Greetings,
As we begin 2012 and look back over 2011, there is much that was accomplished. In 2012 we have plans to continue to follow elections, follow the campaign cycle and to impact policy to improve our quality of life in our communities, our nation and within our 21st century global society. The Nevada 2011 redistricting process was interesting and exciting. The Las Vegas Valley League's voice was loud and clear so as we participated in the judicial process to set 2011 voting districts and to
ensure that for the next ten years Nevada's districts are proportional, contiguous and fair. It continues to be a League mission to inform voters so that they actively participate in government.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada has clearly stated positions ( see. web site to review) When developing our positions we conduct studies. One 2011 study conducted by local leagues reviewed the role of the federal government in education. In 2012, there is an ongoing study looking at the "Scope of Privatization."
The purpose of the privatization study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state and local government services and /or functions to the private sector. The study will review the stated goal and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency,accountability, and the preservation of the common good and quality of life issues.
Policy and process are built into our governmental structure which was in large designed by James Madison resulting in a concept of federalism, three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial, and a structure which included checks and balances. since power was not completely separate. We owe much to James Mansion, a man of his time and a man who understood human nature. Madison said, " ambition must be made to counteract ambition-- if men were angels, no government would be necessary...... the great difficulty lies in this:you must first enable the government to control the governed;.. and then in the next place oblige it to control itself "
In 2011 all levels of government had the power to govern, yet often lacked the political will to control itself. Madison feared factions (parties ) both majority and minority. In 2011 ,our two party system was often unable to achieve balance and much was left undone. In 2012 we have the full force of the campaign cycle, so ambition will also impact balance. Many of Madison's concerns are timeless. Madison's thoughts fit into his world and into our 21st century world.
As with any organization, including governments, terms and clarity are linchpins to understanding operations. Our government is a democracy. Our present day factions are political organizations.
The word democracy was a relatively new concept in Madison's world . Today Democracy can be overused and takes place among terms such as freedom, justice and peace. For clarity, in regards to the League, democracy is a political system in which citizen participation is critical and invoked through an individual exercising the right to vote.
As Humpty Dumpty said , " When I make a word do a lot of work, I pay extra." League has a mission to support democracy in the context of " government by the people. " and we all need to pay extra by working to support our system of government.
The American system of government has developed into a two parry system with some historic third parties to spice things up. Madison warned us about factions, however factions are now part of the system beginning in Madison's time with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
The American Revolution itself in comparison to the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution was conservative. The American Colonists wanted to restore their rights inalienable rights and to restore economic stability.
Terms such as "conservative " and "liberal" are two other words doing a great deal of work today and for that Americans pay extra.as we struggle in these uncharted economic times to maintain our rights as Americans and to secure our hopes for economic, social and political stability continuing the movement of the original colonists in 2012.
Viva la Revolution
Warmest Regards,
Sam King ,LWVNV Grassroots Lobbyist aka Advocate.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Advocacy Report.
As a political junky, I have studied political arenas and issues the majority of my adult life and find that while our 21st century technology has impacted the campaign process and marketing of the candidates, elections remain fueled by money and a candidate’s words and actions. The League of Women Voters believes that transparency is the best protection for fair open elections. Campaign Finance Reform which mandates transparency is the linchpin to protecting the election process and protecting the citizens’ right to know and to facilitate citizen participation in decision-making.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada believes Nevada has not maximized nor stabilized its tax base to adequately support state programs including public education. Nevada Tax reform is long overdue. The League of Women Voters supports action to reform the Nevada tax structure so that it is a tax system which is balanced, fair, and non regressive and adequate and has a sound economic impact. Reforms should ensure a tax system which is:
1. Balanced and diversified
2. Supports environmental protections, a basic level of health and human services, and quality education K-20
3. Maximizes federal funds
4. Structures in budget reserves
5. Allocates appropriate funds for actions requiring local government action
6. Reviews revenue collection
7. Reviews special tax exemptions as to their relevance
8. Provides internal/external audits
9. Reviews internet tax structure to determine impact on Nevada based business
10. Review sales tax as to possible expansions or retractions
The League support s the Environmental Protection Act .A healthy community is dependent upon a healthy environment. The League of Women Voters supports sensible water policy. Sensible water projects should be environmentally sound given that much of Nevada is a desert.
The League of Women Voters has long participated in studying the health care system within our state. We are reviewing the reforms to health care.
The best protection we have to ensuring that we improve our quality of life is to make informed decisions and to voice our concerns and to vote.
Sam King
As a political junky, I have studied political arenas and issues the majority of my adult life and find that while our 21st century technology has impacted the campaign process and marketing of the candidates, elections remain fueled by money and a candidate’s words and actions. The League of Women Voters believes that transparency is the best protection for fair open elections. Campaign Finance Reform which mandates transparency is the linchpin to protecting the election process and protecting the citizens’ right to know and to facilitate citizen participation in decision-making.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada believes Nevada has not maximized nor stabilized its tax base to adequately support state programs including public education. Nevada Tax reform is long overdue. The League of Women Voters supports action to reform the Nevada tax structure so that it is a tax system which is balanced, fair, and non regressive and adequate and has a sound economic impact. Reforms should ensure a tax system which is:
1. Balanced and diversified
2. Supports environmental protections, a basic level of health and human services, and quality education K-20
3. Maximizes federal funds
4. Structures in budget reserves
5. Allocates appropriate funds for actions requiring local government action
6. Reviews revenue collection
7. Reviews special tax exemptions as to their relevance
8. Provides internal/external audits
9. Reviews internet tax structure to determine impact on Nevada based business
10. Review sales tax as to possible expansions or retractions
The League support s the Environmental Protection Act .A healthy community is dependent upon a healthy environment. The League of Women Voters supports sensible water policy. Sensible water projects should be environmentally sound given that much of Nevada is a desert.
The League of Women Voters has long participated in studying the health care system within our state. We are reviewing the reforms to health care.
The best protection we have to ensuring that we improve our quality of life is to make informed decisions and to voice our concerns and to vote.
Sam King
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
The League of Women Voters Las Vegas Valley Education Committee meets monthly at 8:30 am prior to our program at the Main Street Social Club, the third Saturday of the month, September through April. Please come and join us for our meetings.
Public Education is at a crossroads as we face uncharted economic times, a fast-paced information hungry global society and a shifting perhaps even a polarization of the responsibility and defined mission of public education. Much is reported and supports that educationally the United States is a nation at –risk. There are fewer students who perform well on assessments and fewer that graduate from high school. Many young people are finding their way into the juvenile justice system and graduating into the prison system. As a state, Nevada’s young people mirror the national picture.
What has been suggested is that public education must be reformed or perhaps it should be out-sourced or privatized. There is debate as to what the federal government is responsible for in terms of public education. What we have is data to support there is a problem while in terms of how to reform the system the jury is out.
Constitutionally, education is a state responsibility, although there is a movement to have national standards and a history of federal support.
Fiscally, states are facing funding shortfalls and federal support comes with guidelines.
Equal access is based upon civil rights issues including racial and ethnic balance and meeting the threshold of needs for those with disabilities.
Accountability is required but in terms of clarity and in respect to legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act – there is work to be done to translate accountability into achievement and accurate measurement of student learning and success.
Learning is a process which requires transition and lifelong support that is impacted by environmental problems such as health issues, poverty, gangs and family disruptions. There are support agencies however no playbook as to the role and responsibility of the public education system to address external environmental issues or health considerations. Efforts have been made to develop partnerships at the state and local levels – preschool programs, all-day kindergarten, curriculum and counselors to instruct in life skills, strategies and prevention programs, parenting classes, gang prevention, after school activities, vocational and career training. All are good support strategies. Nevertheless with limited resources how do we provide access? Where do these fit in with public education and accountability?
The League of Women Voters studies, researches and looks for consensus when advocating and looking at issues. Then we look for policy change. One long time argument with public education in Nevada is that Nevada underfunds it. As part of our Education Committee work we will perform to the best of our ability due diligence and local research. We are looking at the Clark County School District budget, audit and bond oversight operations. We are looking at new reforms as they emerge. During the 2011 Legislative Session reform practices where structured in law including a re-structuring of the State Board of Education. The committee will review the state regulations and their impact.
Education is the linchpin to our future.
