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LWV-WV Action Alert & Legislative Update
by Julie Archer 16 Jan '22

16 Jan '22

Dear LWV-WV Members, First things first. As you know, the WV Legislature is now in session. On the second day, members of the House of Delegates started moving a bill that would ban abortions at 15 weeks, just like a Mississippi law under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill (HB 4004), would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, well below viability and the line set forth by _Roe v. Wade_. HB 4004 and HB 4005, which imposes invasive, cruel, unnecessary requirements regarding disposal of fetal tissue, have both passed the passed through the House Health committee and are on their way to Judiciary. This is a red alert moment for reproductive freedom. Now is the time to be heard. There will be a public hearing tomorrow (Jan. 17) at 3 PM [1] on these bills in the House of Delegates Chamber at the State Capitol. At this time, the hearing is limited to in-person participation, which may be difficult, if not impossible, due to the impending winter storm. As such, members are asked to contact their members via other means. The League of Women Voters supports the right of individuals to make their own reproductive choices, and opposes laws intended to restrict access to abortion. Additionally, the League supports equitable access to a basic level of care that covers reproductive health services including abortion. The right to decide if or when to have a child is essential to a person's ability to make highly personal decisions about their body and their future. It is essential for social, economic, and racial equality. We can't stand by while politicians try to restrict people's personal freedoms and take away their health care. Find your legislators here. [2] --- Additionally, related to the legislative session, are a number of events this week related to the LWV-WV's priorities for 2022. (See complete list priorities below.) Tuesday, January 18 - 6-7:15 PM - Information Session on the Feasibility of Advanced Nuclear in WV - The WV Environmental Council (WVEC) and others are hosting for an informational session on both the benefits and risks of repowering coal plant sites for advanced nuclear energy development or small modular reactors (SMRs) in West Virginia followed by a presentation from state legislators on the political landscape around proposed nuclear legislation and a Q&A discussion. Register here [3]. Thursday, January 20 - Environment Day (E-Day) - Hosted by the WVEC - Initially, scheduled as an in-person event, E-Day has been cancelled due to COVID concerns. A possible virtual event will take place latter in the session. In the meantime, check out WVEC's first newsletter of the year [4] to learn more about what they'll be watching for this year. You can sign up for their weekly legislative updates here [5]. Thursday, January 20, 6-7 PM - Health Care for All WV's Civic Engagement Training - (Virtual/Zoom) - How do you contact and build relationships with your representatives? - How do you track a bill from start to finish? - How do you use the West Virginia Legislature page? - How do you support state healthcare legislation? Learn how to find your representative(s), build relationships with them, and share what's most important to you as a West Virginian. Register here [6]. (Note: LWV-WV is a member of the Health Care for All WV coalition.) Friday, January 21 - Fairness WV Fight for Freedom Day of Action for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ equality. Although initially an in person lobby day, this event is now a virtual day of activities. Register here [7]. --- The LWV-WV has identified three main areas as legislative priorities for 2022. These represent only the primary focus areas for the League for the coming year. We will continue to work with partners on other issues. Democracy The right to vote and equal access to the ballot are pillars of our democracy and guiding principles for the LWV. We will: * Oppose restrictions on voter registration or voting. * Advocate for methods to increase voter turnout, based on lessons learned from the 2020 elections. * Prioritize measures to make voting easier, while protecting election security, including no-excuse absentee voting and expanded options for ballot return and early in-person voting. * Support legislation to modernize election methods, reduce taxpayer costs, and reduce administrative burden. * Oppose any effort to make political spending less transparent. * Support measures to increase transparency and public participation in the next redistricting process. Social Justice The LWV is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion because, to succeed in the 21st Century, West Virginia must be welcoming for all. We will: * Oppose legislative efforts to suppress civil and Constitutional rights. * Support legislation to ban discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity in education, employment, and housing for all West Virginians regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. * Support health care for all West Virginians including expanded Medicaid coverage, subsidies for affordable coverage under the ACA, measures to eliminate disparities in health care availability and outcomes for Black and other minority communities, and access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction strategies to save lives affected by substance use disorders. * Advocate for state and local budgets that cover essential services and protect our most vulnerable. Environmental Protection Climate change is no longer a distant or future threat. The LWV is committed to protecting the planet along with the health and safety of all West Virginians. We will: * Support updating water quality standards to strengthen protections for human health, and support measures to expand access to water service that meets these standards. * Target strategic management of natural resources to protect the planet for this and future generations. * Advocate for environmental priorities that are coupled with a creative and just transition for workers in fossil fuel industries. * Oppose facilities that add, expand, or preserve dependence on fossil fuels. Best, Julie ----- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 (cell) Links: ------ [1] https://www.facebook.com/events/3299913780237668 [2] https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ [3] https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpf-CrpjwpHtC21edh2ww08sUmhpKA5R… [4] https://wvecouncil.org/green-volume-32-issue-1/ [5] https://wvecouncil.org/action-alerts-signup/ [6] https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcuiorjIjHN0-CUgLF_72HKinaCMAFg… [7] https://fairnesswv.org/2021/11/05/mark-you-calendar-for-the-fairness-for-al…

