The Brown County Voter
March 2023
The League of Women Voters of Brown County is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government.
The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues through education and advocacy.
Membership is open to all regardless of gender.
We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform | Just a Note
By Shari Frank, LWVBC President
What does democracy mean to you? Should everyone be able to vote? Should everyone have equal access to quality education? Should rights be equal regardless of sex? Should children be protected against discrimination, or should they be denied the freedom to express who they feel they are?
If you care about these issues of equity, we hope you will take the time to write to our legislators to let them know whether you support or oppose some of the laws currently being decided about these factors impacting our lives, and the lives of others in our community. Below is a list of top issues for Voting, Education, Health, Natural Resources and the ERA.
See additional info on the ERA later in this newsletter, with an easy link to write our US Senators. More than 100 years after some women gained the right to vote, people in the United States are still not constitutionally guaranteed equality on the basis of sex. The time to pass the ERA is now. Tell Congress Equality Belongs in the Constitution.
Wait, did I hear someone say what’s the point? How can we make a difference? Let me remind you of some wise words that may help you be motivated to speak up.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
— Margaret Mead
|  | Recap of Legislation to Support or Oppose
LWVBC is providing this summarization of current proposed legislation in the Indiana Statehouse. Your voice is needed to protect Voters, ERA, Education, Health, and Natural Resources. Take action now - before the Indiana 2023 General Assembly ends in a few weeks - to let legislators know your priorities. You can access detailed information from the Legislative Alert email that was sent to all members March 18.
Important bills to support or oppose. The list is a long one!
Voting and Elections:
HB1334, Absentee Voting. Oppose new requirements disenfranchising voter access
HB1116, Felony disenfranchisement. Ask for amendments to drop voter disenfranchisement
ERA
ERA, Support resolution in Indiana General Assembly. Support passage in the U.S. Senate.
Education
HB1177, Handgun training for teachers. Oppose
HB1002, Education and workforce matters. Oppose funds to private businesses
HB1001, Budget. Oppose increased vouchers depleting public school funding
HB1608, Human Sexuality instruction. Oppose limiting teachers ability to discuss important issues
SB224, Various Election Matters. Support improved school referendum language
SB177, School Board candidate deadline filing. Support increased time for candidacy
SB12, Material “harmful” to minors. Oppose criminalization of teachers and librarians.
SB480, Gender transition procedures for minors. Oppose legislative limits on medical care decisions
SB486, Education Matters. Oppose repeal of important teacher training requirements
Health
SB4, Public health commission. Support increased funding options.
SB252, Long acting reversible contraceptives. Support increased availability requirements.
SB266, Long acting reversible contraceptives. Support increased access.
HB1568, Prescription for hormonal contraceptives. Support increased access via pharmacists
Natural Resources
HB1304, Watercraft registration renewal fees. Support increased funds for water quality
HB1639, Watershed development commissions. Support improved management
HB1623, Administrative rulemaking. Oppose limits on IDEM to control coal ash disposal.
HB1647, Residential onsite sewage systems. Oppose options to overrule health dept on septic safety.
SB242, Protect our floodplains. Oppose. Mandates use of inaccurate flood maps.
| Final Legislative Update Planned During General Assembly
Please join us for one last 2023 nonpartisan legislative updates, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Brown County, League of Women Voters Bloomington-Monroe County, Brown County Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
At the update, state legislators will be asked to provide introductory remarks on their priorities for the current session of the Indiana General Assembly. Each legislator will be given 10 minutes for these opening statements. Then audience questions are posed, rotating the order of legislator responses. As with the three previous sessions, these updates are intended to be informative, not debates.
You are welcome to join the conversation. All state legislators who represent a portion of Brown County and Monroe County are invited, including:
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Indiana State Representatives: D46, Bob Heaton (Majority Whip); D60, Peggy Mayfield; D61, Matt Pierce; D62, Dave Hall
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Indiana State Senators: D44, Eric Koch; and D40, Shelli Yoder
The Brown County and Bloomington Leagues appreciate the participation of Senator Yoder and Representative Pierce, who provided a very good discussion for audience members during the first two legislative updates. Due to schedule conflicts and other issues, Representatives Heaton, Mayfield and Hall, as well as Senator Koch, have not yet attended these sessions.
Help us encourage these legislators to join us for the last legislative update.
Please call or email and let them know you would like them to join our virtual discussions.
Our legislative updates are always conducted in a respectful manner.
We emphasize to all participants that the meetings are a discussion, not a debate.
Then, register online for the last virtual event:
| LWVBC Board Activity
Notes from the March 13 LWVBC meeting:
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The minutes of the February 13, 2023, meeting were passed.
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This year’s annual meeting is planned for Monday, May 8, at The Seasons Conference Center. More information to follow as plans are developed for the program.
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LWVIN seeks suggestions for the State Program by April 8, and suggestions for workshops at the 2023 June 9-11 Convention in Clifty Falls - reply to Shari Frank at browncountylwv@gmail.com with any suggestions.
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This year’s 4-H Fair is set for June 12-17.We will need volunteers to help with our booth. If you have an idea for a theme for the League booth this year, please let Shari know.
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The Board decided to create a Legislative Alert “email blast” to the League email list about current legislation being discussed in the General Assembly. This email was sent Saturday, March 18.
- The next LWVBC meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 10, 2023, 7:00 pm via Zoom.
| Annual Meeting Planned for May 8
Mark your calendars! LWVBC has set Monday, May 8 for this year’s annual meeting. Join us at The Seasons Conference Center at 6 pm for dinner, speakers, and a business meeting.
Members: Please email your ideas on what LWVBC should work on in the next year: browncountylwv@gmail.com.
More information to follow as the Annual Meeting Committee develops the program for this year’s meeting. | Sunshine Week is March 12-18
Source: https://nationaltoday.com/sunshine-week/
“Sunshine Week is in the week of March 16 to coincide with the National Freedom of Information Day, which occurs on the same day. This year, it takes place from March 12 to 18. Did you know that when the United States signed the Freedom of Information Act into law in 1966, it was the third country in the world to do that? Sunshine Week raises awareness of the importance of open government and promotes dialogue on the impact of excessive official secrecy. Sunshine Week prompts public discussions on open government with participants, including nonprofits, schools, civic groups, and media organizations.”
A Brief History
“The Freedom of Information Act is a legal instrument that offers citizens and journalists access to information and documents controlled by the United States government, furthering government transparency. The idea of such an act dates back to 1952, when John Moss of Sacramento, California, was elected to Congress. It was during the Cold War when the government was secretive. Moss began campaigning for openness in governance when he was denied access to information he needed to investigate employees’ sacking cases. The government claimed they dismissed the individuals for being communists.
“On July 4, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the FOIA into law without a public event. Still, he released a signing statement that did say, “I sign this measure with a deep sense of pride that the United States is an open society.”
Why is Sunshine Week Important?
Five Facts about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
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Sweden was the first country to adopt a Freedom of Information Act – in 1766
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People use the FOIA to request unusual information, such as complaints about the café at the CIA and the FBI’s dictionary of Twitter slang.
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Anyone – regardless of citizenship – can request information from the US government via the FOIA.
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FOIA’s Privacy Act allows you to access all information the US government has about you.
- The Department of Homeland Security is the federal agency that receives the most requests.
| 2022 Dorothy Stewart Scholarship Winner Sends Thanks
Kelli Branson, last year’s winner of the Dorothy Stewart Scholarship, recently sent a note of thanks to the League. Kelli’s words follow.
“I am honored to be a recipient of the Dorothy Stewart Memorial Scholarship. Thank you for your generosity which has allowed me to pursue an education in International Studies as well as in Global Health and Environment.”
Each year the Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) Scholarship Committee meets to study scholarship applications and awards scholarship dollars to deserving Brown County high school seniors.
The League of Women Voters established The Dorothy Stewart scholarship endowment fund with the Brown County Community Foundation in honor of our first President and founding member who was tragically killed while doing the census in June 2010.
If you are interested in making a donation to the Dorothy Stewart Scholarship, we thank you!
You can donate one of two ways:
- Send a check with “Dorothy Stewart Scholarship” in the note section to the Brown County Community Foundation, PO Box 191, Nashville IN 47448
- Send an online donation via the Foundation’s website, www.browncountygives.org.
| LWVBC Hosted Member Open House March 11 with a Focus on Current Legislative Session
LWVBC held a member open house on March 11, and welcomed several members, including Jane Huffman, who renewed her membership that day. Thank you, Jane!
League members Carol Birkemeier and Amy Oliver provided updates on current education legislation being debated in the Statehouse. Attendees wrote post cards to legislators, encouraging support for bills that increase equity in elections, education and health and opposition of bills that disenfranchise voters, reduce funding for public education, threaten safety of LGBTQ people, teachers and librarians, and more.
| | Among League members attending the open house (l to r): Shari Frank, Amy Oliver, Jane Huffman, Pam Raider, Carol Birkemeier | | | March is Women’s History Month
Source: https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org
“The National Women’s History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, has announced the women’s history theme for 2023, Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.
“Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.
“From the earliest storytellers through pioneering journalists, our experiences have been captured by a wide variety of artists and teachers. These include authors, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, and grandmothers throughout time. Women have long been instrumental in passing on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women’s stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other.”
|  | Top: Toni Morrison, Maxine Hong Kingston, Jovita Idar, Maya Angelou
Middle: Gerda Lerner, Gloria Steinem, Winona La Duke, Lillian Hellman
Bottom: Betty Soskin, Willa Cather, Gertrude Stein, Marjory Stoneman Douglas
| 100th Anniversary of ERA; Still no Ratification
“The Equal Rights Amendment was first drafted and introduced in Congress in 1923 -- and now, a century later, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is working to at last enshrine its guarantees of gender equality in the Constitution.
"’I'm dismayed that in 2023, we still have to fight to be seen as full citizens given the contributions of women as defenders of our democracy and all the contributions that we make to civic life, to culture, to our economy,’ Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who is leading the effort in the House to ratify the ERA, told ABC News in a segment on ‘This Week’ on Sunday.
“Congress passed the ERA in 1972 with support from members of both parties, following efforts by leading female legislators like then-New York Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress.
“The amendment states that ‘equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.’" The full article can be viewed HERE.
| March 2023 Diversity Calendar
Source: https://www.diversityresources.com/march-diversity-calendar-2023/
March 8: International Women’s Day:This day specifically highlights the political, cultural, and economic achievements of women. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “EmbraceEquity.”https://www.internationalwomensday.com/2023Theme
March 8: Holi: Known as the “Festival of Colors,” this Hindu holiday celebrates the winter harvest and the onset of spring. Hindu families will often get colored powders to throw and smear on their faces during the festivities.
“Holi is celebrated each year to honor the arrival of spring, as well as love, fertility, and renewal. The festival is a time for meeting others, forgiving and forgetting, and repairing broken relationships, and it's a time when celebrants are able to relax social codes and let down traditional barriers.” Source :https://www.womansday.com/life/a42581712/when-is-holi/
March 10: Harriet Tubman’s Birthday: Happy Birthday, Harriet! As an American abolitionist, Harriet Tubman is known for saving a reported 70 people on the Underground Railroad.
“Harriet Tubman was an escaped enslaved woman who became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to freedom before the Civil War, all while carrying a bounty on her head. But she was also a nurse, a Union spy and a women’s suffrage supporter. Tubman is one of the most recognized icons in American history and her legacy has inspired countless people from every race and background.”
Source: www.history.com
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: This day commemorates the date that police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960. The day aims to convey a simple message — using your voice can be a powerful vehicle against racism.
March 22 to April 21: Ramadan: Ramadan — an annual observance for Muslims worldwide — falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk.
Ramadan is a holy month designed for fasting, time with loved ones and prayer, including asking for forgiveness for sins. Muslims believe it was during this month God gave the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad and told him he was in charge of carrying God’s message. Source: www.usatoday.com
| Impact on Issues 2022-2024 Now Available
Source: www.LWV.org
LWVUS has announced the latest version of Impact on Issues is now available online.
“Impact on Issues provides a clear understanding of LWVUS positions, how they interrelate, and how they can complement and reinforce state, local, and regional Inter-League Organization (ILO) positions, strengthening the League’s impact at all levels of government.
“Leagues can begin using the positions in Impact on Issues right away, and a paperback version will be available through Amazon in the coming months.”
| DEI Corner
Continuing our commitment to educate ourselves on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), this month we include a bit of awareness about our use of language.
There are terms that have worked their way into the English language but have origins in offensive stereotypes. Here are examples of phrases we in the U.S. have co-opted without thinking about the negative connotations these terms may have as “micro-aggressions” for people of diverse backgrounds.
— Chop chop- instead, say “right away.”
— Circle the wagon- instead, say “unite everyone.”
— Gypped - instead, say “swindled” or “cheated.”
— Hold down the fort- instead, say “take charge” or “look after things.”
— Jew down- instead, say “negotiated” or “bargained.”
— Off the reservation- instead, say “out of bounds” or “out of control.”
— Powwow - instead, say “discussion” or “brainstorm.”
— Sold down the river- instead, say “betrayed."
| Community Spotlight: Psi Iota Xi Fundraiser Supports Brown County Youth
Submitted by League member Amy Huffman Oliver
Psi Iota Xi (also called Psi Otes) sell fall and spring flowers to raise money as a philanthropic sorority. All proceeds go towards art, literature, music, and speech and hearing in Brown County and much of it goes to the schools, individuals with hearing needs and to various other related requests. We also give scholarships to high school students each May. I've attached a form for our spring flower sale. They are grown here locally for us by Kelp's and are always high quality.
I need to know your order by March 30 and payment by cash or check or Venmo when you order. Write your check to Psi Iota Xi. The flowers are available from me by delivery or pick up at the Christian Church on Van Buren Street on parade day, Sat May 6. Let me know how you want to get them. You can download the order form HERE.
You can text me at 812-703-0800 or email me at huffmanoliver@gmail.com or on Facebook messenger, if we are friends. Many thanks! Amy Huffman Oliver
| Here’s How to Contact Your State and Federal Legislators
| Making Democracy Work
Nonpartisan Grassroots Leadership since 1920
Participate • Volunteer • Become a Member
Membership Dues:
$50/Individual - $85/Couple - $20/Friend of the League (non-voting)
Your dues include membership in the national, state, and local leagues.
*Membership Scholarships available. Email us for more information: browncountylwv@gmail.com
To join or to send a donation, mail your check payable to LWVBC, PO Box 74, Nashville IN 47448
Please include your name, address, phone, and email
For more information, email: browncountylwv@gmail.com
Defend Democracy. Protect Voting. Be Informed. |
GOVERNMENT AND BOARD MEETINGS
PLEASE NOTE: Meetings may be in person and/or virtual.
See links below to check days/times.
Brown County Election Board, Salmon Room
• April 4, 6:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Brown County Commissioners, Salmon Room (check website for zoom link)
• April 5, 2:00 pm (check for possible changes)
• April 19, 6:00 pm
Brown County Council, Salmon Room
• March 20, 6:30 pm (check for possible changes)
• April 17, 6:30 pm
Brown County Health Board, Bi-monthly, third Tuesday, 5 pm
• May 18 2023, 5:00 pm (check for possible changes)
Nashville Town Council, Salmon Room (check website for zoom link)
• April 20, 6:30 pm (check for possible changes)
Note: for all government and advisory board meetings and to verify times, please check the Brown County government calendar: http://www.browncounty-in.gov, the Town of Nashville calendar:https://www.townofnashville.org/town-council,or the Brown County Democrat: www.bcdemocrat.com | LWVBC MEETINGS
LWVBC meetings are held the second Monday of each month.
April 10, 7:00 pm (via Zoom)
May 8, 7:00 pm (via Zoom)
League Members, Friends, and the public are welcome
To participate in the meeting, contact League President Shari Frank at browncountylwv@gmail.com. | The deadline for submission of articles for the April newsletter is 5:00 pm Friday, April 14.
THE BROWN COUNTY VOTER is published monthly. The editor is Laurie Teal. Please send your articles and/or suggestions to LWVBC at browncountylwv@gmail.com.
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