Sam King Education Committee Chair
Public Education is at a crossroads as we face uncharted economic times, a fast-paced information hungry global society and a shifting perhaps even a polarization of the responsibility and defined mission of public education. Much is reported and supports that educationally the United States is a nation at –risk. There are fewer students who perform well on assessments and fewer that graduate from high school. Many young people are finding their way into the juvenile justice system and graduating into the prison system. As a state, Nevada’s young people mirror the national picture.
What has been suggested is that public education must be reformed or perhaps it should be out-sourced or privatized. There is debate as to what the federal government is responsible for in terms of public education. What we have is data to support there is a problem while in terms of how to reform the system the jury is out.
Constitutionally, education is a state responsibility, although there is a movement to have national standards and a history of federal support.
Fiscally, states are facing funding shortfalls and federal support comes with guidelines.
Equal access is based upon civil rights issues including racial and ethnic balance and meeting the threshold of needs for those with disabilities.
Accountability is required but in terms of clarity and in respect to legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act – there is work to be done to translate accountability into achievement and accurate measurement of student learning and success.
Learning is a process which requires transition and lifelong support that is impacted by environmental problems such as health issues, poverty, gangs and family disruptions. There are support agencies however no playbook as to the role and responsibility of the public education system to address external environmental issues or health considerations. Efforts have been made to develop partnerships at the state and local levels – preschool programs, all-day kindergarten, curriculum and counselors to instruct in life skills, strategies and prevention programs, parenting classes, gang prevention, after school activities, vocational and career training. All are good support strategies. Nevertheless with limited resources how do we provide access? Where do these fit in with public education and accountability?
The League of Women Voters studies, researches and looks for consensus when advocating and looking at issues. Then we look for policy change. One long time argument with public education in Nevada is that Nevada underfunds it. As part of our Education Committee work we will perform to the best of our ability due diligence and local research. We are looking at the Clark County School District budget, audit and bond oversight operations. We are looking at new reforms as they emerge. During the 2011 Legislative Session reform practices where structured in law including a re-structuring of the State Board of Education. The committee will review the state regulations and their impact.
Education is the linchpin to our future.
Sam King Education Committee Chair
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Dear Sam,
This week, the U.S. Senate will consider legislation to block safeguards that protect the health of children and families in Nevada and across the country. S.J. Res. 27 eliminates the Cross-State Air Pollution rule which limits the smog and soot-forming particles from other states.
Tell Senators Harry Reid & Dean Heller to oppose this attack on public health. Show your support for protecting the air we breathe.
The Cross-State Air Pollution rule will save up to 34,000 lives and avoid 400,000 asthma attacks, 15,000 heart attacks, and 1.8 million missed days at school or work.
By introducing S.J. Res. 27, Senator Paul showed that he favors special interest polluters over the public’s health and children with asthma. His proposal would risk thousands of lives and prevent the EPA from ever enforcing commonsense regulations on pollution from other states in the future.
Ask Nevada’s Senators to oppose this dangerous attack on public health. Send your message now!
Thank you,
Scot Rutledge
Executive Director
Nevada Conservation Lea
This week, the U.S. Senate will consider legislation to block safeguards that protect the health of children and families in Nevada and across the country. S.J. Res. 27 eliminates the Cross-State Air Pollution rule which limits the smog and soot-forming particles from other states.
Tell Senators Harry Reid & Dean Heller to oppose this attack on public health. Show your support for protecting the air we breathe.
The Cross-State Air Pollution rule will save up to 34,000 lives and avoid 400,000 asthma attacks, 15,000 heart attacks, and 1.8 million missed days at school or work.
By introducing S.J. Res. 27, Senator Paul showed that he favors special interest polluters over the public’s health and children with asthma. His proposal would risk thousands of lives and prevent the EPA from ever enforcing commonsense regulations on pollution from other states in the future.
Ask Nevada’s Senators to oppose this dangerous attack on public health. Send your message now!
Thank you,
Scot Rutledge
Executive Director
Nevada Conservation Lea
Saturday, October 29, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
EDUCATION REFORM--- YOU SURE ?
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley exercised its responsibility to study current issues and recently conducted a study on the role of the Federal government in public education.
Public education is in the center of the perfect storm. Locally and nationally, public education is deemed failing as it presently exists and operates. Perhaps rather than failing, public education has simply not moved into or kept up with the 21st century the way it should.The United States, once the envy of the free world in terms of public education, is now a nation at -risk. The global economic crisis has added to the seriousness backing the reality that to once again become competitive in the 21st Century, we must educate our young people and provide continuing education - life-long learning- for all . Somehow we must build and revive our public educational system in order to truly reform it. Quality education is the linchpin to improving the economy which will improve quality of life and our bottom line.
Herein lies the dilemma. Reform is the buzz word. Accountability is the goal. No Child Left Behind is a barrier. Core standards must become the norm .Students are failing because of the environmental challenges which impede their ability to attend school, learn and succeed. Health care and mental health issues hinder learning. We have many students for whom the English language is a challenge. Teacher unions have become a barrier. Well, all of the above must be addressed, however are they part of education reform? Recognition of the barriers and truly improving public education are related but are they part of education reform and providing a solution as to what exactly must be done to meet our goal to provide that our community and our nation have literate educated citizens. Teachers have been targeted when they should be supported and provided tools to improve in their profession rather than becoming political pawns to balance the bottom line in state budget shortfalls
The fact that teachers have become a target in the politics and economic budget troubles of our state troubles me. The attempts to curb collective bargaining is unwise. If I hear shared sacrifice one more time I will not be responsible for my reaction. Shared economic sacrifice in CCSD is not overtly obvious when the district is hiring consultants and financing studies while to what agenda; in the name of what reform is unclear. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, no one supports encouraging individuals to remain in the teaching profession or in the role of administrator if they're not up to the job. However, the substitution of findings is not reform nor is technology a substitution for good qualified teachers in the classroom. I attended the CCSD Community Linkage Meeting held at Valley High School. The consultants reports and studies and new system of organization for CCSD is not something that eases my concerns. I attended the last CCSD School Board Meeting and listening to support staff's public comments was proof that school district climate is not good.
So what do we do with the studies,reports and data which is available ? This is the next step and I am not quite sure what that next step is.
Sam King, Grassroots Lobbyist LWVNV
3868 Erva Street Las Vegas NV
702-228-9608
sm229@ol.com
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley exercised its responsibility to study current issues and recently conducted a study on the role of the Federal government in public education.
Public education is in the center of the perfect storm. Locally and nationally, public education is deemed failing as it presently exists and operates. Perhaps rather than failing, public education has simply not moved into or kept up with the 21st century the way it should.The United States, once the envy of the free world in terms of public education, is now a nation at -risk. The global economic crisis has added to the seriousness backing the reality that to once again become competitive in the 21st Century, we must educate our young people and provide continuing education - life-long learning- for all . Somehow we must build and revive our public educational system in order to truly reform it. Quality education is the linchpin to improving the economy which will improve quality of life and our bottom line.
Herein lies the dilemma. Reform is the buzz word. Accountability is the goal. No Child Left Behind is a barrier. Core standards must become the norm .Students are failing because of the environmental challenges which impede their ability to attend school, learn and succeed. Health care and mental health issues hinder learning. We have many students for whom the English language is a challenge. Teacher unions have become a barrier. Well, all of the above must be addressed, however are they part of education reform? Recognition of the barriers and truly improving public education are related but are they part of education reform and providing a solution as to what exactly must be done to meet our goal to provide that our community and our nation have literate educated citizens. Teachers have been targeted when they should be supported and provided tools to improve in their profession rather than becoming political pawns to balance the bottom line in state budget shortfalls
The fact that teachers have become a target in the politics and economic budget troubles of our state troubles me. The attempts to curb collective bargaining is unwise. If I hear shared sacrifice one more time I will not be responsible for my reaction. Shared economic sacrifice in CCSD is not overtly obvious when the district is hiring consultants and financing studies while to what agenda; in the name of what reform is unclear. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, no one supports encouraging individuals to remain in the teaching profession or in the role of administrator if they're not up to the job. However, the substitution of findings is not reform nor is technology a substitution for good qualified teachers in the classroom. I attended the CCSD Community Linkage Meeting held at Valley High School. The consultants reports and studies and new system of organization for CCSD is not something that eases my concerns. I attended the last CCSD School Board Meeting and listening to support staff's public comments was proof that school district climate is not good.
So what do we do with the studies,reports and data which is available ? This is the next step and I am not quite sure what that next step is.
