Volume:69 Issue: 6February 2017

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

Volume:69 Issue: 6February 2017

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

Calendar

February

Sun., 5:Sunday, Racism, discrimination, and Islamophobia, 2:00, Center for New Community at UU Church

Thurs., 16: Thursday, Public Policy Luncheon, 11:45 at Lourie Center

Throughout Feb.:Health Study Consensus Project meetings – times and places to be announced

April

Sat., 1:Saturday, 9-12 AAUW on STEM for high school females, USC CDRC Building. More later

Sat & Sun., 29, 30: LWV Convention at The Inn At USC in Columbia

ALSO INSIDE:

Article / Page
Julie’s Jems / 2
January PPL Recap / 3
SC Health Consensus
Project / 5
Member Focus / 6
Additional Features
Lest We Forget / 7
8
Board Contact Info / 9
Quick Links / 10

FEBRUARYPUBLIC POLICY LUNCHEON

SOUTH CAROLINA'S TRANSPORTATION PLAN: HOW IT WORKS - PRIORITIES

Wade Luther, Statewide Transportation Planner for the SC DOT
Thursday February 16, 2017 – 11:45 am

Lourie Center – Park Circle (at Pickens & Blossom Streets)

WADE LUTHER, our February Public Policy Luncheon speaker, andstatewide transportation planner for the SC Department of Transportation, and an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certified planneris a graduate of both USC and Clemson (MS, City and Regional Planning). He was awarded the South Carolina American Planning Association Chapter “Plan of the Year” Award for his work in 2006, 2008, and 2012. Wade is currently the program manager for the $26 million State Planning and Research (SPR) program, where he is responsible for oversight of several SCDOT planning initiatives, as well as coordination of funding for the state’s eleven Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) and ten Councils of Government (COG’s).

Wade will be discussing the SCDOT’s most recent Multi-Modal Transportation Plan (MTP) effort and how it relates to the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and Act 114, which drive project selection and prioritization.

In his spare time he enjoys his family and friends at Lake Wateree. He resides in Camden, SC, with his wife, Teri, and son, Waylon. He and his wife are expecting their second child this May

All are welcome, but reservations for a catered lunch are required no later thanWednesday NOON, February 15.
Cost of lunch: $10.00 (Attendees may bring their own lunch). Please RSVP to Susan James or call 256-6822

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

THE PREZ SEZJulie Sellers

JULIE’S JEMS - As we start 2017 we need to keep in mind that we are a non-partisan organization. We examine the issues of the day, and we come to consensus, and we then work to have national, state, and local governments pass bills supporting those positions. Right now we know that some of the basics of the Affordable Care Act will be restructured. Congress has voted to start the process; however, they say there will be no changes until a different policy is completely ready to be put in place. For each proposed change, we must examine the purpose and results to determine how each one parallels our issues policies. We probably will have a lot of letters to write and phone calls to make over the next four years, so get ready.

Doing some research the other day, I ran across a wonderful site for teachers and the general public—people like us who want to know the facts. The site is procon.org,“THE LEADING SOURCE FOR PROS & CONS OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES.” Take a minute and check out the site, which has subjects such as ‘Should All Americans Have the Right (Be Entitled) to Health Care?’ I like the big and colorful logo.

While we have official issues from the League of Women Voters (on the LWVUS website under National Policy Issues), sometimes it helps to have another resource. This resource covers issues not on our official list, but the best part is that the pro and con statements are clear. There are many quotes from notables of the day and lots of data.

Thanks to Janie White, who did a terrific job signing people up for LEAD Day, January 28; the Columbia-Area was well represented at this very special state-wide meeting.

Thanks also to Janelle Rivers and Sharon Ayling, who took on the arduous job of presenting what we need to do and how to do it for our Planning Meeting, January 31. Left over from last year, with lots of work yet to come, is the goal of a fair drawing of boundaries for state districts after the 2020 census. We will report on the Planning Meeting in the March LeagueLines.

Julie Sellers

* * *

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

OTHER NEWS

JANUARY PUBLIC POLICY LUNCHEON RECAP:

At our first Public Policy Luncheon (PPL) for the New Year, we started off with a bang. There was a very large contingent from Newberry College. So many, we ran out of chairs (but not food, thanks to Susan James’ foresight).

