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
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