Sam King, Grassroots Lobbyist LWVNV
3868 Erva Street Las Vegas NV
702-228-9608
sm229@ol.com
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Thought you mayt want to have this schedule
Regards,
Sam
After Florida moved up their Presidential Primary to January 31st, the remaining calendar was thrown into question for many states. Today, the Nevada State Democratic Party issued a press release saying our caucus has been moved up to January 14. This was done to preserve Nevada’s hard won position as third caucus state in the country. The new schedule* (still with the potential for changes until October 22nd) is as follows:
Tuesday, January 3: Iowa Republican caucuses
Saturday, January 7: New Hampshire (This date is not official)
Saturday, January 14: Nevada caucuses (Democratic & Republican)
Saturday, January 21: South Carolina Republican Primary
Tuesday, January 31: Florida
Saturday, February 4 : Maine Republican caucuses (through February 11)
Monday, February 6, 2012: Iowa Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, February 7: Colorado Republican caucuses, Minnesota Republican caucuses, Missouri (non-binding)
Tuesday, February 14: New Hampshire
Saturday, February 18: Nevada Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, February 28: Arizona, Michigan, South Carolina Democratic primary
Saturday, March 3: Washington Republican caucuses
Tuesday, March 6 (Super Tuesday): Alaska Republican caucuses, Colorado Democratic caucuses, Georgia, Idaho Republican caucuses, Massachusetts, Minnesota Democratic caucuses, North Dakota Republican caucuses, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming Republican caucuses (through March 10)
Wednesday, March 7: Hawaii Democratic caucuses
Saturday, March 10: Kansas Republican caucuses
Sunday, March 11: Maine Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, March 13: Alabama, Hawaii Republican caucuses, Mississippi, Utah Democratic caucuses
Saturday, March 17: Missouri Republican caucuses
Tuesday, March 20: Illinois
Saturday, March 24: Louisiana
Tuesday, April 3: Maryland, Washington DC, Wisconsin
Saturday, April 14: Idaho Democratic caucuses, Kansas Democratic caucuses, Nebraska Democratic caucuses, Wyoming Democratic caucuses
Sunday, April 15: Alaska Democratic caucuses, Florida Democratic caucuses (through May 5), Washington Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, April 24: Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Saturday, May 5: Michigan Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, May 8: Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia
Tuesday, May 15: Nebraska, Oregon
Tuesday, May 22: Arkansas, Kentucky
Tuesday, June 5: California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota Democratic caucuses,
Regards,
Sam
After Florida moved up their Presidential Primary to January 31st, the remaining calendar was thrown into question for many states. Today, the Nevada State Democratic Party issued a press release saying our caucus has been moved up to January 14. This was done to preserve Nevada’s hard won position as third caucus state in the country. The new schedule* (still with the potential for changes until October 22nd) is as follows:
Tuesday, January 3: Iowa Republican caucuses
Saturday, January 7: New Hampshire (This date is not official)
Saturday, January 14: Nevada caucuses (Democratic & Republican)
Saturday, January 21: South Carolina Republican Primary
Tuesday, January 31: Florida
Saturday, February 4 : Maine Republican caucuses (through February 11)
Monday, February 6, 2012: Iowa Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, February 7: Colorado Republican caucuses, Minnesota Republican caucuses, Missouri (non-binding)
Tuesday, February 14: New Hampshire
Saturday, February 18: Nevada Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, February 28: Arizona, Michigan, South Carolina Democratic primary
Saturday, March 3: Washington Republican caucuses
Tuesday, March 6 (Super Tuesday): Alaska Republican caucuses, Colorado Democratic caucuses, Georgia, Idaho Republican caucuses, Massachusetts, Minnesota Democratic caucuses, North Dakota Republican caucuses, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming Republican caucuses (through March 10)
Wednesday, March 7: Hawaii Democratic caucuses
Saturday, March 10: Kansas Republican caucuses
Sunday, March 11: Maine Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, March 13: Alabama, Hawaii Republican caucuses, Mississippi, Utah Democratic caucuses
Saturday, March 17: Missouri Republican caucuses
Tuesday, March 20: Illinois
Saturday, March 24: Louisiana
Tuesday, April 3: Maryland, Washington DC, Wisconsin
Saturday, April 14: Idaho Democratic caucuses, Kansas Democratic caucuses, Nebraska Democratic caucuses, Wyoming Democratic caucuses
Sunday, April 15: Alaska Democratic caucuses, Florida Democratic caucuses (through May 5), Washington Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, April 24: Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Saturday, May 5: Michigan Democratic caucuses
Tuesday, May 8: Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia
Tuesday, May 15: Nebraska, Oregon
Tuesday, May 22: Arkansas, Kentucky
Tuesday, June 5: California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota Democratic caucuses,
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Subject: Two/ three of the Four E's
Greetings,
In today's 10/04/2011 Las Vegas papers there are two articles which focus on elections, the economy, and education
Secretary of State Miller is quoted by Ed Vogel--- Miller urges Redistricting Order-- the order was also briefly discussed on Face to Face 10/03/2011. The LWVNV is and has been engaged in the process of redistricting via our committee and legal counsel .during the Nevada Legislative session 2011 and as it proceeds in the courts.
Thomas Friedman addresses the economy and education as related to technology How did the robot end up with my job ?
Regards,
Sam King
Greetings,
In today's 10/04/2011 Las Vegas papers there are two articles which focus on elections, the economy, and education
Secretary of State Miller is quoted by Ed Vogel--- Miller urges Redistricting Order-- the order was also briefly discussed on Face to Face 10/03/2011. The LWVNV is and has been engaged in the process of redistricting via our committee and legal counsel .during the Nevada Legislative session 2011 and as it proceeds in the courts.
Thomas Friedman addresses the economy and education as related to technology How did the robot end up with my job ?
Regards,
Sam King
Sunday, October 2, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Greetings,
Education is the linchpin for LWVNV advocacy. The LWVUS proposes studies and state and local leagues move forward on the grassroots process. The study on education focuses upon the role of the federal government in public education and will flow into a later study on privatization.
Jane Newton,is the chair for the LWVLVV study on education. Local Leagues can network with Jane. Her email is-
redrockin@cox.net
Correct address: edstudynv.wordpress.com
There is an upcoming Oct. 12 Group Discussions:
1pm at Sandy Metcalf's house on East side (email her at lysan969@aol.com for
directions)
4pm at Jane Newton's house in Summerlin (email her at sosnevada@hotmail.com
for directions)AND
7pm online webinar discussion everyone can participate in from home - email
Jane at sosnevada@hotmail.com for link
Regards,
Sam King , Grassroots Lobbyist LWVNV
Education is the linchpin for LWVNV advocacy. The LWVUS proposes studies and state and local leagues move forward on the grassroots process. The study on education focuses upon the role of the federal government in public education and will flow into a later study on privatization.
Jane Newton,is the chair for the LWVLVV study on education. Local Leagues can network with Jane. Her email is-
redrockin@cox.net
Correct address: edstudynv.wordpress.com
There is an upcoming Oct. 12 Group Discussions:
1pm at Sandy Metcalf's house on East side (email her at lysan969@aol.com for
directions)
4pm at Jane Newton's house in Summerlin (email her at sosnevada@hotmail.com
for directions)AND
7pm online webinar discussion everyone can participate in from home - email
Jane at sosnevada@hotmail.com for link
Regards,
Sam King , Grassroots Lobbyist LWVNV
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Greetings ,
The end of summer and the beginning of Fall highlights that while seasons rotate, the League of Woman Voters of Nevada maintains a steady course continuing our mission based upon study and our positions monitoring Elections, Education, the Environment the Economy and the responsibility of a representative democratic government to ensure that social services including healthcare are part of any government grand bargain. We are committed to improving the quality of life of our communities through grassroots organization.
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is conducting a study on the role of the federal government relative to pubic education
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is part of the legal process abdicated by the Nevada Legislature to Redistrict every ten years as defined in the United States Constitution and the Nevada Constitution,however now in the hands of three grand masters and Judge Russell.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada through local league organization and individual members register voters to give voice to our citizens
The League of Women Voters of Nevada reviews policy impacting the economy and government services.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada reviews policy impacting our environment.
While Nevada operates on an archaic biennial legislative system and an interim process of committees, the League of Women Voters continues to invoke the core of our democratic representative government by the people continuously season after season .