Our President, Julie Sellers, announced that Janelle Rivers is forming an Observer Corps. The purpose of asking League members to attend local government meetingsand hearings is threefold: (1) to build relationships with public officials; (2) to let our elected representatives know that the League is paying attention to what they do; and (3) to report back very briefly on issues of importance to the LWV Columbia Area. True, these meeting may be tedious and boring, but what happens behind closed doors is what we need to know. If you have spare time or can dedicate one day a month, give Janelle a call at (803) 708-8566 or email her at , and that way we can get the inside track on what is happening.

Pat Forbis, Second VP and Director of Women’s Health Issues, introduced our guest speaker. Vicki Ringer is the Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood (PPH) South Atlantic. The South Atlantic encompasses South and North Carolina, West Virginia and parts of Virginia. She is also a Sorority Sister of Julie’s, and an avid Gamecock fan. Please read Vicki’s bio in the January issue of League Lines for more detailed information about her background.

Planned Parenthood is all across the United States, but there are only two offices in South Carolina, Columbia and Charleston. The Columbia office has been operating since the 1960s, but the Charleston office did not open until the early part of the 21st century. The Charleston office does not offer a full range of services, but the greatest demand is for contraceptive information and products. In fact since the election, the demand for these services has increased, apparently because many feel unsure of what the future holds.

Some facts about women’s reproductive rights: When you hear Congress say that they will not support Planned Parenthood, it is not that PPH is a line item in the federal budget. What would happen is that they would not allow Medicaid money to be spent at facilities that perform abortions. Most hospitals, with the exception of Catholic hospitals, perform abortions. Ergo, their Medicaid money would also be cut or compromised.

Girls under the age of 16 need the permission of a parent or legal guardian to have an abortion. There is a loophole: These young women can get permission from the court to have this service performed. Pat Forbis, Esq., has helped young girls seeking this service. The abortion rate in America has dropped, and PPH feels it is due to better access to contraceptives and the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare), which offers contraceptives with no co-pay.

Unfortunately, South Carolina has passed the “Pain Capable Unborn Child Act,” which would ban abortions after 20 weeks with no exceptions for rape or incest. After twenty weeks, a woman would need the signature of two doctors on a statement that the mother will “absolutely die” before an abortion is legally allowed to be performed. Some other interesting facts are that one in five women will visit a PPH office in their lifetime, and most women spend 25-30 years of their life trying not to get pregnant.

During the open conversation our older members recalled the days before abortions were legal and safe. I personally remember my older brother telling us the story of a girl who had died at college because she had performed a “coat hanger” abortion. To this day I remember how that affected me. Things have changed greatly since then, because the stigma of a woman bearing a child out of wedlock is not the same, and, at this time, abortions are still legal and safe. What would happen if they weren’t?

For additional information about services offered by PPH, please visit their website.

Pam Craig

Speaker Vicki Ringer

PPL Attendees

Newberry College Students with Professor: Dr. Naomi Simmons (front row; second from left)

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

SOUTH CAROLINA HEALTH STUDY CONSENSUS PROJECT - During the month of February, members of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina will have the opportunity to participate in consensus meetings to discuss the state of health of the citizens of South Carolina. Information gathered beginning in 2015 in the Palmetto State of Healthstudy will be used as background and to inform the discussion. This two-year statewide study was done under the auspices of eight local leagues. It includes information gained from discussions with health care providers, hospital administrators, health care consumers and other concerned citizens. The background information for each of the questions can be found in the study, which is available via a link on the LWVSC web site, in the most recent Voter, or at

There are four questions that the league members will be asked to weigh in on.

Do you support expanded health insurance coverage for uninsured South Carolinians?
Should the state of South Carolina take responsibility for providing at least basic health care through

Medicaid Expansion
Developing its own plan
Encouraging insurers to offer more affordable options
Other
None of the above

Should the League support efforts to address lifestyle health issues such as obesity and tobacco use by:

Supporting policies to address “food deserts,” nutritional and physical activity
Discouraging the use of tobacco products
Other

How important is it for the League to affirm its commitment to reproductive rights, including family planning, access to abortion and sex education?

As with other important issues the League has considered in the past, consensus meetings will be held throughout February at different times and locations in the hopes that as many members as possible can participate. You will be contacted about times and locations.

The national LWV consensus guide, which explains the League's consensus process, is posted at If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at or 803 603-1696.

Pat Forbis

* * *

MESSAGE FROM THE NOMINATNG COMMITTEE:Do you want to meet interesting and interested people…

-Doing interesting work and

-Having interesting dialog?

Does this sound like a group that might interest you?

An experience to remember: demanding, rewarding, challenging, and satisfying??

Join the LWV Columbia Area Board of Directors to be part of a dynamic, fun group of people.

