Volume 75, Issue 5 The League of Women Voters of Missouri Sept/Oct 2014

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1 Missouri Voter Volume 75, Issue 5 The League of Women Voters of Missouri Sept/Oct 2014 It's been 95 Years President s Message Election time, fall weather, school starting up---all signs of increased work and education for League of Women Voters ---summer vacations and rest are over. Many of our Leagues have already had first meetings and begun planning for candidate and ballot issues for the public. Beginning in September, 1919, after the ratification of the 19th amendment, local and state Leagues, including Missouri, began to form and shape the work of democracy, mostly concentrating on voters rights, voter registration and voter knowledge of ballot issues. They then expanded into studying and then taking positions on various government issues. We all carry on that tradition today by working to reach all citizens with information about voting and about issues. League has worked hard at being honest, ethical, doing studies of issues, knowledgeable and being forthright with members, the public and elected officials. We value integrity. Elaine Mitchell Blodgett LWVMO President Memorials & Honors received since last Voter: LWVMO Education Fund earmarked for LWV Southeast Missouri In memory of Barbara Port from Mary Sharp LWVMO Education Fund In honor of Peg Prendergast from Sprint Foundation LWVMO Education Fund earmarked for LWV KC/J/C/P The Missouri VOTER is published bi-monthly at the League of Women Voters of Missouri (St. Louis). Subscriptions are $2 per year. Periodicals postage paid at St. Louis, MO USPS POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Missouri Voter, LWVMO, 8706 Manchester Road, Suite 104, St. Louis, MO All other correspondence to Elaine Blodgett at the same address Upcoming Events - Nov LWVMO BOD Mtg. Sedalia, 1:00 pm Nov Fall Conference Sedalia, 9:00 am Dec. 3 - LWVMO Board Conference Call 7:30 pm 2015 Events Jan LWVMO BOD Mtg. Columbia, 9 am Jan Snow Date LWVMO BOD Mtg. Mar. 7- LWVMO BOD Mtg. Columbia, 9 am Apr. LWVMO BOD - Conf. Call May 2/3 - LWVMO State Convention Websites of Interest (state) (national) MO Foundation for Health Secretary of State s Office Missouri Legislature Information on local programs, articles and projects can be sent to shapeshome@yahoo.com Upcoming Voter Deadline: Nov. 22, 2014 (Nov-Dec) Voice: FAX: league@lwvmissouri.org

2 Missouri Voter Page 2 Sept/Oct 2014 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE VETO SESSION On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the annual Veto Session began at 11:00 am. During the Veto Session the legislature overrode ten of the 33 bills vetoed by the governor, including two of the ten Last Day tax cut bills. They were SB 727 to exempt sales from certain farmer's markets and SB 829 allowing a business to claim a sales tax exemption without requiring it to prove eligibility for the exemption. The Senate overrode the Governor's veto of SB 493 (Pearce) by a vote of 24-7, but the House did not bring the bill up for an override vote. This bill contained many provisions and included public funding for private schools. The League s positions were to sustain the veto of all ten tax cuts bills and the education bill, SB 493. As the veto session came to a close the House and Senate had agreed to override 47 of the Governor s160 line item budget vetoes. In total, the overrides approved by the General Assembly authorize nearly $53.5 million to be appropriated in spending for programs for children who have suffered abuse, senior citizens, developmentally disabled children and adults, and victims of sexual assault and other important programs. The LWVMO Legislative Committee will begin this fall considering what may be important issues and developing priorities for the 2015 General Assembly. Marty Ott Legislative Chair Virginia Louisa Minor In the mid-1800s, Virginia Louisa Minor was a woman with a mission - - she wanted to vote! After the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, Minor stated that "the Constitution of the United States gives me every right and privilege to which every other citizen is entitled. On October 15, 1872, in a planned effort by over 50 suffragists to test the Fourteenth Amendment, Virginia Minor and others attempted to register to vote in St. Louis. When election registrar Reese Happersett turned her down, Virginia (represented by her attorney husband Francis) filed suit in the Missouri state courts. The trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, and United States Supreme Court all ruled in favor of the state of Missouri. The Supreme Court unanimously held "that the Constitution of the United States does not confer the right of suffrage upon any one", and that the decision of who should be entitled to vote was left to the legislative branch. Minor spent the remaining years of her life fighting for women s suffrage. She was a founder and leader of several key suffrage organizations, a national speaker, author and devoted activist. As we know, the battle was to continue until 1920, when women finally won the vote. On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Virginia Louisa Minor became the eighth woman inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians in the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The unveiling of the bust took place in the Missouri House chamber with more than 100 women in attendance including several members of the LWV of Missouri. The program began with an opening prayer given by Rev. Rebecca Turner, Faith Aloud, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jamie Tomek, President of Missouri National Organization of Women. State Representative Sue Allen introduced special guests, Mary Mosely and Shirley Breeze of Missouri Women s Network who each gave remarks of their efforts toward getting Virginal Minor selected for induction. Speaker of the House, Tim Jones, and Cynthia Hitschler, Missouri sculptor, unveiled the bust amidst applause and camera snapping. It was a very wonderful, historical event. Many thanks to all who made it possible! Webinar Opportunity: Storytelling for Recruitment and Engagement Listen to the replay of the MLD-sponsored webinar about how we can use stories to communicate the League s mission and work to connect with current and prospective members and donors. The focus of the meeting was theory and techniques that can aid in your coaching efforts. The LWVUS webinar library is on the Member Resource site The direct link is here:

3 Missouri Voter Page 3 Sept/Oct 2014 AWARD LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MISSOURI REGISTRATION FORM FALL CONFERENCE 2014 LEAGUE NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBERS: HOME CELL I am bringing guests: Name/s Cost: $25.00 per person includes all materials and meals PRIZES DON T MISS THE LWVMO FALL CONFERENCE SEDALIA, MISSOURI Location: State Fair Community College Date: Saturday, November 15 Time: 9:00AM to 3:00PM Framing the Future Planning the Present Launching the Leaders FUN AND FOOD Planning is in full swing for the Fall Conference in Sedalia at the Community College on Saturday, November 15, Presentations and discussion include: Rachel Fitch Award presentation, Elevator Speech how to talk to your legislator (in less than 1 minute), Membership Leadership Development (MLD), Convention Reports. Bob Priddy will be the keynote Speaker. He s the author of 5 books and is widely recognized for his knowledge of Missouri History. This is a great opportunity to renew acquaintances, meet new members who share your enthusiasm, learn new things and generally have a good time! Mary Merritt has reserved a block of rooms at Comfort Inn, 3600 West Broadway, Sedalia; The rate is $80 + tax, single or double. When making reservations be sure to tell them League of Women Voters. They are holding this block and rate until October 15, Also, anyone in town on Friday evening is welcome to come to join the LWV MO Board of Directors for dinner at the home of Mary Merritt for supper; as long as you can settle for a cup of soup and a piece of pie. Mary would appreciate having a count a few days in advance for those coming to the board meeting..

4 Missouri Voter Page 4 Sept/Oct 2014 The League of Women Voters of Missouri Statewide Ballot Issues-November 4, 2014 Amendment 2 Missouri Evidence in Sexual Crimes Against Minors Ballot language: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended so that it will be permissible to allow relevant evidence of prior criminal acts to be admissible in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under eighteen years of age? If more resources are needed to defend increased prosecutions additional costs to governmental entities could be at least $1.4 million annually, otherwise the fiscal impact is expected to be limited. Fair ballot language: A yes vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow evidence of prior criminal acts, whether charged or uncharged, to be considered by courts in prosecutions of sexual crimes that involve a victim under 18 years of age. The amendment limits the use of such prior acts to support the victim s testimony or show that the person charged is more likely to commit the crime. Further the judge may exclude such prior acts if the value of considering them is substantially outweighed by the possibility of unfair prejudice to the person charged with committing the crime. A no vote will not amend the constitution regarding the use of evidence of prior criminal acts to prosecute sexual crimes. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes. Proponents say: This amendment would allow evidence which could determine whether someone is likely to be a repeat offender in sexual assaults or child molestation. People believe that offenders will reoffend (98% in 2008 poll). Evidence shows that the recidivism rate is 13% for incest, 24% for rapists. Opponents say: We already have precedent that allows admission of such evidence in particular circumstances, particularly in sentencing hearings. The actual recidivism rate is much lower than the public believes, 13% for incest and 24% for rape. Amendment 3 Missouri Teacher Performance Evaluation Ballot language: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to Require teachers to be evaluated by a standards based performance evaluation system for which each local school district must receive state approval to continue receiving state and local funding; Require teachers to be dismissed, retained, demoted, promoted and paid primarily using quantifiable student performance data as part of the evaluation system; Require teachers to enter into contracts of three years or fewer with public school districts; and prohibit teachers from organizing or collectively bargaining regarding the design and implementation of the teacher evaluation system? Fiscal impact: Decisions by school districts regarding provisions allowed or required by this proposal and their implementation will influence the potential costs or savings impacting each district. Significant potential costs may be incurred by the state and/or the districts of new/additional evaluation instruments must be developed to satisfy the proposal s performance evaluation requirements. Explanation: This constitutional amendment would mandate rules to be applied statewide concerning how teachers are evaluated, hired, paid, retained, promoted and dismissed. Local districts would have to use state-approved standards-based evaluation systems. Hiring, pay and retention would be based on student performance (standardized test scores). Teacher contracts would be limited to 3 years. No collective bargaining regarding teacher evaluations. Proponents say: It will enable districts to evaluate teachers every 3 years. Poorly performing teachers can be removed; good ones kept. It protects collective bargaining for salary, benefits, and working conditions. It will improve quality of education. Opponents say: It takes away local control. It mandates a one size fits all approach instead of treating students as individuals. It requires more standardized testing, leading to more teaching to the test. It is more costly due to more tests. Current system allows for removal of poor teachers through regular monitoring and evaluation system.