Regards,
Sam King LWVNV Grassroots Lobbyist.
The end of summer and the beginning of Fall highlights that while seasons rotate, the League of Woman Voters of Nevada maintains a steady course continuing our mission based upon study and our positions monitoring Elections, Education, the Environment the Economy and the responsibility of a representative democratic government to ensure that social services including healthcare are part of any government grand bargain. We are committed to improving the quality of life of our communities through grassroots organization.
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is conducting a study on the role of the federal government relative to pubic education
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is part of the legal process abdicated by the Nevada Legislature to Redistrict every ten years as defined in the United States Constitution and the Nevada Constitution,however now in the hands of three grand masters and Judge Russell.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada through local league organization and individual members register voters to give voice to our citizens
The League of Women Voters of Nevada reviews policy impacting the economy and government services.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada reviews policy impacting our environment.
While Nevada operates on an archaic biennial legislative system and an interim process of committees, the League of Women Voters continues to invoke the core of our democratic representative government by the people continuously season after season .
Regards,
Sam King LWVNV Grassroots Lobbyist.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Subject: Public Education- reform or dismantling
The LWVLVV began the 2011-2012 year with our September Program looking at public education. Our quest panel - Erin Craner, Carolyn Edwards, Senator Woodhouse, Assemblywoman Dondero- Lupe, and Assemblyman Aizley gave a round table presentation. As a follow-up to the panels's information, I would suggest that members read today's, RJ, Viewpoints - How Much do we spend to educate our kids ? by Geoffrey Lawrence 9/18/2011. Mr. Lawrence brings up funding issues that should be reviewed, however his direction would be to move public education toward greater private sector involvement. I would caution that due caution to this solution. The LVWLVV is currently participating in a LWVUS study on public education. Education is the linchpin to a democratic system of governance and improving our quality of life. The answer to and how education reform play out will prove to be challenging to say the least and as political as economic reform
Regards,
Sam King
The LWVLVV began the 2011-2012 year with our September Program looking at public education. Our quest panel - Erin Craner, Carolyn Edwards, Senator Woodhouse, Assemblywoman Dondero- Lupe, and Assemblyman Aizley gave a round table presentation. As a follow-up to the panels's information, I would suggest that members read today's, RJ, Viewpoints - How Much do we spend to educate our kids ? by Geoffrey Lawrence 9/18/2011. Mr. Lawrence brings up funding issues that should be reviewed, however his direction would be to move public education toward greater private sector involvement. I would caution that due caution to this solution. The LVWLVV is currently participating in a LWVUS study on public education. Education is the linchpin to a democratic system of governance and improving our quality of life. The answer to and how education reform play out will prove to be challenging to say the least and as political as economic reform
Regards,
Sam King
Monday, August 29, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Public News Service-NV
August 29, 2011
Petition Drive Targets a 'Monster' of a Problem
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Monster.com, an online company used by thousands of Nevada job-seekers, is the target of a petition drive organized to stop what supporters are calling discrimination against the unemployed. Drive organizers hope to convince Monster.com and similar job-listing websites to stop allowing companies to advertise jobs that prohibit unemployed people from applying.
Kelly Wiedemer, Westminster, Colo., is the author of the petition, which already has nearly 90,000 signatures. She says it puts unemployed workers like her in a bind.
"It's a horrible, horrible situation. Everybody, really, they don't want any form of welfare, so to speak, with unemployment. We want to work."
A spokesman for Monster.com says, "Discrimination based on employment status falls into a legal gray area. Regardless of whether this type of discrimination is legal or not, however, it is certainly unwise." Even so, Monster.com has not banned the practice.
New Jersey already has a law banning job ads that prohibit jobless workers from applying, and Michigan and New York are considering similar legislation. A measure to outlaw the practice has also been introduced in Congress.
The practice of discrimination against the unemployed negates everything a worker has accomplished over a lifetime, Wiedemer says.
"Without saying so, they said that my education, my experience and my background had no value whatsoever."
Wiedemer says she hopes to collect 200,000 signatures in her drive to get websites like Monster and Career Builder to stop taking ads that she says discriminate against people without jobs.
Information about the petition drive is at http://tinyurl.com/3k3x7yr.
Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21923-1
August 29, 2011
Petition Drive Targets a 'Monster' of a Problem
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Monster.com, an online company used by thousands of Nevada job-seekers, is the target of a petition drive organized to stop what supporters are calling discrimination against the unemployed. Drive organizers hope to convince Monster.com and similar job-listing websites to stop allowing companies to advertise jobs that prohibit unemployed people from applying.
Kelly Wiedemer, Westminster, Colo., is the author of the petition, which already has nearly 90,000 signatures. She says it puts unemployed workers like her in a bind.
"It's a horrible, horrible situation. Everybody, really, they don't want any form of welfare, so to speak, with unemployment. We want to work."
A spokesman for Monster.com says, "Discrimination based on employment status falls into a legal gray area. Regardless of whether this type of discrimination is legal or not, however, it is certainly unwise." Even so, Monster.com has not banned the practice.
New Jersey already has a law banning job ads that prohibit jobless workers from applying, and Michigan and New York are considering similar legislation. A measure to outlaw the practice has also been introduced in Congress.
The practice of discrimination against the unemployed negates everything a worker has accomplished over a lifetime, Wiedemer says.
"Without saying so, they said that my education, my experience and my background had no value whatsoever."
Wiedemer says she hopes to collect 200,000 signatures in her drive to get websites like Monster and Career Builder to stop taking ads that she says discriminate against people without jobs.
Information about the petition drive is at http://tinyurl.com/3k3x7yr.
Click here to view this story on the Public News Service RSS site and access an audio version of this and other stories: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21923-1
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Hello Members of the LWVNV
We have been invited to attend the event.
Regards,
Sam King, Grassroots Lobbyist
On Aug 22, 2011, at 7:46 PM, joanne.goodwin@unlv.edu wrote:
Dear Friends, I am writing to let you know about a remarkable and free opportunity that will come to us on September 1 from 5:30-7pm at the UNLV, Greenspun Hall Auditorium.
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Dr. Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, & Dr. Joanne Goodwin, Assoc Prof History, UNLV & Director of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada will be discussing the topic "Shattering the Glass Ceiling: advancing the role of women in government nationally and locally." Each will speak for about 10 minutes and then the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Congresswoman Berkeley has served Nevada's First Congressional District since 1999 and is currently in her seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives. She sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the subcommittee on social security. Among the many constituencies she serves, she is also a member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.
Dr. Esther Brimmer has served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations since April 2009. Her mission in that position is to advance US interests through international organizations in areas of human rights, peacekeeping, food security, humanitarian relief and climate change.
Dr. Joanne Goodwin is the founding director of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada -- a 12-year old research institute housed in the College of Liberal Arts. Among the institute's many activities have been: reports on the Status of Women in Nevada, partnering with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University to build a civic-engagement and leadership training program for undergraduate college women, and building historical resources on women's involvement in the development of southern Nevada.
Please join us and bring a friend.
For more information, call 895-3401 or contact wrin@unlv.edu.
Joanne L. Goodwin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, History
Director, Women's Research Institute of Nevada
http://wrin.unlv.edu
Gender and the Politics of Welfare Reform
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/13267.ctl
We have been invited to attend the event.
Regards,
Sam King, Grassroots Lobbyist
On Aug 22, 2011, at 7:46 PM, joanne.goodwin@unlv.edu wrote:
Dear Friends, I am writing to let you know about a remarkable and free opportunity that will come to us on September 1 from 5:30-7pm at the UNLV, Greenspun Hall Auditorium.
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Dr. Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, & Dr. Joanne Goodwin, Assoc Prof History, UNLV & Director of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada will be discussing the topic "Shattering the Glass Ceiling: advancing the role of women in government nationally and locally." Each will speak for about 10 minutes and then the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Congresswoman Berkeley has served Nevada's First Congressional District since 1999 and is currently in her seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives. She sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the subcommittee on social security. Among the many constituencies she serves, she is also a member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.
Dr. Esther Brimmer has served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations since April 2009. Her mission in that position is to advance US interests through international organizations in areas of human rights, peacekeeping, food security, humanitarian relief and climate change.
Dr. Joanne Goodwin is the founding director of the Women's Research Institute of Nevada -- a 12-year old research institute housed in the College of Liberal Arts. Among the institute's many activities have been: reports on the Status of Women in Nevada, partnering with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University to build a civic-engagement and leadership training program for undergraduate college women, and building historical resources on women's involvement in the development of southern Nevada.