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LWVMM January 2022 Newsletter
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Sending this on behalf of LWVMM. Local Leagues are encouraged to send their newsletters to the statewide email list. Happy new year from LWV-Morgantown/Monongalia County! View this email in your browser [1] January 2022 _Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy._ CONTENTS * Fall Member Meeting * LWV-MM Report on Voters Service * LWV-MM Report on Redistricting * Communications * LWV-MM Report on Social Justice Priorities * LWV-MM Report on Broadband Access * JOIN US * MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION * WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! _FALL MEMBER MEETING_ Our Fall meeting was held October 24 via Zoom. This was not a business meeting, so our only agenda item was to hear from guest speaker Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk. Carye spoke about how she felt Mon County would be affected by the voting rights bills that are being considered in Congress. Carye stated that she is very confident in the accuracy and security of elections in this County. Our voting machines are the most up-to-date available and nowhere do they connect to the internet. She feels we could easily meet all the criteria recommended in the voting rights bills but stated that some West Virginia counties would have difficulty. The smaller, less economically secure counties have outdated equipment and very small County Clerk staff so they would need funds and assistance in order to meet the requirements. _LWV-MM REPORT ON VOTERS SERVICE_ We are watching the two bills currently blocked in the United States Senate: The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom To Vote Act. The latter is sponsored by Senator Manchin. John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act The Voting Rights Act of 1965 removed barriers to Black enfranchisement, banning poll taxes, literacy tests, and other measures preventing African Americans from voting. A major portion of the VRA was effectively gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013 and numerous states, most in the South, responded almost immediately with new voter suppression laws. The John R. Lewis Voting Right Advancement Act seeks to reinstate much of those protections. This bill was passed by the House on August 24, 2021 along partisan lines with no Republican votes in favor. It was introduced in the Senate in October 2021, but cloture on the motion to proceed was rejected on November 3. Freedom to Vote Act The Freedom To Vote Act is a modified version of the For The People Act. Senator Manchin and others wrote the FTV Act in hopes of gathering Republican support but so far that has not happened. Cloture on the motion to proceed was rejected on October 20. Proponents of the bill point to ever-intensifying actions in states to pass laws aimed at reducing voters' access to elections and giving state legislatures the ability to overturn the outcomes of elections. What Happens Now? Since mid-December, President Biden has recognized voting rights legislation as the most critical action that needs to be taken up by Congress now. This means the priority is to focus on filibuster reform, especially for voting rights. The new LWV-US slogan on filibuster reform is _Fix It or Nix It_ because, without reform or repeal, a minority of the Senate will continue to hold voting rights bills hostage. A vote on filibuster repeal or reform is expected by January 17. 2022 Mid-Term Elections The Voters Service committee will be actively planning for candidate forums during the 2022 election season. - Vicki Conner _LWV-MM REPORT ON REDISTRICTING_ What District Am I In? Redistricting and the move to single-member Delegate districts have significantly changed boundaries for Mon County. Mon is now in Congressional District 2, is split between new state Senate Districts 2 and 13, and has 6 new Delegate districts that will elect one Delegate each. Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk, has made a new interactive map available for Monongalia County. Use it to find your new districts at the link below. Just type in your address and tell the map to search for it. Thank you, Carye! https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b03055801196406fa273… [2] - Judy Ball _COMMUNICATIONS_ Judy Ball, Marly Ynigues, and Vicki Conner are working with a WVU student intern, Abagail Carte, to build a new website for LWV-MM. The goal is to have a site that provides easily accessible information for our members and the public, which will attract more interest in the activities of the League. We expect the site to go live in the Spring and will send updated information to League members as appropriate. - Vicki Conner _LWV-MM REPORT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE PRIORITIES_ Warming Shelters LWV-MM presented a statement to Morgantown City Council on Nov. 30 to advocate for the City to open a winter warming shelter Downtown in addition to the one operating at Hazel's House of Hope. We also asked that all warming shelters be seasonal, not temperature-dependent (and open on other cold days beyond the scheduled timeframe) to provide stability of access to emergency resources. The Board has created a committee to address warming shelter concerns. Please contact Marly Ynigues at marlydubvee(a)gmail.com if you'd like to get involved. Read the full statement by LWVWV-MM [3]. See coverage in the Dominion Post [4]. Police Review Board LWV-MM supported the Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board. A December judicial ruling has prevented the City of Morgantown from implementing the Board or appointing members. LWV-MM urges the City to appeal the decision by advocating for stated uses of the Board (e.g., providing feedback on public safety policy) other than the use that was ruled against (disciplinary advising). - Marly Ynigues, Social Justice Chair _LWV-MM REPORT ON BROADBAND ACCESS_ According to FCC data, at least 30% of our state's rural homes and businesses currently lack adequate broadband access, leaving West Virginia with one of the nation's lowest broadband connectivity rates. Broadband expansion in West Virginia has been hindered by the cost of extending networks into mountainous rural areas. The state Broadband Office estimates that a combination of federal, state, local government, and private resources will expand broadband availability to at least 200,000 new locations in West Virginia. Governor Justice announced the plan in October and expects that roughly $718 million will be allocated for the project by Fall 2022. The funds will be allocated through competitive programs that draw matching funds from private-sector and local government partners, generating more than $1 billion in total broadband investment. Details of a news release from October 2021 can be seen here: https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2021/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announc… [5] - Vicki Conner JOIN US The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. Providing nonpartisan information and promoting democracy count among our major priorities. Join or renew your membership in the League today to help us carry on this mission. Also, feel free to forward this email to your friends who may be interested in the League's activities. We are eager to add to our ranks. Renew Your Membership Today! [6] MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION When you become a member of the Morgantown-Monongalia County League of Women Voters, you are also a member of the LWV-US and the LWV-WV. Membership in the League is open to all persons (not just women) over the age of 16. Annual dues are $48 for an individual, $72 for a household (two at the same address), and $5 for a student. Checks should be made to LWV Morgantown-Mon County and mailed to: Lyndell Millecchia, 476 Lawnview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. You can also pay with credit card or PayPal at http://tinyurl.com/paylwvmm [7]. Dues must be received by December 31 to meet the LWV-US membership deadline. If you are unsure about whether your dues are paid, email Lyndell at millecchia(a)comcast.net. The League also welcomes and encourages contributions to support our work. Membership dues and contributions to the League of Women Voters are not deductible as personal or business expenses for tax purposes. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! We apologize to new member Kenneth Martis whose name we misspelled in the October Newsletter. _Copyright (c) 2022 League of Women Voters Morgantown Monongalia, All rights reserved._ Add us to your address book [8] [9] Links: ------ [1] https://mailchi.mp/4a6339b2427c/spring-2021-member-newsletter-15616323?e=ac… [2] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [3] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [4] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [5] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [6] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [7] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… [8] https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/vcard?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&id… [9] http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&amp…