5 Missouri Voter Page 5 Sept/Oct 2014 Amendment 6 Early Voting Ballot language: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to permit voting in person or by mail for a period of six business days prior to and including the Wednesday before the Election Day in general elections, but only if the legislature and the governor appropriate and disburse funds to pay for the increased costs of such voting? Fair ballot language: A yes vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to permit voters, in years when the legislature provides funding, an early voting period of six business days prior to and including the Wednesday before Election Day to cast a ballot in all general elections. This amendment does not allow early voting on Saturday or Sunday. A no vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to provide all voters with a six-business day early voting period. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes Fiscal impact: State governmental entities estimated startup costs of about $2 million and costs to reimburse local election authorities of at least $100,000 per election. Local election authorities estimated higher reimbursable costs per election. Those costs will depend on the compensation, staffing, and, planning decisions of election authorities with the total costs being unknown. Explanation: This constitutional amendment would set up rules for early voting in Missouri. Early voting may take place for six business days prior to the election (at boards of election offices during normal business hours only). No other locations may be used. Early voting is prohibited on weekends. Early voting may only take place if the legislature chooses to provide funds to pay for it. Absentee voting system will remain as is. Proponents say: Missouri is one of only 7 states in the nation that currently does not allow early voting in some form (we do allow absentee voting). This would put in place a reasonable early voting system. The rules for voting are uniform throughout the state. Funding remains under legislative control. Opponents say: This is not a real early voting system. There is no requirement to offer early voting the week before the election except for on Wednesday. It is for 6 days only. The proposed system is more restrictive than 29 other states, including Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, and Arkansas. The legislature can eliminate early voting by refusing to fund it. Because this is a constitutional amendment, it will be very difficult to put a real early voting system in Missouri in the future. Amendment 10 Missouri Gubernatorial Budgetary Recommendations Ballot language: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require the governor to pay the public debt, to prohibit the governor from relying on revenue from legislation not yet passed when proposing a budget, and to provide a legislative check on the governor s decisions to restrict funding for education and other state services? State governmental entities expect no direct costs or savings. Local governmental entities expect an unknown fiscal impact. Fair ballot language: A yes vote will amend the Mo. Constitution regarding the requirements placed on the governor for proposing a state budget and for withholding money appropriated in the budget passed by the legislature. This amendment prohibits the governor from reducing funding passed by the general assembling without receiving legislative consent, and provides certain other restrictions on the governor s ability to increase or decrease line items in the budget. This amendment further prohibits the governor from proposing a budget that relies on revenue from legislation that has not yet passed in the general assembly. Explanation: This amendment places a number of limitations on the Governor s powers to propose a state budget and to allocate state funds without legislative consent. Governor cannot reduce or withhold funding passed by the legislature without legislative consent. Governor cannot change line items in the budget without legislative approval. Governor cannot use revenue in a budget proposal if the legislation to provide the revenue has not yet been passed by the legislature. Proponents say: The governor should not have unchecked power to decide how money gets spent. Governor Nixon has withheld funding authorized by the legislature in the past. The legislature should control the budget. Opponents say: The governor is responsible for a balanced budget. The current system works well. Governors in all states except Maryland have this power because it is necessary. Governor Nixon reduced line items when revenues were down and expenditures needed to be cut.

