League of Women Voters Advocacy Committee Report

League of Women Voters Advocacy Committee Report

April 9, 2018

The LWVID Advocacy Committee is nonpartisan, but, after League studies, uses state positions to advocate for or against particular policies in the public interest through lobbying and occasional “Times for Action.” All LWVID Advocacy Actions are developed in accordance with LWVID Policies and Procedures Section VII: State Studies, VIII: Reaching Member Agreement, and IX: Action.

Times for Action are sent to members throughout the state, who may then contact legislators or other entities on their own if the issue is one on which she/he wishes to speak out. Only the president of the League is able to officially speak for the LWVID.

Here is a summary of the issues that have been addressed by the LWVID Advocacy Committee, by LWVID Position Area:

Government:

Constitutional Convention: The League submitted testimony opposing HCR 32, a new call for a constitutional convention. Killed for the session.

Reapportionment: The LWVID submitted testimony opposing an amendment to enlarge the commission on reapportionment to 3 members, on several grounds. Did not proceed.

Natural Resources:

Columbia River Treaty Roundtable. The LWVID submitted a letter to the Idaho Public Television requesting the Idaho PTV consider presenting a feature on the history of the Treaty and current efforts to support the Treaty.

Natural Resources: The LWVID offered testimony and a member “Time for Action” on the Idaho Public Utilities Commission petition to create a separate billing structure for customers with rooftop solar panels.

Social Policy:

Health Care: The League submitted testimony supporting H 464, the Idaho Health Care Plan, and opposing H 615 “skinny,” non-ACA compliant health care plans, as well as sending several “Times for Action” related to these pieces of legislation. The Idaho Health Care Plan did not proceed, nor did H 615.

Education: The LWVID submitted testimony on H 487, opposing limiting bond levies to once a year, as a hardship on Idaho educational systems. The legislation was not successful. The League also provided an op-ed piece on the topic in Idaho.

Sentencing Policy/Idaho Criminal Justice System: The League developed testimony for an informational hearing on legislation to for a death penalty exemption for persons with severe mental illness (SMI). The League will continue to engage with the SMI Coalition on this legislation moving forward.

Respectfully,

Mary Bostick, LWVID Advocacy Chair