Please join us and bring a friend.
For more information, call 895-3401 or contact wrin@unlv.edu.
Joanne L. Goodwin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, History
Director, Women's Research Institute of Nevada
http://wrin.unlv.edu
Gender and the Politics of Welfare Reform
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/13267.ctl
Sunday, August 21, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Greetings from Sam King, LWVNV Grassroots Lobbyist.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada's mission is to promote political responsibility through information, education, active participation and advocacy. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and encourages collaboration of like-minded groups while actively reaching out to those who have a different perspective. The League of Women Voters of Nevada's voice was heard during the 2011 Nevada Legislative Session and we continue our advocacy long after the legislature adjourned as we promote issues related to our Four E's: Elections, Education, the Environment and the Economy. We are watching the national health care debate and following social service programs hit by budget cuts within Nevada. Election and campaign finance issues were addressed in the 2011 legislation aimed to foster transparency and voter access to information. Education reform continues to be debated as new regulations passed in 2011 impact instructors, students and how student achievement is measured. The Federal No Child Left Behind Act and role of the federal government in public education reform is a national work in progress. The environment and sustainable communities are linchpins to economic growth. The elephant in the room continues to be Nevada Tax policy. Interestingly tax policy is a national problem too. A disappointment this session was the failure of the Nevada Legislature to redistrict our representative districts for the United States Congress and the Nevada Assembly as mandated by the United States Constitution reflecting the results of the Census.
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley continues to follow Nevada redistricting as the process moves through the Court. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley has been invited by Judge Russell to participate in the judicial redistricting process as an intervener. We are represented by LWVLVV member, Denise A. Pifer, Esq. A summary of the action is outlined below.
In our motion to intervene, we urged the Court to review the two Congressional District plans proposed by the Public and posted on NELIS (now located at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Research/Districts/Reapp/2011/PubProposals.cfm after a recent restructuring of the legislative website). Redistricting must be constructed using geographic boundaries, major streets and highways, county and state borders, and other easily identifiable features as boundaries to avoid gerrymandering, and provide that proposed districts are contiguous and compact.
Plans will have partisan characteristics but should not be overtly partisan.
Plan 3 was developed by starting at the intersection of US Highway 95 and Las Vegas Boulevard, then proceeding to sweep around the county (using major streets and highways as boundaries) to include the correct population numbers in each segment. The ideal target population for a Nevada Congressional District based on the 2010 Census is 675,138. Clark County can contain two complete Districts, plus about 600,000 left over for another District. By considering only total population, ignoring demographics and party registration, population totals for the proposed Districts are 675,544 for CD-1, 675,806 for CD-3, and 675,034 for CD-4. The variances between these totals and the ideal target population are well within limits based on Supreme Court cases cited in our filings with the Court.
CD-4 in Plan 3 is heavily Democratic, and essentially balances the heavily Republican CD-2. Its population is 37.6% Hispanic, compared to a statewide value of 26.5%, and 13.4% African American, compared to a statewide value of 7.7%. One could consider this a majority-minority district, but only by lumping Hispanics and African Americans into a single “minority” group.
Bottom line of Plan 3: it produces one “safe” Republican District, one “safe” Democratic District, and two competitive Districts.
Plan 2 was developed by changing the boundaries between CD-1, CD-3, and CD-4 within Clark County. Without going into detail, these changes make all three of these Congressional Districts competitive, and do not pack minorities.
In keeping with the League’s general objective of maximizing fairness and competitiveness, we believe and urge the Special Masters to give careful consideration to precedent.
Education Reform
. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley has traditionally relied upon studies to develop our positions. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is conducting a study on the role of the federal government and public education. Jane Newton is the Chair of this study. There is no simple solution which will fix the system of public education. Nevertheless there must be proactive, consistent forward thinking in all efforts to improve public education while respecting that fundamental basics are necessary to create a literate citizenry. The founding fathers, more than two hundred years ago, understood that a literate population is necessary for our democratic system to prevail In the 21st Century we are struggling to promote literacy and adequate equitable education for all students. In Clark County,Superintendent Jones has been fleshing out his reorganization of the district into performance zones and crafting his vision for improving student achievement into Clark County School District Operations. Clark County School District is facing a budget shortfall which reflects the Nevada economic landscape. How the Clark County Board of Trustees works with Central Office and employees on addressing budget cuts will be defining for the 2011-2012 school year and the future The concept of a growth model to measure achievement will be something that the state system of public education embraces as an alternative to the measures of the No Child Left Behind Act. The 2011 Legislature passed laws to restructure the State Board of Education. Governor Sandoval will have more oversight and input in the system of K-12 public education as will the legislature rather than an elected board. All in all, as a state and as a nation, too many students are at-risk of falling behind. This failure in public education began in twentieth century and unfortunately continues to escalate in the twenty first century. Improving education is critical to our quality of life,system of government and economic future. The jury is out as to how these reforms will be implemented and as to what lies ahead for K-12 education in Nevada and nationally.
Respectfully
Sam King
The League of Women Voters of Nevada's mission is to promote political responsibility through information, education, active participation and advocacy. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan and encourages collaboration of like-minded groups while actively reaching out to those who have a different perspective. The League of Women Voters of Nevada's voice was heard during the 2011 Nevada Legislative Session and we continue our advocacy long after the legislature adjourned as we promote issues related to our Four E's: Elections, Education, the Environment and the Economy. We are watching the national health care debate and following social service programs hit by budget cuts within Nevada. Election and campaign finance issues were addressed in the 2011 legislation aimed to foster transparency and voter access to information. Education reform continues to be debated as new regulations passed in 2011 impact instructors, students and how student achievement is measured. The Federal No Child Left Behind Act and role of the federal government in public education reform is a national work in progress. The environment and sustainable communities are linchpins to economic growth. The elephant in the room continues to be Nevada Tax policy. Interestingly tax policy is a national problem too. A disappointment this session was the failure of the Nevada Legislature to redistrict our representative districts for the United States Congress and the Nevada Assembly as mandated by the United States Constitution reflecting the results of the Census.
The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley continues to follow Nevada redistricting as the process moves through the Court. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley has been invited by Judge Russell to participate in the judicial redistricting process as an intervener. We are represented by LWVLVV member, Denise A. Pifer, Esq. A summary of the action is outlined below.
In our motion to intervene, we urged the Court to review the two Congressional District plans proposed by the Public and posted on NELIS (now located at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Research/Districts/Reapp/2011/PubProposals.cfm after a recent restructuring of the legislative website). Redistricting must be constructed using geographic boundaries, major streets and highways, county and state borders, and other easily identifiable features as boundaries to avoid gerrymandering, and provide that proposed districts are contiguous and compact.
Plans will have partisan characteristics but should not be overtly partisan.
Plan 3 was developed by starting at the intersection of US Highway 95 and Las Vegas Boulevard, then proceeding to sweep around the county (using major streets and highways as boundaries) to include the correct population numbers in each segment. The ideal target population for a Nevada Congressional District based on the 2010 Census is 675,138. Clark County can contain two complete Districts, plus about 600,000 left over for another District. By considering only total population, ignoring demographics and party registration, population totals for the proposed Districts are 675,544 for CD-1, 675,806 for CD-3, and 675,034 for CD-4. The variances between these totals and the ideal target population are well within limits based on Supreme Court cases cited in our filings with the Court.
CD-4 in Plan 3 is heavily Democratic, and essentially balances the heavily Republican CD-2. Its population is 37.6% Hispanic, compared to a statewide value of 26.5%, and 13.4% African American, compared to a statewide value of 7.7%. One could consider this a majority-minority district, but only by lumping Hispanics and African Americans into a single “minority” group.
Bottom line of Plan 3: it produces one “safe” Republican District, one “safe” Democratic District, and two competitive Districts.
Plan 2 was developed by changing the boundaries between CD-1, CD-3, and CD-4 within Clark County. Without going into detail, these changes make all three of these Congressional Districts competitive, and do not pack minorities.
In keeping with the League’s general objective of maximizing fairness and competitiveness, we believe and urge the Special Masters to give careful consideration to precedent.
Education Reform
. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley has traditionally relied upon studies to develop our positions. The League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley is conducting a study on the role of the federal government and public education. Jane Newton is the Chair of this study. There is no simple solution which will fix the system of public education. Nevertheless there must be proactive, consistent forward thinking in all efforts to improve public education while respecting that fundamental basics are necessary to create a literate citizenry. The founding fathers, more than two hundred years ago, understood that a literate population is necessary for our democratic system to prevail In the 21st Century we are struggling to promote literacy and adequate equitable education for all students. In Clark County,Superintendent Jones has been fleshing out his reorganization of the district into performance zones and crafting his vision for improving student achievement into Clark County School District Operations. Clark County School District is facing a budget shortfall which reflects the Nevada economic landscape. How the Clark County Board of Trustees works with Central Office and employees on addressing budget cuts will be defining for the 2011-2012 school year and the future The concept of a growth model to measure achievement will be something that the state system of public education embraces as an alternative to the measures of the No Child Left Behind Act. The 2011 Legislature passed laws to restructure the State Board of Education. Governor Sandoval will have more oversight and input in the system of K-12 public education as will the legislature rather than an elected board. All in all, as a state and as a nation, too many students are at-risk of falling behind. This failure in public education began in twentieth century and unfortunately continues to escalate in the twenty first century. Improving education is critical to our quality of life,system of government and economic future. The jury is out as to how these reforms will be implemented and as to what lies ahead for K-12 education in Nevada and nationally.
Respectfully
Sam King
Monday, August 8, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
NEVADA CONSERVATION LEAGUE
August is shaping up to be a VERY BUSY MONTH for Nevada Conservation League and our supporters. Whether you would like to learn more about clean energy, speak up to protect Nevada’s precious water resources, or simply learn more about what’s happening across the state, Nevada Conservation League is here to help. Also, be on the lookout for our various action alerts as Congress continues to discuss critical environmental protections and key conservation programs.
Protecting Nevada takes a lot of time and to continue our outreach and advocacy efforts, we need your help.
Make a contribution to Nevada Conservation League Education Fund TODAY and show your support for our state and our work. A gift of $5, $10, $20, or whatever you can give would be AWESOME!
Where are we going to be this month? Check it out!
National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy - August 30th at 9 a.m.
Aria Casino & Resort at CityCenter, Las Vegas
This summit will bring together the nation's top minds to chart the course for the future of energy in America. We’ll be mixing it up with renewable energy developers, public lands advocates, and key players in the President’s administration. Visit the Clean Energy Project Nevada website for more details.
Lake Tahoe Summit - August 16th at 9 a.m.
Homewood Mountain Resort, CA
With the passage of Senate Bill 271 – which could lead to Nevada’s withdrawal from the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact – protecting this national treasure has never been more important. We’ll be there to meet with key stakeholders throughout the basin. Learn more about our work on SB 271 here.
Geothermal Conference – August 16th & 17th
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
This conference will highlight some of the best conservation practices on public lands being employed by the geothermal industry, a huge part of our clean energy future in Nevada. NCL Board Member Paul Thomsen is one of the organizers. Check out his blog about geothermal here.
BLM Public Comment Meetings on the Proposed Water Pipeline
August 15th at 4 p.m. – Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water Street
August 18th at 3 p.m. – Sparks High School Large Gym, 820 15th Street
*More Meetings Held Statewide
This is your opportunity to voice your opposition to SNWA’s expensive groundwater development which overestimates the water needs of Southern Nevada and underestimates the negative impact on the Great Basin.
LWVM Advocate/Lobbyist - Sam King
August is shaping up to be a VERY BUSY MONTH for Nevada Conservation League and our supporters. Whether you would like to learn more about clean energy, speak up to protect Nevada’s precious water resources, or simply learn more about what’s happening across the state, Nevada Conservation League is here to help. Also, be on the lookout for our various action alerts as Congress continues to discuss critical environmental protections and key conservation programs.
Protecting Nevada takes a lot of time and to continue our outreach and advocacy efforts, we need your help.
Make a contribution to Nevada Conservation League Education Fund TODAY and show your support for our state and our work. A gift of $5, $10, $20, or whatever you can give would be AWESOME!
Where are we going to be this month? Check it out!
National Clean Energy Summit 4.0: The Future of Energy - August 30th at 9 a.m.
Aria Casino & Resort at CityCenter, Las Vegas
This summit will bring together the nation's top minds to chart the course for the future of energy in America. We’ll be mixing it up with renewable energy developers, public lands advocates, and key players in the President’s administration. Visit the Clean Energy Project Nevada website for more details.
Lake Tahoe Summit - August 16th at 9 a.m.
Homewood Mountain Resort, CA
With the passage of Senate Bill 271 – which could lead to Nevada’s withdrawal from the Tahoe Regional Planning Compact – protecting this national treasure has never been more important. We’ll be there to meet with key stakeholders throughout the basin. Learn more about our work on SB 271 here.
Geothermal Conference – August 16th & 17th
Grand Sierra Resort, Reno
This conference will highlight some of the best conservation practices on public lands being employed by the geothermal industry, a huge part of our clean energy future in Nevada. NCL Board Member Paul Thomsen is one of the organizers. Check out his blog about geothermal here.
BLM Public Comment Meetings on the Proposed Water Pipeline
August 15th at 4 p.m. – Henderson Convention Center, 200 Water Street
August 18th at 3 p.m. – Sparks High School Large Gym, 820 15th Street
*More Meetings Held Statewide
This is your opportunity to voice your opposition to SNWA’s expensive groundwater development which overestimates the water needs of Southern Nevada and underestimates the negative impact on the Great Basin.
LWVM Advocate/Lobbyist - Sam King
Thursday, August 4, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
LOBBYIST MESSAGE The latest!
Hearing set on legality of creating Hispanic congressional district
By Laura Myers
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Aug. 3, 2011 | 4:44 p.m.
Updated: Aug. 3, 2011 | 8:00 p.m.
Saying he wanted to "remove politics from this process," a state district judge on Wednesday named a three-member panel with no politicians to draw Nevada's new electoral maps for the first time in state history.
The "special masters" panel includes Alan Glover, the Carson City clerk-recorder, Las Vegas attorney Thomas Sheets and Robert Erickson, a retired research director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau who helped with past rounds of redistricting dating back to 1981.
Judge James Russell also said he would decide the sticky legal issues first before giving the panel the job of outlining Nevada's 42 legislative and four congressional districts, including a new one the state won because its population grew to 2.7 million people in the latest U.S. census.
The most controversial legal and political question is whether Hispanics merit a congressional district with a majority Latino population. He set a Sept. 19 hearing to decide that issue and others such as how to consider where incumbents live and what the starting point will be for drawing the new maps.
Once those legal and political issues are decided -- perhaps by the Nevada Supreme Court -- drawing the new maps could take as little as a week or two, said members of the panel.
"As soon as they settle the legal questions, this will give us a road map to follow and we can go from there," Glover said in an interview. "Technically, it could be done in a couple of weeks."
Erickson, who helped the public use computers to draw hypothetical maps in Las Vegas for the Legislative Counsel Bureau this past session, said he was looking forward to the task. He retired in 2004, but has been called back each biennial session to work and splits his time between Carson City and Las Vegas.
"I'm a geographer by training, and I really know the state so this is going to be great," Erickson said. "I love maps. I'm not intimidated by the mapping. I'm kind of excited about it."
As for politics, Glover served in the Nevada Legislature as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party four or five years ago so he could vote in a GOP primary.
In 1981, he chaired the Assembly committee that handled redistricting when Nevada won a 2nd congressional seat because of population growth. Another spurt won the state a 3rd district in 2001.
Erickson said he has been a registered non-partisan in Nevada for as long as he can remember after moving to the state in 1973. He worked for state government for two dozens years.
"My wife thinks I used to be a Republican. I think I used to be a Democrat," Erickson joked. "We don't really know. I would hope this is going to be a technical process, putting these districts together."
Glover and Erickson were both recommended for the panel by Secretary of State Ross Miller, a Democrat. The judge rejected his political suggestions for the panel, including former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Richard Bryan, a Democrat, and former state Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno.
The judge also ignored all the panel suggestions by both political parties, who filed the lawsuits that put redistricting in the courts after GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval vetoed two Democratic plans.
Judge Russell on his own selected Sheets, the Las Vegas attorney who used to be chairman of the Nevada Tax Commission. He adds a Southern Nevada element to the panel.
Russell said he expected criticism.
"It was and is the intent of the court to attempt to remove politics from this process to the extent possible," Russell wrote in his order. "The court is not naive and understands that no matter who is appointed as special master, there will be criticism and comments, whether justified or not."
Attorneys for both the Republican and Democratic parties had asked the judge to determine whether the Voting Rights Act requires the state to draw one congressional district with a majority of Hispanics -- now 26 percent of Nevada's population -- so they have a better chance to elect a Latino representative. The GOP believes the law calls for giving the minority group that right. Democrats argue it's a violation of the act to determine district outlines based primarily on ethnicity.
What's at stake is which political party controls the four U.S. House seats. If Hispanics get their own district, it will be in Clark County and heavily Democratic. That would leave one other Democratic-friendly district and a Republican-friendly district in Southern Nevada. The Northern and rural Nevada District would likely remain GOP-leaning for an overall 2-2 House split by party.
If Latinos don't get their own district, Democrats will be more evenly spread out among the three Southern Nevada House seats, giving their party the advantage in two and making the third competitive, as is the swing 3rd Congressional District now held by U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev.
Contact reporter Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.
Hearing set on legality of creating Hispanic congressional district
By Laura Myers
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Posted: Aug. 3, 2011 | 4:44 p.m.
Updated: Aug. 3, 2011 | 8:00 p.m.
Saying he wanted to "remove politics from this process," a state district judge on Wednesday named a three-member panel with no politicians to draw Nevada's new electoral maps for the first time in state history.
The "special masters" panel includes Alan Glover, the Carson City clerk-recorder, Las Vegas attorney Thomas Sheets and Robert Erickson, a retired research director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau who helped with past rounds of redistricting dating back to 1981.
Judge James Russell also said he would decide the sticky legal issues first before giving the panel the job of outlining Nevada's 42 legislative and four congressional districts, including a new one the state won because its population grew to 2.7 million people in the latest U.S. census.
The most controversial legal and political question is whether Hispanics merit a congressional district with a majority Latino population. He set a Sept. 19 hearing to decide that issue and others such as how to consider where incumbents live and what the starting point will be for drawing the new maps.
Once those legal and political issues are decided -- perhaps by the Nevada Supreme Court -- drawing the new maps could take as little as a week or two, said members of the panel.
"As soon as they settle the legal questions, this will give us a road map to follow and we can go from there," Glover said in an interview. "Technically, it could be done in a couple of weeks."
Erickson, who helped the public use computers to draw hypothetical maps in Las Vegas for the Legislative Counsel Bureau this past session, said he was looking forward to the task. He retired in 2004, but has been called back each biennial session to work and splits his time between Carson City and Las Vegas.
"I'm a geographer by training, and I really know the state so this is going to be great," Erickson said. "I love maps. I'm not intimidated by the mapping. I'm kind of excited about it."
As for politics, Glover served in the Nevada Legislature as a Democrat, but switched to the Republican Party four or five years ago so he could vote in a GOP primary.
In 1981, he chaired the Assembly committee that handled redistricting when Nevada won a 2nd congressional seat because of population growth. Another spurt won the state a 3rd district in 2001.
Erickson said he has been a registered non-partisan in Nevada for as long as he can remember after moving to the state in 1973. He worked for state government for two dozens years.
"My wife thinks I used to be a Republican. I think I used to be a Democrat," Erickson joked. "We don't really know. I would hope this is going to be a technical process, putting these districts together."
Glover and Erickson were both recommended for the panel by Secretary of State Ross Miller, a Democrat. The judge rejected his political suggestions for the panel, including former U.S. Sen. and Gov. Richard Bryan, a Democrat, and former state Sen. Bill Raggio, R-Reno.
The judge also ignored all the panel suggestions by both political parties, who filed the lawsuits that put redistricting in the courts after GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval vetoed two Democratic plans.
Judge Russell on his own selected Sheets, the Las Vegas attorney who used to be chairman of the Nevada Tax Commission. He adds a Southern Nevada element to the panel.
Russell said he expected criticism.
"It was and is the intent of the court to attempt to remove politics from this process to the extent possible," Russell wrote in his order. "The court is not naive and understands that no matter who is appointed as special master, there will be criticism and comments, whether justified or not."
Attorneys for both the Republican and Democratic parties had asked the judge to determine whether the Voting Rights Act requires the state to draw one congressional district with a majority of Hispanics -- now 26 percent of Nevada's population -- so they have a better chance to elect a Latino representative. The GOP believes the law calls for giving the minority group that right. Democrats argue it's a violation of the act to determine district outlines based primarily on ethnicity.
What's at stake is which political party controls the four U.S. House seats. If Hispanics get their own district, it will be in Clark County and heavily Democratic. That would leave one other Democratic-friendly district and a Republican-friendly district in Southern Nevada. The Northern and rural Nevada District would likely remain GOP-leaning for an overall 2-2 House split by party.
If Latinos don't get their own district, Democrats will be more evenly spread out among the three Southern Nevada House seats, giving their party the advantage in two and making the third competitive, as is the swing 3rd Congressional District now held by U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev.
Contact reporter Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.
Friday, July 29, 2011
LOBBIST MESSAGE
Did you hear the breaking news yesterday?
The New York Times reported on a debt ceiling deal that would make deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security benefits without asking for an ounce of sacrifice from corporations and millionaires.
The bill would add millions to the unemployment rolls and deny medical care to the most vulnerable among us - including many of the people SEIU members care for on a daily basis.
It's up to us to stop this bill. You should make an emergency call to your member of Congress RIGHT NOW and tell them to stand strong against these cuts. Use this phone number:
1-877-736-7831
Together we can stop this bill with enough grassroots participation. Today, dozens of member-driven groups are pushing calls to Congress encouraging their representatives to stand strong against these outrageous cuts.
Please make the call, and we'll keep you up-to-date on what we're hearing in our conversations about the debt deal.
In solidarity,
Mary Kay Henry
President, SEIU
P.S. After you've made the call, please report what your Member of Congress said at this link:
http://action.seiu.org/debt-ceiling-calls
The New York Times reported on a debt ceiling deal that would make deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security benefits without asking for an ounce of sacrifice from corporations and millionaires.
The bill would add millions to the unemployment rolls and deny medical care to the most vulnerable among us - including many of the people SEIU members care for on a daily basis.
It's up to us to stop this bill. You should make an emergency call to your member of Congress RIGHT NOW and tell them to stand strong against these cuts. Use this phone number:
1-877-736-7831
Together we can stop this bill with enough grassroots participation. Today, dozens of member-driven groups are pushing calls to Congress encouraging their representatives to stand strong against these outrageous cuts.
Please make the call, and we'll keep you up-to-date on what we're hearing in our conversations about the debt deal.
In solidarity,
Mary Kay Henry
President, SEIU
P.S. After you've made the call, please report what your Member of Congress said at this link:
http://action.seiu.org/debt-ceiling-calls
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Subject: Reform or shell game
The fact that public education must adapt to the 21st Century is understood The LWVLVV is preparing a study of the relationship of public education and the Federal government. Three issues surrounding Clark County to review.
Superintendent Jones is reorganizing the district into performance zones
Clark County School District is reviewing the adequacy and equity of the Prime Six Schools - aka Sixth Grade Centers of the 1970's in relationship to achievement
Clark County School District hired a new Chief of Human Resources from Spokane , Washington- a district with 46 schools and 27,000 students at a salary of over $138,000 annually
The pattern is beginning to take shape-- the question is what is the big picture ?
Sam
The fact that public education must adapt to the 21st Century is understood The LWVLVV is preparing a study of the relationship of public education and the Federal government. Three issues surrounding Clark County to review.
Superintendent Jones is reorganizing the district into performance zones
Clark County School District is reviewing the adequacy and equity of the Prime Six Schools - aka Sixth Grade Centers of the 1970's in relationship to achievement
Clark County School District hired a new Chief of Human Resources from Spokane , Washington- a district with 46 schools and 27,000 students at a salary of over $138,000 annually
The pattern is beginning to take shape-- the question is what is the big picture ?
Sam
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
See http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes/article/113173/states-pay-most-least-taxes-247wallst
2. Nevada
Taxes paid by residents as pct. of income: 7.5%
Total state and local taxes collected: $20 billion
Pct. of total taxes paid by residents: 52.5%
Pct. of total taxes paid by non-residents: 47.5%
Nevada has the second-lowest tax burden in the country, with residents paying just 7.5% of their income on state and local taxes. Nearly half of all state tax revenue comes from non-residents. According to the Tax Association's State Business Tax Climate Index, Nevada has one of the most favorable environments for business, as it is one of the four states to levy no corporate tax at all. A significant amount of the state's revenue comes from "sin taxes" on gambling, alcohol, and tobacco, most of which comes from tourists. Sales tax is above the national average, and the tax on gasoline is one of the highest in the country. Counties are also allowed to levy additional gas taxes on top of the state.
2. Nevada
Taxes paid by residents as pct. of income: 7.5%
Total state and local taxes collected: $20 billion
Pct. of total taxes paid by residents: 52.5%
Pct. of total taxes paid by non-residents: 47.5%
Nevada has the second-lowest tax burden in the country, with residents paying just 7.5% of their income on state and local taxes. Nearly half of all state tax revenue comes from non-residents. According to the Tax Association's State Business Tax Climate Index, Nevada has one of the most favorable environments for business, as it is one of the four states to levy no corporate tax at all. A significant amount of the state's revenue comes from "sin taxes" on gambling, alcohol, and tobacco, most of which comes from tourists. Sales tax is above the national average, and the tax on gasoline is one of the highest in the country. Counties are also allowed to levy additional gas taxes on top of the state.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
FYI
Dear Nevada News Service supporters,
We wanted to let you know that the story related to Budget Policy & Priorities that aired on 7/20/2011 was picked up by the Clear Channel (460 stations) NV Statewide and distributed to 460 news talk stations across the country.
To see the RSS version of the story and to listen to the podcast version of the story click this link:
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21305-1
The banner or story summary for this story is:
Las Vegas, NV — On Tuesday, President Obama renewed his push for a bipartisan deal to reduce the national deficit, but the scope of that deal – which appears to still include deep cuts to food assistance programs and Medicaid – concerns local advocates. They say the need for these programs continues to rise, and worry that the main impact of the debt plan is to shift the burden of paying for these programs to the states. Comments from Cherie Jamason (JAY-ma-son), president and CEO, Food Bank of Northern Nevada; and Jon Sasser, advocacy coordinator, Statewide Legal Services.
Public News Service-NV
July 20, 2011
NV Advocates: Latest Deficit Deal Shifts Burden to States
LAS VEGAS - Nevada ranks third in the nation for the number of new people signing up for help putting food on the table through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. But SNAP is one of the programs House Republicans have targeted for deep cuts of $20 billion, in order to trim the deficit.
Cherie Jamason, president and chief executive officer of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, says high unemployment has driven double-digit growth in the demand for food assistance for three years in a row.
"Right now, one in five kids in Nevada lives in a home where there's not enough food for three meals every day. So, the only way to accommodate a $20 billion cut is to serve fewer people or to provide a smaller benefit."
The current benefit is already less than $1 a day per meal per person, Jamason says, and further cuts will mean more Nevadans will experience hunger. President Obama, who says time is running out to meet the deadline to raise the nation's debt ceiling, still is working to forge a deal that includes a combination of cuts and new revenue.
Late Tuesday, six U.S. senators offered a plan that calls for $4 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years. It also appears to impose deep cuts to vital programs such as Medicaid, says Jon Sasser, Statewide Legal Services advocacy coordinator.
"Under these proposals, the percentage of medical costs paid by the federal government would go down and the percent paid by the state would rise. This so-called 'deficit reduction plan' doesn't actually reduce government costs, but simply shifts these costs onto the states. "
The Medicaid caseload is up by more than 100,000 in Nevada, Sasser says, and the state can't afford the deficit-reduction plans on the table in Washington.
"The result of these proposals is to balance the federal budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Nevadans, and I hope that Sen. (Harry) Reid will use his position as Senate majority leader to reject these ideas."
Dear Nevada News Service supporters,
We wanted to let you know that the story related to Budget Policy & Priorities that aired on 7/20/2011 was picked up by the Clear Channel (460 stations) NV Statewide and distributed to 460 news talk stations across the country.
To see the RSS version of the story and to listen to the podcast version of the story click this link:
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/21305-1
The banner or story summary for this story is:
Las Vegas, NV — On Tuesday, President Obama renewed his push for a bipartisan deal to reduce the national deficit, but the scope of that deal – which appears to still include deep cuts to food assistance programs and Medicaid – concerns local advocates. They say the need for these programs continues to rise, and worry that the main impact of the debt plan is to shift the burden of paying for these programs to the states. Comments from Cherie Jamason (JAY-ma-son), president and CEO, Food Bank of Northern Nevada; and Jon Sasser, advocacy coordinator, Statewide Legal Services.
Public News Service-NV
July 20, 2011
NV Advocates: Latest Deficit Deal Shifts Burden to States
LAS VEGAS - Nevada ranks third in the nation for the number of new people signing up for help putting food on the table through the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. But SNAP is one of the programs House Republicans have targeted for deep cuts of $20 billion, in order to trim the deficit.
Cherie Jamason, president and chief executive officer of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, says high unemployment has driven double-digit growth in the demand for food assistance for three years in a row.
"Right now, one in five kids in Nevada lives in a home where there's not enough food for three meals every day. So, the only way to accommodate a $20 billion cut is to serve fewer people or to provide a smaller benefit."
The current benefit is already less than $1 a day per meal per person, Jamason says, and further cuts will mean more Nevadans will experience hunger. President Obama, who says time is running out to meet the deadline to raise the nation's debt ceiling, still is working to forge a deal that includes a combination of cuts and new revenue.
Late Tuesday, six U.S. senators offered a plan that calls for $4 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years. It also appears to impose deep cuts to vital programs such as Medicaid, says Jon Sasser, Statewide Legal Services advocacy coordinator.
"Under these proposals, the percentage of medical costs paid by the federal government would go down and the percent paid by the state would rise. This so-called 'deficit reduction plan' doesn't actually reduce government costs, but simply shifts these costs onto the states. "
The Medicaid caseload is up by more than 100,000 in Nevada, Sasser says, and the state can't afford the deficit-reduction plans on the table in Washington.
"The result of these proposals is to balance the federal budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Nevadans, and I hope that Sen. (Harry) Reid will use his position as Senate majority leader to reject these ideas."
Friday, July 15, 2011
LOBBYIST MESSAGE
Hello,
As we well understand the impact of the Nevada 2011 session will be unfolding over the next two years. SB 271, concerning growth and Lake Tahoe, reminds us of tough lessons learned when growth was a driving engine in Southern Nevada. The law maintains that there will be regulation, however , there is a window to move more rapidity in expanding development in the area. We also know that the devil is in the details. The LWVNV will be watching how SB 271 is implemented.
The tie breaker which settled the budget in session 2011 involves home rule. Local governments are now petitioning for return of funds taken to balance the 2009 budget. This too will most assuredly go to the courts. The budget revolves around revenue. The Nevada Tax system can not remain as is.
Citizens look to elected officials to speak for them and to represent their needs and issues. We can look back over 2011 and evaluaate the present team of elected officials and reference how they did their due diligence based upon their voting record to decide if they should remain in office or not. Some are looking to move into other elected positions. Name recognition and the fact that in addition to being elected to office they may be nice individuals is not a litmus test for remaining in public office.
Regards,
Sam King LWVNV Grassroots Advocate / Lobbyist
As we well understand the impact of the Nevada 2011 session will be unfolding over the next two years. SB 271, concerning growth and Lake Tahoe, reminds us of tough lessons learned when growth was a driving engine in Southern Nevada. The law maintains that there will be regulation, however , there is a window to move more rapidity in expanding development in the area. We also know that the devil is in the details. The LWVNV will be watching how SB 271 is implemented.
The tie breaker which settled the budget in session 2011 involves home rule. Local governments are now petitioning for return of funds taken to balance the 2009 budget. This too will most assuredly go to the courts. The budget revolves around revenue. The Nevada Tax system can not remain as is.
Citizens look to elected officials to speak for them and to represent their needs and issues. We can look back over 2011 and evaluaate the present team of elected officials and reference how they did their due diligence based upon their voting record to decide if they should remain in office or not. Some are looking to move into other elected positions. Name recognition and the fact that in addition to being elected to office they may be nice individuals is not a litmus test for remaining in public office.
Regards,
Sam King LWVNV Grassroots Advocate / Lobbyist
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