6 Missouri Voter Page 6 Sept/Oct 2014 LWVMO Positions on Statewide Ballot Issues The LWVMO board of directors voted to oppose three out of the four constitutional amendments on the November 2014 ballot. Amendment 3, Missouri Teacher Performance Evaluation, would take away important local control and base teacher evaluation on student performance on standardized tests. Such measures would encourage teachers to teach to the test, ignoring the needs of individual students and costing school districts more. The board emphasized that the current system allows for removal of poor teachers. Amendment 6, which claims to put in place early voting was opposed because it is not a real early voting system. It was put on the ballot by the Missouri legislature only to defeat the citizen initiated early voting initiative. That initiative failed to be certified because of insufficient signatures. Amendment 6 would only allow six days of early voting during regular business hours at board of election, prohibits weekend or after hours voting, and most importantly would only be put in place if the Missouri legislature funds it. The League supports an authentic early voting system. If passed, this constitutional amendment would make that very difficult to achieve. Amendment 10, which limits the Governor s authority to reduce or withhold line items in order to balance the budget, would eliminate the Governor s ability to fulfill his/her responsibility to balance the state budget. Every state but Maryland gives the governor this authority. It would also make it impossible for the governor to respond to emergency financial expenditures, such as relief for Joplin after the tornado. The board took no position on Amendment 2, which allows the admission of prior criminal acts in sexual crimes against minors. The board also reiterated its position that these matters should not dealt with in constitutional amendments but rather through legislation. Materials will be provided to local Leagues in order to educate the public on these very important issues. RACHEL FARR FITCH -HEALTH CARE AWARD The Rachel Farr Fitch Health Care Award is given to an individual or group that has done outstanding work in the field of health care. The nominee does not have to be a member of the League of Women Voters. The service or activity does not have to be a League project but it must be compatible with LWV ideals and not in conflict in any way with our program positions. Each local League may submit one nominee. Written nominations should follow the format set up and available from the LWVMO office. The winner will be selected by a committee appointed by the LWVMO president. Criteria: 1. The number of people served or impacted. 2. The project was health care service that impacted the community or world. 3. The number of people involved in carrying out the activity. 4. The project should have taken place in the last two (2) years. 5. Special consideration will be given to other groups that were networked during the project. LAST CHANCE - Applications will be accepted through October 15th Submit application to Peg Prendergast - shapeshome@yahoo.com

7 Missouri Voter Page 7 Sept/Oct 2014 Officers President: Elaine Blodgett Vice President: Debby Waite Howard Secretary: Marilyn McLeod Treasurer: Jerry Osborne Directors Nancy Copenhaver: Tax Policy Barb Davis: Voter Service, Oral History Project, Health Kathleen Farrell: Voter Service Pauli Kendrick: Education Linda McDaniel: Elections Marty Ott: Legislative Action Peg Prendergast: MO Voter Nominating Committee Cindy Stephens, Chair Mary Merritt Lael Von Holt LWVUS Board Liaison: Karen Nicholson LWVUS MLD Coach: Donna Lauffer Webmaster: Rachel Brekhus Joint Office Executive Director: Anna Mennerick Fact Checking Want to check the accuracy of allegations or s? Go to or Local League Activities St. Louis League- We re Trying to be Part of the Solution in St. Louis Events in Ferguson have made it very clear that citizens participate in our democracy if necessary change is going to occur. We have expanded our voter registration activities to Ferguson, and on September 13 th to the Urban League s job fair that drew hundreds. Six St. Louis members joined other League members and women s groups from across the state to witness the unveiling of the bust of Virginia Minor in the Hall of Famous Missourians. While we were there, we stayed to watch part of the post-veto session. We are preparing the November Voters Guide, learning about Early Voting at the September 17 th Kickoff, and gearing up to share our opposition to the statewide ballot issues on Early Voting, the Governor s budgetary powers, and Teacher Evaluation. In order to meet the requests for League speakers at various groups before the election, we held two speaker training workshops and developed a set of power points and materials to share information with groups in our community. It is easy to get discouraged in the current political situation. We ve decided to be part of the solution. Kathleen Farrell & Linda McDaniel Co-Presidents Columbia Boone County Our primary election forums were held after the due date for the last issue of the Missouri Voter, so we will mention those now. We held both a candidate and a separate ballot issue forum in July. We have had many of these in the past, of course, but we were a little nervous about the ballot issue forum since several of the amendments were very contentious. The audience couldn't have been more receptive, attentive and respectful to hear both sides of each issue. It was a model of civic engagement. In September, in honor of National Voter Registration Day, we decided to go to the three local college campuses when they held their volunteer fairs. Although we had hoped to do this with online registration, due to circumstances beyond our control, we used the paper (mail in) ballots and were delighted to register about 35 students. This gave us a chance to introduce the League to a new constituency and to share our belief in the importance of voting. In honor of U.S. Constitution Day in September, we are planning to have a forum featuring Denise Lieberman, senior attorney, Advancement Project's Voter Protection Program. She will speak about "The State of the right to vote in Missouri and Beyond. And we are now planning for two election forums in October, one for candidates and the second for ballot issues. It's tricky getting both pro and con speakers for each issue, but we are doing our best to make it happen! We will have moderators for each forum from a local radio station, KFRU, which we also had in July. Marilyn McLeod President

8 MISSOURI VOTER League of Women Voters of Missouri 8706 Manchester Road, Suite 104 St. Louis MO PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID at St. Louis Mo ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED