Watchdog- February 2024

Author- Berkley Barlow

I’m thrilled to be bringing the first Watchdog of 2024 to you. Make sure to stay up to date with our calendar. We post updates on upcoming League events and new information for this year. If you aren’t already following us on Instagram or Facebook make sure to click the links at the top or bottom of the website to stay updated!

LEARN ABOUT THE LEAGUE

It has been a while since we have explained the purpose and mission of the League of Women Voters. Below is some information that provides a good review. We do not always do a good job of communicating with new members, so this is also beneficial for that purpose. Take a minute to review this.

Mission Statement

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Basic Policy

The League of Women Voters may take any action on government activities and policies in the public’s best interest based on position statements from national, state, and local leagues. We do not support or oppose any candidate or political party. Unless authorized, the President is the only spokesperson for each level. All levels of the League are well-respected and considered full of integrity.

Consists of Three Tiers

National Level – Encompasses all Leagues in All States – Master Organization – Develops Nationwide Position Statements on National Issues – Lobbies at the National Legislature – Represents All Leagues in the Nation – www.lwv.org – National Voter/Impact on Issues– Convention at a National Level

State Level – Encompasses all Leagues in the State – Lead Organization for the State – Develops Statewide Position Statements on State Issues -Lobbies at the State Legislature – Represents all Leagues in the State – www.lwvut.org – Utah Voter’s Guide – Convention at a State Level

Local Level – Encompasses all Members Usually in a County – Develops County/Local Position Statements on County/Local Issues – Members Lobby at the State Legislature - lwvweber.org – Watchdog/Voter’s Guide – Annual Meeting at a Local Level

Local Officers

President – Terri McCulloch

Co-President – Arlene Anderson

First Vice President – Anne Freimuth

Second Vice President – Linda Mitchell

Third Vice President – Voter Registration – Karen Thurber

Secretary – Marcia Thomas

Treasurer – Prasanna Reddy

Communications – Berkley Barlow, Macy McCornick, Tammi Ryan

LWV LEGISLATIVE BILL TRACKER LINK

We have an excellent resource available to stay on top of where bills that we are watching or testifying for. Go to the link below and it will tell you what bill it is, what it is about, and where it is right now. The Legislative Action Corps reports on the different area they are interested in and reports daily. Take a look at the status

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zPqibqm3235Hf3WkxuMBoL6-3GO7LS7uw6nuCkODl9k/edit#gid=0

WASHINGTON — It is with profound sadness that the League of Women Voters announces the passing of our esteemed president, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, who passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from complications from a pulmonary embolism.

A fearless advocate for voting rights and women’s rights, Dr. Turner devoted her life’s work to impacting meaningful changes in the lives of voters across the nation. As the 20th president of the 103-year-old voting rights organization, Dr. Turner played a pivotal role in fighting for a more fair and representative union, while uplifting racial equity in the League’s mission work.

Dr. Turner first joined the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines in 2010 and later served as president until 2015. At the same time, she also served on the LWV of Iowa board as the state vice president from 2011 to 2015, becoming co- president in 2015. In her dual roles with state and local Leagues, Deborah has devoted her leadership to strengthening relationships between local leagues and the state Board.

“Dr. Turner was the consummate leader who poured her heart and soul for the preservation of our democracy," said Virginia Kase Solomón, CEO of the League of Women Voters. “Her leadership exemplified grace, empathy, strength, and determination, and we will forever be grateful for her passion and dedication to this organization.”

Dr. Turner practiced gynecologic oncology for 35 years, working directly with patients and teaching students and trained residents in university programs across the Midwest. She participated in a dozen international medical missions and served as the associate medical director of Planned Parenthood of North Central States.

The League of Women Voters staff, board, and Leagues from across the country mourn this loss, and our thoughts are with Dr. Turner’s family during this difficult time. We are committed to honoring her legacy by continuing to uphold our values to empower voters and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Terri McCulloch- As one of the National League’s missions to increase membership and representation, we have incorporated the theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a focus for everything we do. This term is used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. DEI encompasses people of different ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations. This list encompasses many categories and as you look at it, you can probably fit into one or more of them. The goal is to have a community with equal opportunity and a feeling of belonging for everyone. The Venn Diagram below is a great picture of this definition.

HB261 which was recently signed by Governor Cox put restrictions on DEI activities. “It doesn’t eliminate DEI offices but captures more students into what was originally in those offices to make sure everyone succeeds.”

In looking at the groups that DEI initiatives covered mentioned above, it appears that was what DEI programs already did. We can all find ourselves on the list mentioned above. For some reason, everyone seems to think it is only based on race. It is a little confusing as to why we spend so much time on something that is already in place that will allow the same results. The DEI offices promoted success for all and because all of us fall into a category – old, poor, Catholic, etc. – we all benefited from its presence. The best thing that has happened through the implementation of DEI within our country is that it has made people aware of different groups of people – not just looking at race. When EEO was first implemented, it focused primarily on race and gender representation. The concept of having DEI in a community merely broadens that list. Every group needs to be represented and supported, which we hope continues. The League will continue to incorporate those principles.

Author- Berkley Barlow

Utah's HB 257, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox, prohibits transgender individuals from using facilities aligned with their gender identity. The bill restricts restroom and locker room access for transgender students and individuals, raising concerns about privacy, equality, and potential discrimination.
Utah's bathroom ban is not an isolated case, but part of a disturbing national trend. In 2023, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed, and 2024 is projected to surpass that figure. The legislation introduces hurdles for transgender youth, particularly with the requirement for gender-affirming surgery and changes to birth certificates to defend against complaints.
This approach ignores the diverse experiences of transgender individuals and may inadvertently "out" students who seek privacy. Such provisions not only undermine democratic values but also neglect the rights of a vulnerable population.The nation must engage in open dialogue to preserve democratic values and ensure that legislation reflects the principles of inclusivity and respect for all citizens.

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

Step One: A legislator draws from many different places and people and decides on something that should be introduced at the legislature.

Step Two: The idea is submitted to the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, a nonpartisan legislative staff office, in the form of a bill request. They prepare the bill and assign a fiscal note to it.

Step Three: The bill is introduced to the legislature and is moved to the Rules Committee.

Step Four: The Rules Committee recommends what standing committee the bill should be referred to. The standing committee chosen reviews the bill and receives public input.

Step Five: The bill is then returned to the full legislature with recommendations: favorable, favorable with amendments, substitutions, or tabled.

Step Six: The bill is debated in open session and can be amended or replaced. To pass the House, it needs 38 votes and to pass the Senate requires 15 votes.

Step Seven: If the bill passes both houses, it is signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House.

Step Eight: The bill is prepared in final form.

Step Nine: The bill is sent to the governor who can sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without his/her signature.

Step Ten: The bill will be effective 60 days after the last day of the legislature.

March 5 is the day that different political parties will nominate who they support for President of the United States. Only the Democratic and Republican parties have opted to participate in this process this year. Utah election laws allow each party to choose how they will conduct this activity.

Republican Party

The Republican Party of Utah will not be participating in the State Primary Election. They will hold a Preference Poll at their state-wide caucus meetings on March 5. The only participants invited will be people who have registered as Republicans. A caucus is organized by the party and is not administered by the State of Utah. Please go to https://utgop.org/2024-presidential-preference/ to locate where and at what time the caucuses will be held. No ballots will be mailed for the Primary.

Democratic Party

The Democratic Party will participate in the Primary Election on March 5. All registered voters regardless of affiliation will be allowed to participate. If you are not registered as a Democrat, you can request to be mailed a ballot at https://vote.utah.gov. People registered as a Democrat will automatically receive their ballot.

February Edition