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WV Climate Alliance webinar about Advanced Nuclear
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

Greetings from Nyoka, Information regarding a webinar on Advanced Nuclear sponsored by WV Climate Alliance and others is found below. This webinar is not advocating for Advanced Nuclear Facilities but is for the purpose of Information and Education on the subject. It seems that there is quite a bit of interest in bringing these facilities to WV. Here is some supportive information and background on the need to become informed on the issue of Advanced Nuclear Reactors. https://energycentral.com/news/advanced-nuclear-reactors-touted-retiring-co… Here is the registration link Bit.ly/AdvancedNuclear [1] The event will be held on January 18th at 6 pm Links: ------ [1] http://Bit.ly/AdvancedNuclear

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Sat 1/08 at 3pm MTG W/ Seneca Lake Guardian/Cryptocurrency mining and the use of Fossil Fuels for Energy Sources, Environmental Impact
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 07 Jan '22

07 Jan '22

Please join us tomorrow, Saturday 1/08 at 3 pm for this _very important _meeting on Cryptocurrency Mining from Fossil Fuel Energy Sources. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85343653174 Seneca Lake Guardian is a New York State Not-for-Profit Corporation with 501(c)(3) and is dedicated to preserving and protecting the health of the Finger Lakes, its residents and visitors, its rural community character, and its agricultural and tourist related businesses through public education, citizen participation, engagement with decision makers, and networking with like-minded organizations. https://senecalakeguardian.org/Greenidge-Bitcoin-Mining [1] See an interview with Yvonne Taylor, Vice President of Seneca Lake Guardian here on CBS news. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/bitcoin-mining-and-its-environmental-costs/#x We are extremely grateful that Seneca Lake Guardian could arrange this meeting with us on such short notice. _On information and belief_, the proposed facility at 5900 Morgantown Industrial Park will be converting electricity from an onsite natural gas well and operating 24/7 to run blockchain data. Full clarification on the function of the facility has yet to be disclosed. The outrageous amount of energy required to run and cool Bitcoin mining facilities has hastened the purchase of entire coal fired power plants to run their operations, such has already been reported for the plant in Grant Town WV. A special Thank You to Paula Hunt, Duane Nichols and Jim Kotcon and others for their work on completing comments that helped prompt the public meeting next Tuesday regarding the Air Quality Permit Application R13-3533 (Marion Energy Partners LLC - Science Facility) pending approval by the WVDEP. I am again providing information regarding the DEP public meeting on 1/11 at 6pm below. See the Green Arrow. Also see more here at https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2022/01/03/proposed-%E2%80%9Cscience-facility%… Thank you! Nyoka Baker Chapman LWVWV Board of Directors LWV of the Huntington Area Board of Directors LWVWV Natural Resources Committee LWVWV Fair Maps Committee ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 304 710 2812 The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan volunteer organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate, but is engaged in local, state, and national issues of importance to our communities. The League works to influence public policy through advocacy and education. League membership is open to all men and women age 16 or older. More at: www.lwv.org [2] (National) and www.lwvwv.org [3] (WV). DEP to Hold Public Meeting and Extend Public Comment Period The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, to provide information and receive comments regarding Marion Energy Partners LLC's air quality permit application. Marion Energy Partners has proposed to construct a data processing facility located at 5900 Morgantown Industrial Park, Morgantown, Monongalia County, West Virginia, at 39.60559 latitude and -79.98176 longitude. The DAQ will hold the public meeting virtually at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Instructions for providing oral comments at the virtual public meeting are provided below. Representatives from the DAQ will conduct the meeting regarding the construction application submitted by Marion Energy Partners on August 18, 2021. To participate online or by telephone, registration is required by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. To register, please complete the registration form at: https://forms.gle/vZvJirkUKayGee1W7 [4]. To register to provide oral comments, please indicate "yes" you want to provide oral comments on the record when you register. A confirmation email will be sent with information on how to join the public meeting. If you do not have internet access and want to register to participate via telephone, please contact Sandie Adkins or Stephanie Hammonds at (304) 926-0475. Oral comments are limited to five (5) minutes. Video demonstrations and screen sharing by commenters is not permitted. Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022: · Email written comments to Edward.S.Andrews(a)wv.gov with "Marion Energy Partners Comments" in the subject line, or · Mail hard copy comments to Edward Andrews, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality, 601 57th Street, SE, Charleston, WV 25304. Instructions for downloading additional information, including copies of the draft permit, application, and all other supporting materials relevant to the permit decision is available at: https://dep.wv.gov/daq/permitting/Pages/NSR-Permit-Applications.aspx [5]. Links: ------ [1] https://senecalakeguardian.org/Greenidge-Bitcoin-Mining [2] http://www.lwv.org/ [3] http://www.lwvwv.org/ [4] https://forms.gle/vZvJirkUKayGee1W7 [5] https://dep.wv.gov/daq/permitting/Pages/NSR-Permit-Applications.aspx

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Running for Office video
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

This is an addendum to the Huntington Bulletin in regards to the section: Running for Office Workshop By: Martha Woodward The League is partnering with the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism Broadcasting Department to film a Running for Office Workshop November 30. Because we will miss the deadline for the Newsletter with the connection information we will put that out by email and media after we have it. We expect to distribute the program across the state to encourage new candidates to run. Of course presentations such as this work best with an audience, but that is not yet possible. So, publishing it far and wide is our best option at the moment. Here is the video link! https://youtu.be/Qbc2mpJGigI Downloadable file: https://livemarshall-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/stanley50_marshall_ed… Should you share it widely? Yes! The Huntington Area LWV prepared this video (Martha Woodward mostly, with wonderful help from Marshall's broadcasting staff and faculty) available on YouTube. While it is locally based, it is true across the state. WE are interested in sharing it widely. Please take a look and see if you can use it in your area. We were careful to make it bi- and non-partisan. Questions or comments, contact Martha Woodward or me. Betty Barrett

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Huntington Bulletin - December 2021
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 10 Dec '21

10 Dec '21

> League Friends, Local League Presidents and State Board, > Attached is the League of Women's December newsletter. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to each of you. > > BJ & Patricia

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Climate Rally and Climate Time Capsule
by Nyoka B 29 Oct '21

29 Oct '21

Greetings everyone. Just a reminder that there will be a Climate Rally tomorrow in Charleston. See the info below. The LWVWV will have a booth there where we will be accepting Hopes, Prayers and Wishes for our climate future to add to a current project (spurred by the Climate Rally) a Climate Time Capsule to be opened in 2050. The MU James E. Morrow Library special collections will archive until then! We are certainly working to see that IPCC goals of zero emissions by that date will be met. It will also house timely news articles and efforts made by WV citizens and organizations to help curb climate change. As well, copies of requests made to our WV senators to keep the climate initiatives in the reconciliation bill and the Build Back Better plan. https://www.whitehouse.gov/build-back-better/ and more. Please see the attached Climate Capsule Cover below. *IF ANY OF YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE TIME CAPSULE, PLEASE EMAIL THEM TO ME. * There us still time to do so over the weekend! I won't complete the assembly until next week Nyoka. 🕊 <https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014552/313611208/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…> There's nothing scarier than climate change and its debilitating impacts. From devastating floods and deadly heat waves to the health and economic costs of inaction, climate change is deeply affecting our West Virginia communities. Join us *Saturday, October 30 from 1 - 2:30 p.m*, for a *HALLOWEEN RALLY for CLIMATE ACTION* <https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014560/313611251/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>, in front of the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse Building, 300 Virginia St. E., in downtown Charleston WV. Our goal is to let Senator Joe Manchin hear a wide variety of West Virginian voices, urging him to protect our land and people by standing with clean energy. We'll have music, speakers, a climate action opportunity, a photo booth to send a climate message and more. We'll hear a virtual address to the rally from Dr. Michael E. Mann one of the world's leading climate scientists. NOTE: This is a COVID mask-wearing outdoor event. Please wear masks if you come. You're welcome to wear Halloween ones, too! If you aren't vaccinated, please get with your local Health Department, physician or local healthcare provider. Your health matters. PARKING: There are lots of parking spaces in the nearby Town Center Mall parking garage and on local streets. *Thank you for taking action with West Virginia Citizen Action!*