You will be able to:

- build your leadership skills,

- learn to use your skills to make things happen for the League and for your community,

- help to set the direction for the LWV Columbia Area

- expand your commitment to the League,

- raise your visibility.

- share your League successes with other Leagues,

If this sounds like an opportunity you or someone you know might want to pursue, please

contact Marianne McGrath, Nominating Committee Chair at

* * *

MEMBER FOCUS

RANA PERI DAVIS: “It has been approximately one year since I became a League member. During that time, I observed and learned more about the League, although I realize there is more to learn and much more to do as we tackle local, state and national issues. Nonetheless, I am ready to get involved.

I would like to volunteer to be the League observer at City and County meetings this year. As long as I have at least a two-day notice of the meeting dates/times, I will be happy to be the League’s eyes and ears. There is also the opportunity to attract other minorities into the League.

Please let me know protocol, what is expected as an observer, etc. and I am READY! This is the year I said “Now, is the time. Tomorrow is too late.” Rana

* * *

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

MEL JENKINSfound a prescient reflection delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his last two "State of the Union" messages to the Congress and to the American people in January 1944 and 1945. Included was what Truman called a Second, or Economic, Bill of Rights, which Mel recognizes as critical to “Making Democracy Work.”

“In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all regardless of station, race, or creed.

Among these are:

The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;

The right of every family to a decent home;

The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;

The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;

The right to a good education.

All of these rights spell security. And after this war is won we must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being.” (Abridged)

Mel asks: Can people who do not have economic security and independence really "buy into" democracy? FDR did not think they could or would. More at the Truman Library and

* * *

LEST WE

FORGET

PASSING:In January the League lost two long-time leaders, both outstanding in their professional fields, which they generously shared with the League. They both leave voids in our hearts and in our activities.

BOB WILLIAMS, first web master for the Columbia League and husband of Joanne Williams, was an information science professor at USC. He funded a student research award at USC's School of Library and Information Science that continues to honor students who have made exemplary contributions to scholarly research. He helped create an undergraduate program in information science and continued to teach graduate classes after his retirement in 2004. Joanne was office manager for the state and local Leagues for many years. They have both been leaders in renewable energy and Joanne monitored and spoke out regarding SRS cleanup issues. More at

SHEILA GALLAGHER of Columbia and Florence was a very active member of the League State Board, serving as a leader in public education for many years after retiring from 34 years of teaching in Florence District One. Among her civic activities were the South Carolina Education Association in various offices including President, and she served as an officer in the State Retirees Association of South Carolina. Sheila ran unsuccessfully for the SC House of Representatives in 2010 and Superintendent of Education in 2014. See more at:

* * *

BOARDCONTACT INFO - 2015-2016 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE COLUMBIA AREA

OFFICERS

President / Julie Sellers /
1stVice President and Membership / Janelle Rivers /
2nd Vice President and Women’s Health / Pat Forbis /
Secretary / Sharon Ayling /
Treasurer / Ann Maletic /

DIRECTORS/PORTFOLIOS

Local Government Director / Missy Caughman /
Education Director and Web site / Pat Mohr /
Web site / Rana Davis /
Environment Director / Margaret Anne DuBose /
Voter Services Director / Mel Jenkins /
Nominating Committee / Marianne McGrath /
League Lines / Pat Manley /

OFF-BOARD COMMITTEE HEADS

Reservations / Susan James /
Communications / Sej Harman /
Transportation / Lil Mood /
Membership Coordinator / Janie White /
Environmental Liaison / Chester Sansbury /
Membership / Pam Craig /
League Lines / Suzanne Rhodes /

OTHER COMMITTEES

Nominating Committee:

Marianne McGrath, Chair, Pat Manley & Janie White

* * *

Volume: 69 Issue: 6 February 2017

QUICK LINKS

Websites:

National:/

State:

Columbia:

Facebook: To see our Facebook Page:

Go to YOUR Facebook page and begin typing "League of Women Voters of the Columbia Area" in the search box until a list pops up.
Click on the name League of Women Voters of Columbia, SC with the familiar blue LWV Logo on the left

That's it!

Twitter:

Go to YOUR Twitter account and search for the League of Women Voters Columbia Area and connect.

Facebook and Twitter email address:

VOTER INFORMATION WEBSITES

* * *

Columbia City Council
1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 6:00 PM City Hall 1737 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
Check website at

for more information.

Lexington County Council
Meet: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 PM 2nd Floor County
Administration Building 212 South Lake Drive Lexington, SC 29072
For confirmation of meeting dates, please call 785-8103 or check website