our Judges Are Selected and Why It Matters -February 3, 2012. What's Your Take on Immigration?. The Who, How, and Why of Legislative Advocacy Principal of Clifton Government Relations. CURRENT ISSUES THAT IMPACT THE WELLBEING OF TENNESSEE CHILDREN - Sept. 2011. Affordable Care Act - March 18, 2011. Tennessee Legislative Priorities - January 21, 2011. Next Steps in Public Education - November 18, 2010. League Observer Corps. - October 21, 2010. Voter Registration - September 2010. MASS TRANSIT - April 2010. CHARTER SCHOOLS - March 2010. Nashville's Food Desert - February 2010. State Budget Cuts - January 21, 2010. DREAM ACT - November 19, 2009. ENSURING A COMPLETE CENSUS - October 15, 2009. HEALTH CARE REFORM - September 17, 2009. LOCAL IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT - August 20, 2009.

How Our Judges Are Selected and Why It Matters -February 3, 2012

by LWVN SECRETARY DIANE DIIANNI
The League of Women Voters of Nashville will host Guilford ("Gif") F. Thornton, Jr., a Nashville-based attorney with Adams and Reese, as guest speaker for its February luncheon focusing on the importance of judicial selection. Thornton is legislative counsel to businesses, trade associations, and governmental entities with interests before the Tennessee General Assembly and serves on the board of the Tennessee Business Roundtable. He formerly served on Vanderbilt University's board of trust and as board president of the legal aid society of Middle Tennessee. In addition, he is currently chief lobbyist for the Tennessee Bar Association on the issue of merit-based judicial selection. Thornton will discuss recent and pending legislative developments in this area and why preserving merit-based selection is important to ensuring a fair, competent, and impartial judicial system in Tennessee.
Judicial selection is a complex process, so let's briefly review the current Tennessee Plan for merit selection, performance evaluation, and retention for appellate judges. When a vacancy on an appellate court including the Supreme Court occurs in Tennessee, a judicial nominating commission selects a panel of nominees for consideration by the Governor who then selects a candidate for appointment. Once appointed, the judge holds office until the next general election, at which time his or her name appears on the ballot to determine whether he or she will be "replaced" or "retained." This is known as a retention election. If the nominee is rejected by the qualified voters of the state, the nominating process starts over. If the nominee is accepted, the judge serves the remainder of an eight (8) year term. Then, before the end of his or her term, a 9-member judicial performance evaluation commission publishes an evaluation of the judge. If the evaluation commission recommends that the public retain the judge, the judge runs in another retention election. In the event that the evaluation commission does not recommend retention, then general election laws apply and the judge must run in a contested, partisan election. The Tennessee Plan was modified by the General Assembly in 2009.
During the past several years, there have been legislative efforts to end merit-based selection and retention of appellate judges in Tennessee in favor of elections (partisan or nonpartisan) of all judges. Most recently, the Tennessee Plan was to sunset in June 2007, but was extended for one year until June 2008. Because no legislative action was taken by June 2008, the committees that selected judicial nominees and evaluated appellate judges expired under the sunset provision and operated in a statutory one year wind-down period until June 2009.
During the 2009 legislative session, the LWVTN's lobbyist and Action Committee, and several other organizations, advocated forcefully for the preservation of a merit-based selection and retention system for appellate judges, and with only two weeks remaining, the merit selection, evaluation, and retention system was preserved with modifications relating to such matters as the selection and composition of the nominating and evaluation commissions, the number of nominees submitted to the governor, and the ballot language in retention elections. The 2009 modification, moreover, required that the created commissions (the Judicial Nominating Commission and the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission) sunset on June 30, 2012. Click Here
The legislative challenge to the Tennessee Plan continues in the 2011-2012 legislative session. There are several pending bills that would eliminate, modify, or restrict the current system of merit-based selection and retention of appellate judges. Such bills include, among others, SB127/HB173 (election of all judges statewide); SB699/H958 (popular vote of all judges, including political party nomination for election of justices to the Supreme Court); SB281/HB231 (nonpartisan elections of Supreme Court justices); and SB646/HB1702 (requiring 75% of vote for retention of appellate judges). There also is a senate joint resolution pending (SJR183) that seeks to amend the Tennessee Constitution to expressly authorize the General Assembly, by statute, to provide for merit-based appointments and retention elections for appellate judges.
The League continues to support the retention of the Tennessee Plan, the merit-based process for selection and retention of judges at the appellate level, or its equivalent, as the process that best promotes a fair, competent, and impartial appellate bench and enhances respect for our court system.
Strengths of Tennessee Plan The Tennessee Plan was originally adopted in 1971 with bi-partisan support to secure a highly qualified, nonpolitical appellate bench. As amended from time to time, it has operated effectively for almost four decades in achieving its goals.

1. Merit--the Tennessee Plan provides for an extensive screening process, including application, public meetings on candidates qualifications, and investigations and interviews with applicants. It also provides an evaluation process of judicial performance to enable voters to make informed decisions in retention elections. Merit selection tends to enhance the professional qualifications of the appellate bench (in studies from other jurisdictions, judges who were found to be poor performing judges or who were disciplined or removed from office were more frequently elected judges than merit-selected judges [see Vol. 75 Tennessee Law Review 501, 538, n. 243(2008)].

2. Independence--judicial independence is the foundation of our legal system, which is based on the principle that all who come before the court will be heard in a fair and impartial manner. Independent judges are able to act impartially and to make decisions consistent with the rule of law without concern for the day-to-day whims of politics or public opinion. Judicial independence also promotes our constitutional principles of separation of powers and serves to protect individual liberties and to ensure that minority rights are protected against popular or powerful interests. Under the Tennessee Plan, appellate court judges are not required to raise money, seek party support, or campaign for appellate office. In this way, public confidence in the integrity of the courts system as fair and impartial is enhanced.

3. Promotes Racial, Ethnic and Gender Diversity--a merit selection process tends to promote opportunities for selecting a more diverse group of judges. In Tennessee and nationwide, appointive systems have the potential for promoting more diversity on the appellate bench than systems that are based exclusively upon elections.

4. Although its opponents challenge the constitutionality of the Tennessee Plan, the Tennessee Supreme Court has held (and subsequently reaffirmed) that the Tennessee Plan is constitutional. A federal district court also has acknowledged that the Tennessee Plan was held to be constitutional. While opponents of the Tennessee Plan note that the Tennessee Constitution provides for the election of judges, the Tennessee Constitution also grants the Legislature the power and discretion to design the manner in which judges will be selected and retained. Courts have held that the Tennessee Legislature was acting within its constitutional powers in adopting and maintaining the Tennessee Plan as the method for nominating, selecting, and retaining appellate judges.

The Judicial Independence Project of the LWVUS has been ongoing since 2001. For additional information on the importance of judicial independence and merit-based processes of selection, visit http://www.lwv.org/content/safeguarding-us-democracy-quest-more-diverse-judiciary. For additional resources, visit the website of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Judicial Independence at www.abanet.org/judind/home/html; and the American Judicature Society website at www.judicialselection.us.

What's Your Take on Immigration?

"This country will give to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance," George Washington said in a letter to a Rhode Island synagogue, l790. Today, immigration and the status of immigrants will come up in almost any conversation about any topic whether it is education, access to health care, voting rights, or the economy.
During the 2011 legislative session a number of efforts were made to criminalize and restrict opportunities for the immigrant community. The measures introduced focused on employment, access to education and health care, citizenship for children born in the United States, and religious freedom. While most of the restrictive legislation was defeated or watered down during the last session, we can expect renewed anti-immigration efforts in 2012 that will again target immigrant rights and religious freedom.
Arrangements for the November First Friday speakers were coordinated by LWVN Human Services Director Jan Sobotka. The program will focus on legislation proposed during the 2011 session, what we might expect in 2012, and the impact of those efforts on our community.
Tom Negri is the managing director of Loew's Vanderbilt Hotel. He has served on many professional and community boards and developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing immigrants and the business community. Negri has been recognized for his commitment to facilitating constructive community dialog around immigration and integration as well as his leadership on those issues within Nashville's business community. He testified before the Tennessee General Assembly last session on the economic impact of many proposed measures.
Nathan Ridley is director of Government Relations at Bradley, Arant, Boult, and Cummings and represents the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Coalition. He spent eighteen years with the Tennessee General Assembly, serving as Senior Legislative Attorney in the Office of Legal Services and Special Counsel to the Speaker of the Senate.

The Who, How, and Why of Legislative Advocacy Principal of Clifton Government Relations

LWVTN lobbyist Stewart Clifton answers...

Who: Ten legislators who can make a difference for good next year

How: Ten techniques we can use to be not only right but also effective

Why: Ten issues that matter to the League and that depend on legislative action next year

Friday, October 7, 2011 - 11:45am -1pm
Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee - The Martin Distribution Center 331 Great Circle Road Nashville, TN 37228

CURRENT ISSUES THAT IMPACT THE WELLBEING OF TENNESSEE CHILDREN - Sept. 2011

First Friday - Hot Topic Luncheons Return in September 2011 (Formerly Third Thursdays)
CURRENT ISSUES THAT IMPACT THE WELLBEING OF TENNESSEE CHILDREN
SPEAKER: Tennessee Stand for Children's Political Director Emily Ogden is a lawyer specializing in education law. She brings to the table experience from the Tennessee Comptroller's Office of Research and Education Accountability and as a lobbyist for the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. Prior to her work with Stand for Children, Emily served as legislative liaison to the administration of Governor Phil Bredesen, helping to pass an overhaul of the state's education funding formula along with an increase of millions of dollars for K-12 education.
Founded in 1999, Tennessee Stand for Children is a statewide advocacy group, which believes all Tennesseans need to make children a top political priority. Through effective advocacy, they have already won 15 victories that directly improve the lives of more than 300,000 children in the state and leveraged more than $149 million in public funding for children's programs.
Learn more about their work addressing issues of equity in Tennessee. This program will provide a good introduction to the League's upcoming study and consensus activities this fall around key public education issues.
Reservations to lwvnash@gmail.com are advised; for additional information, contact Vickie Ziegler (Vziegler@comcast.net)

Affordable Care Act - March 18, 2011

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND HEALTH CARE EXCHANGES IN TENNESSEE
Former Tennessee Commissioner of Commerce & Insurance Leslie Shechter Newman probably knows more about implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act than anyone else in the state. In January 2007, Newman joined Governor Bredesen's cabinet and under her direction, the department successfully competed for three federal grants totaling $2.5 million to aid in implementation of the new health care law. Starting in 2014, U.S. citizens who don't receive health insurance through their workplace will be able to buy insurance directly from an Exchange--a transparent and competitive insurance marketplace where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable and qualified health benefit plans. Exchanges will offer you a choice of health plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards. Starting in 2014, Members of Congress will be getting their health care insurance through Exchanges, too.
A long-time member and former board member of the League of Women Voters, Newman is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and earned her Juris Doctor and Masters of Law in Urban Law from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. She is an expert in administrative and real estate law, and has practiced in Dallas, Texas (land use and zoning); in Tennessee assisting municipal governments across the state through the Municipal Technical Advisory Service of the University of Tennessee; in Nashville serving the Metro Department of Law from 1994 to 2000 and in private practice with a focus on land use, zoning, urban and municipal law, and governmental relations. Newman isan adept speaker with the ability to make tough topics understandable.

Tennessee Legislative Priorities - January 21, 2011

Stewart Clifton, principal of Clifton Government Relations and LWV of Tennessee lobbyist, outlined the Leagues Legislative priorities for 2011. Clifton represents, consults with, and trains nonprofit organizational clients and their staff, board, or volunteers about public policy concerns with emphasis on passing helpful legislation, defeating unhelpful legislation, and also advocating with the executive branch.

Next Steps in Public Education - November 18, 2010

Providing the best education possible for our children has been the focus of community groups including the League for many years. And yet regardless of ongoing support from federal, state, and local levels, solutions have not proved sustainable particularly in urban centers.
The November 18th LWVN Third Thursday presentation with Debby Gould and Kay Simmons launches from positive changes made in Tennessee's quest for higher academic success. Since 2007 Governor Bredesen has called for higher standards for Tennessee students, responding to criticism from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others that student performance in the state was inflated. Indeed, the U.S. Department of Education in 2009 ranked Tennessee 43rd in national math achievement. Even before the legislature and State Board of Education moved to new standards with the 2010 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement Test, now aligned with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (the gold standard of student progress), 13 schools statewide were identified for state takeover with several dozen more very near failing for poor progress under federal No Child Left Behind standards.
In the 2010 scores, educators and the community have found a stark reality that will require hard work, determination, and perseverance to make the necessary changes. While 2009 test results had shown 84% of Tennessee students were proficient; the 2010 more demanding NAEP measures found only 21% were proficient. The new scores showed over 52% of third-graders, 70% of sixth-graders, and 75% of eighth-graders failed in math; 52% of fifth-graders and 57% of eighth-graders failed in reading. The good news is that many Tennessee educators understand the consequences for students, districts, and the state and view the 2010 scores as a benchmark of academic preparedness that must be dramatically improved.
Parents and students caught in real life consequences of such test scores will need encouragement in understanding the importance of matching national definitions of proficiency in all subject areas. It is also important that the statewide community insists the half billion federal Race to the Top dollars transform Tennessee's public education system in ways that ensure better teachers, more on-task school time, and higher expectations in order to produce better-educated citizens who can tackle challenges in an increasingly demanding workplace. In a related effort to understand possible solutions, LWVN Board members have been attending Davis Guggenheim's new documentary "Waiting for Superman" currently at the Green Hills Regal Cinema (this may be the last week with showings through November 18 at 4:00 and 9:40 pm). Those interested in joining a group discussion may contact Debby Gould (debbygould@bellsouth.net) or Sue Bredensteiner (suebred@mindspring.com) with your preferred evening between now and year end; if there is interest we will try to schedule a time convenient to as many as possible. Also see http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/ and the Nashville Scene reviews (http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/new-doc-waiting-for-superman-opens-a-fierce-debate-about-public-education/Content?oid=1889660, and http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/is-waiting-for-superman-destined-to-be-another-feel-bad-wake-up-call-that-lets-its-audience-off-the-hook/Content?oid=1920865).

League Observer Corps. - October 21, 2010

On October 21, Barbara Gay will discuss how we can better protect our right to know and transparency in government that are integral to the health of our democracy. In an effort to keep members and the public informed about important issues, the LWVN is reviving a tried and true way to ensure such communication through a League Observer Corps. The Corps is composed of individuals or groups that attend important meetings, monitor issues, and report outcomes to LWVTN Action Committee.
Barbara will describe logistics and expected outcomes in her presentation about the Corps function in the legislative and community government process along with the importance of letting decision-makers know the League is interested in their work (see program description in the August Voter). For additional information contact Barbara Gay at 297-4145 or barbara.b.gay@gmail.com.

Voter Registration - September 2010

The League's Third Thursday lunch series resumed September 16. Members met at noon on September 16 at the Green Hills Whole Foods Market.
Voter Services Chair Lynn Williams presented her Train the Trainer module featuring best practices for the art of voter registration. She'll demonstrate what's important when registering people to vote, problem-solving skills critical to the task, the tools of the trade, and how to conduct volunteer training as a broader voter registration activity. Lynn also will introduce her Voter Services committee and outline plans for the coming year. Bring a brown bag or shop the myriad offerings Whole Foods offers. Contact Vicki Ziegler at Vziegler@comcast.net if you have additional questions.

MASS TRANSIT - 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!

CHARTER SCHOOLS - 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!

Nashville's Food Desert - 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.

State Budget Cuts - 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 Caf�, 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!

DREAM ACT - 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

ENSURING A COMPLETE CENSUS - 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.

HEALTH CARE REFORM - 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

LOCAL IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT - 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

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