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Halloween Rally for Climate Action as forwarded from Gary
by Nyoka B 28 Oct '21

28 Oct '21

<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014552/313611208/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…> There's nothing scarier than climate change and its debilitating impacts. From devastating floods and deadly heat waves to the health and economic costs of inaction, climate change is deeply affecting our West Virginia communities. Join us *Saturday, October 30 from 1 - 2:30 p.m*, for a *HALLOWEEN RALLY for CLIMATE ACTION* <https://click.everyaction.com/k/38014560/313611251/-961530893?nvep=ew0KICAi…>, in front of the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse Building, 300 Virginia St. E., in downtown Charleston WV. Our goal is to let Senator Joe Manchin hear a wide variety of West Virginian voices, urging him to protect our land and people by standing with clean energy. We'll have music, speakers, a climate action opportunity, a photo booth to send a climate message and more. We'll hear a virtual address to the rally from Dr. Michael E. Mann one of the world's leading climate scientists. NOTE: This is a COVID mask-wearing outdoor event. Please wear masks if you come. You're welcome to wear Halloween ones, too! If you aren't vaccinated, please get with your local Health Department, physician or local healthcare provider. Your health matters. PARKING: There are lots of parking spaces in the nearby Town Center Mall parking garage and on local streets. *Thank you for taking action with West Virginia Citizen Action!*

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October 2021 Member Newsletter
by LWV Morgantown-Monongalia County 16 Oct '21

16 Oct '21

Fall Member Meeting Coming Up - OCT 24 View this email in your browser (https://mailchi.mp/39a12a6fb206/spring-2021-member-newsletter-14933559?e=b7…) October 2021 Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. ** Contents ------------------------------------------------------------ * Fall Member Meeting * Fall Member Meeting: Zoom Invitation * President's Message * LWV-MM Report on Voters Service * LWV-MM Report on Redistricting * LWV-MM Report on Broadband Access or Lack Thereof * JOIN US * MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION * WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! ** Fall Member Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------ ** October 24, 2021, 6:00 p.m. ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Featured Speaker: Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Topic: The For the People Act ------------------------------------------------------------ Due to COVID, this meeting will be held virtually. Zoom information below. Usually the Fall Meeting is an opportunity for members to socialize and hear an interesting speaker on a timely topic. Sadly, the pandemic has made in-person socializing risky, so we’ll each have to bring our own punch and cookies and assemble in our homes. One thing the pandemic doesn't change: we’ll still have an interesting speaker on a timely topic. Our speaker will be Carye Blaney, Monongalia County Clerk. Carye has been our County Clerk since 2007 and although her office is responsible for many county functions (including recording real estate documents, handling probate estates, recording births and deaths), we in the League mostly associate her with voting. As County Clerk, Carye is responsible for ensuring that citizens are able to register or change their voter registrations, and that they can use those registrations to vote at a secure location and that they can be confident that all votes cast will be honestly counted. Carye will be speaking with us about the Freedom To Vote Act. The Freedom to Vote Act is the compromise version of the For the People Act currently being considered by Congress and is co-sponsored by Senator Manchin. The Act proposes to promote racial justice, thwart the assault on voting rights occurring in many states, set national standards to protect the freedom to vote, and it addresses many other issues. You can get more information on the Act at: https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… (https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… ) Please join us as we welcome Carye and if you have questions about the Act, we will have a short question and answer period after her presentation. ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Fall Member Meeting: Zoom Invitation ------------------------------------------------------------ LWV Morgantown-Monongalia County is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: LWV-MM Fall Member Meeting Time: Oct 24, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… Meeting ID: 836 1806 4534 Passcode: 299770 One tap mobile +13017158592,,83618064534#,,,,*299770# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,83618064534#,,,,*299770# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 836 1806 4534 Passcode: 299770 Find your local number: https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… ** President's Message ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ It is always challenging to figure out where to start one of these messages -- especially when it is your first as the new president of our League. As I have probably not met many of you yet, I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself and explain why I am a member of the League. My name is Sarah Barnes and I live in Morgantown with my husband, Steven Marra, our teenage daughters, and our faithful (to me, anyway) dog, Murray. I joined the League after meeting Shirley and Jonathan Rosenbaum in 2017 at an event at the old Erickson Alumni Center (before they transformed it into the WVU Art Museum). Shirley simply asked me if I would be interested in joining the League of Women Voters and, without hesitation, I said that I would. If you recall, there seemed to be a growing awareness in 2017 that we were headed for contentious times. Fighting gerrymandering, helping people register to vote (and be able to vote), and learning more about who was running for office at all levels were things I felt were exceedingly important. I’m glad I joined, but the challenges to our voting rights that were only hinted at in 2017 are more pressing than ever now. Which brings me to today. When I was asked if I would consider being nominated to serve as the League President, I was concerned that I would not have enough time to offer our organization and be effective. I’m happy to say, that with the assistance of past-president and current secretary Vicki Conner, our new vice-president Judy Ball, treasurer Lyndell Millechia, the rest of the board (Jonathan and Shirley Rosenbaum, Nancy Ulrich, Marly Ynigues, Carol Barnes, and Penny Thomas), and our dedicated members, those concerns have eased. We have adopted a great program which focuses on specific areas (voter services, social justice, broadband access, and more) that have a huge impact on voting rights and voter education and information. We are looking forward to the challenges of 2022 and are already working hard to fight for fair redistricting maps, supporting efforts to protect our rights and access to the ballot, and register voters. In 2022, we will continue to step up our efforts to register voters in Monongalia County and educate and inform through candidate forums. Monongalia County has a large student population, many of whom have not registered or updated their registration for our county. We have a great opportunity to increase the number of students who are registered to vote by increasing our voter registration outreach to them. But to do that we need your help. If you are interested in serving on committees working with voter services, social justice, broadband, or the other areas the League is involved in, please let us know! Email lwvmorgantown(a)gmail.com (mailto:lwvmorgantown@gmail.com) and let us know if you would like to help by serving on subcommittees for any of our program efforts: * Voters Service - Coordinator: Vicki Conner * Social Justice - Coordinator: Marly Ynigues * Broadband Access - Coordinator: Sarah Barnes * Other Areas: Local Government, Natural Resources, Education - Need volunteer coordinator(s) As always, thank you for being a member of the League of Women Voters Morgantown-Monongalia County. I look forward to meeting all of you when we get back to safely meeting in-person. Until then, I’ll settle for seeing you all on October 24 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom. See you then! - Sarah Barnes ** LWV-MM Report on Voters Service ------------------------------------------------------------ In 2021, most of the election activity has been legislative activity. More on that below. 2021 has been an off-election year except for local City Council and Education Excess Levy elections, but 2022 will be an interesting one to watch. Here’s a link to the WV Secretary of State site with details about the 2022 election season. https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… We will be electing: * U.S. House of Representatives * County Commission * State Senate * County Clerk * House of Delegates * Circuit Clerk * State Executive Committee * Board of Education * District Executive Committees: Congressional, Senatorial, and Delegate * County Executive Committee * Conservation District Supervisor As usual, the League will be sponsoring forums for the various local offices, so watch for those dates to be announced in Fall 2022. Remarkably, more than 400 bills relating to voting access were introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions and many new voting laws have been passed. In fact, 18 states have passed 30 laws that adversely impact a citizen’s right to vote. You can find details about these laws and their impacts on www.brennancenter.org. However, 2021 has not been all bad news for voters’ rights. The Brennan Center reports that at least 25 states enacted 54 laws with provisions to expand voting. “…These laws expand access to early and mail voting, make voter registration easier, and restore voting rights to Americans with past convictions, among other measures. Many of the states in which voting is already comparatively more accessible are the same as those enacting policies to further strengthen voting access, deepening a national divide such that the promise of the right to vote depends increasingly on where Americans happen to live [emphasis added]. More than 900 bills with expansive provisions have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 legislative sessions…” In WV, SB 565, endorsed by Secretary of State Warner, would have reduced the number of days for early voting and voting by absentee ballots, supposedly to give the County Clerks more time to get the poll books ready for Election Day. That bill passed handily in the Senate but died in the House Judiciary Committee. We will need to be alert to other voting changes in the 2022 Legislative session. Congressional Democrats have proposed bills to restrict the ability of states to negatively impact voting rights. The For The People Act has morphed into the Freedom To Vote Act in an attempt to garner the 60 votes needed to pass it. Senator Manchin is one of the authors of the amended Act. So far there has been no indication that 10 Republicans will vote for it, so some actions to limit the filibuster might be required. Unfortunately, Senator Manchin and others have previously expressed a negative view on changes to the filibuster, so passage is very much up in the air. And there has not been much activity on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which seeks to reinvigorate the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and reinstate some Federal control over which states can impose laws restricting voting rights. You can find good information on that at https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… - Vicki Conner ** LWV-MM Report on Redistricting ------------------------------------------------------------ Every 10 years, as instructed by the U.S. Constitution, a Census of the entire U.S. population is conducted and those counts form the basis for allocating members of the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 States. The Census is also used by each State for redrawing Legislative districts. For West Virginia districts for the Senate and House of Delegates must be re-evaluated and re-drawn according to Federal and State law. It is likely that the 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting will always carry an asterisk [*]. First, there were lawsuits over whether the Census could include a question about citizenship (the courts ultimately said no). Then came the pandemic, and Census data collection -- the part that involves direct contact with people who didn't respond by mail or electronically -- was temporarily suspended due to safety concerns. Of course, that resulted in the data collection going longer than initially planned, but then data collection was cut off before the final deadline (an inexplicable late change). All the delays in collection and processing backed up delivery of data to the states, which backed up state efforts to work on their redistricting plans, and on and on. Maybe multiple asterisks are in order. Regardless, the “final” Census data were delivered on August 12, 2021, so the states could begin their work. (For comparison, the 2010 Census data for redistricting were delivered to the states during February-March 2010.) In WV, the delays resulted in a severely truncated timeframe for the Legislature to complete its redistricting work. Under WV law, anyone running for election in 2022 must reside in their district one year prior to the 2022 election. Thus, the new districts must be in place prior to November 8, 2021. Further complicating the WV redistricting process in 2021 are two other factors: 1. Our loss of one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Previously, WV has had three representatives in Congress. Beginning in 2022, that number will shrink to two due to the state's extraordinary loss of population over the past decade. Those two new districts will still need to meet Constitutional standards for population equality, compactness, and adherence to county boundaries. 2. Reconfiguration of House of Delegates districts. Previously, the 100 members of the House of Delegates were divided among single-member and multi-member districts. For example, the whole 51st district, which covers the bulk of Monongalia County, is represented by five Delegates. But in 2018, the Legislature passed a law to change that. Multi-member districts will go away, and the Legislature will have to draw 100 single-member districts out of 55 counties. Those districts will still need to meet Constitutional standards for population equality, compactness, adherence to county boundaries and communities of interest. WV legislators got a head start by assembling a Joint Committee on Redistricting, June 7, 2021. Dates for public hearings were announced on July 8, with procedures for public hearings announced on July 23. Between July 27 and September 16, twelve in-person public hearings were conducted in venues all across the state. The hearing in Morgantown was among the most heavily (if not the most heavily) attended. Three virtual public hearings were conducted from September 20 to September 22. The Joint Committee has posted all of the hearings on YouTube at https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&…. Maps! Unfortunately, the Joint Committee did not make any proposed maps available prior to or during the public hearings so that the public could direct their comments toward particular features. Some states have laws that require maps to be a part of the public hearing process; WV has no such mandate. The first proposed maps were rolled out publicly in Committee hearings: * The Senate Committee has met multiple times, September 23, 30, October, 6, 7, 8. During their first meeting, the Senate Committee adopted a rule that proposed maps would be posted at least 24 hours in advance of discussion, to give the public an opportunity to comment. They have adhered to that rule, so far. * The House Committee has met only once, September 30. The Committee unveiled several Congressional maps and one map of House of Delegates districts. None of the maps has been discussed publicly. * All public comments are posted on the Joint Committee’s website. However, none of the meeting materials (other than agendas and maps) are posted. The Governor has called a Special Session of the Legislature to begin the week of October 11. The exact process for how the proposed redistricting maps will be taken up has not been revealed at this writing. We may know the fate of Monongalia County in the redistricting process, however, by our fall meeting. - Judy Ball ** LWV-MM Report on Broadband Access or Lack Thereof ------------------------------------------------------------ From the Local Program for 2021-22: The pandemic proved that education, community engagement, and achievement of the LWV’s other priorities depend on access to 21st century digital infrastructure, a need that will not expire when the pandemic is over. 2021-2022 Priority: Advocate for and support access to high-speed, affordable broadband for all residents, schools, libraries, and businesses in the county and state. Current Status: There is statewide acknowledgement that broadband services are sorely lacking, especially outside the larger communities of WV. Those of us living in Morgantown have several options for internet providers and packages within those provider companies, but you don’t have to travel far into the County to see service degrade and disappear. Pieces of the Bureaucratic Puzzle In the 2017 Legislative session, the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council was established, with the primary emphasis being the development of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the State. As stated in WV Code, “... it is a primary goal of the Governor, the Legislature and the citizens of this state, by the year 2020, to make every municipality, community, and rural area in this state, border to border, accessible to Internet communications through the expansion, extension and general availability of broadband services and technology…” Obviously we haven’t achieved the 2020 goal, and you can see more about the Council at https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… In early 2021, the WV Department of Commerce created a new “Office of Broadband” which is tasked with coordinating the state’s efforts around implementation of a statewide broadband system. It isn’t clear how this office will interact with the Broadband Enhancement Council. In June 2021 the West Virginia Broadband Investment Program was initiated. This program will use the ARPA funds to expand broadband. The ARPA will dedicate $2.17 billion to West Virginia through various funding streams. The Capital Projects Fund includes $138 million for broadband development in West Virginia. “The focus of the Capital Projects Fund on the continuing need for connectivity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic complements the broader range of uses, including for broadband infrastructure, of the American Rescue Plan’s separate $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.” (from Broadband Enhancement Council June 20, 2021 https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&… What’s Happening Locally In April 2021 the Monongalia County Commission announced a tentative timeline for implementing a broadband strategy. They have since chosen Ice Miller Whiteboard, a consulting firm, to do a feasibility study and develop a strategic plan. In a town hall on Sept 29, Commissioner Sikora said that surveys are ongoing and as of that date, about 1700 citizens have participated. There has been no official timeline announced for what comes next. It is not clear how this Mon County initiative intersects with the state effort. The League of Women Voters Morgantown/Monongalia County will continue to advocate for expansion of broadband across the state and especially across our own region. We will try to put the puzzle together and will keep you updated in future newsletters. - Vicki Conner ** JOIN US ------------------------------------------------------------ The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. Providing nonpartisan information and promoting democracy count among our major priorities. Join or renew your membership in the League today to help us carry on this mission. Also, feel free to forward this email to your friends who may be interested in the League's activities. We are eager to add to our ranks. Renew Your Membership Today! (https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&…) ** MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------ When you become a member of the Morgantown-Monongalia County League of Women Voters, you are also a member of the LWV-US and the LWV-WV. Membership in the League is open to all persons (not just women) over the age of 16. Annual dues are $48 for an individual, $72 for a household (two at the same address), and $5 for a student. Checks should be made to LWV Morgantown-Mon County and mailed to: Lyndell Millecchia, 476 Lawnview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. You can also pay with credit card or PayPal at https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&…. Dues must be received by December 31 to meet the LWV-US membership deadline. If you are unsure about whether your dues are paid, email Lyndell at millecchia(a)comcast.net. The League also welcomes and encourages contributions to support our work. Membership dues and contributions to the League of Women Voters are not deductible as personal or business expenses for tax purposes. ** WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! ------------------------------------------------------------ ** Lynda Goldberg Kenneth Martin Marly Ynigues ------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================ Copyright © 2021 League of Women Voters Morgantown Monongalia, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Morgantown Monongalia 531 Woodland Cir Morgantown, WV 26505-2335 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can ** update your preferences (https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/profile?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&id=1…) or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://lwvwv.us20.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=4cfc532d297ffd33b5a9c2322&…) . Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…

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Upcoming Events: Redistricting; Climate, Jobs and Justice; Suffrage Celebration
by Julie Archer 16 Aug '21

16 Aug '21

The WV Legislature's Joint Committee on Redistricting is continuing to hold public hearings now through September 16. The next public hearing is tomorrow, August 17, in Martinsburg. Dates for three virtual public hearings have yet to be announced. See the full schedule and other redistricting information and resources compiled by our Fair Maps Committee here. [1] ----- The West Virginia Climate Alliance and a number of other organizations are holding a virtual public forum on Tuesday, August 24th from 7 to 8:30 pm. Climate, Jobs and Justice: A public forum on West Virginia's future is designed to educate and inform the public where climate policy stands in Congress and what people can do to impact this policy. Collin O'Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, will be joined by Pam Nixon of West Virginia NAACP, Jeremy Richardson of Unions of Concerned Scientist, and Sean O'Leary of Ohio River Valley Institute. It's a great lineup. Register here: Meeting Registration - Zoom [2] Over the next two months we will either adopt significant policy addressing the climate crisis or fail once again to make meaningful reforms. Please share the attached invitation with anyone who might be interested. ----- On August 26, please grab your favorite drink and join Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic for their Cocktails for a Cause: Celebration of Suffrage. Panelists include: South Carolina State Senator Margie Bright Matthews; Executive Director of the New North Carolina Project, Aimy Steele; and Effie Kallas, Co-President of the League of Women Voters of West Virginia. Register for FREE today. [3] Thursday, August 26, 2021 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom As we commemorate the 101st anniversary of suffrage for many American women, we also recognize the ongoing fight for voting rights. States across the country have introduced a surge of legislation that would make it harder to cast a ballot, particularly targeting people of color, people with low-income, and young people. Voter suppression directly impedes our ability to control our bodies and plan our futures. These political attacks are a tremendous threat to what we stand for. Cocktails for a Cause [4] will feature an exciting panel discussion on Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic's role in getting out the vote in 2022, and standing against voter suppression. Register today! [5] Your support makes it possible for Planned Parenthood Votes! West Virginia PAC to expand and protect reproductive health and rights in West Virginia. BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR [6] or register here for free. [7] ----- Julie Archer (she/her/hers) Co-President (304) 610-9094 (cell) Links: ------ [1] https://lwvwv.org/redistricting-information-resources/ [2] https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsceuvqzkqHtWHMZ-j7Pw3KjMLmBd9zP… [3] https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838848/300105240/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi… [4] https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838858/300105247/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi… [5] https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838863/300105254/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi… [6] https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838870/300105260/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi… [7] https://click.everyaction.com/k/33838877/300105271/1311666298?nvep=ew0KICAi…

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LWVWV members