Public Policy
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations whose goal it is to influence the debate Washington.
Featured Stories
Southern Poverty Law Center: Courage, Conviction - We Must Redouble Our Commitment to Continuing Justice Ginsburg's Mission of Achieving Justice
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Sept. 26 -- The Southern Poverty Law Center issued the following commentary:
By Joseph J. Levin Jr., Co-Founder and Board Member Emeritus
In 1970, a young Air Force lieutenant, Sharron Frontiero, walked into my fledgling law firm in Montgomery, Alabama, which would one year later become the Southern Poverty Law Center. She was being denied the same housing benefits for married couples that were automatically provided to her male counterparts in the armed forces.
We filed a discrimination complaint in federal district court on her behalf, and within a couple of years, I found
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Sept. 26 -- The Southern Poverty Law Center issued the following commentary:
By Joseph J. Levin Jr., Co-Founder and Board Member Emeritus
In 1970, a young Air Force lieutenant, Sharron Frontiero, walked into my fledgling law firm in Montgomery, Alabama, which would one year later become the Southern Poverty Law Center. She was being denied the same housing benefits for married couples that were automatically provided to her male counterparts in the armed forces.
We filed a discrimination complaint in federal district court on her behalf, and within a couple of years, I foundmyself arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court that female members of the armed forces should be granted, under the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, the same rights as men.
During that formative experience, I fortuitously came into the orbit of - and quickly came to know and admire - the director of the Women's Rights Project of the ACLU, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. To make a long story short, the ACLU filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief with the Supreme Court, and I authorized Justice Ginsburg to use part of my oral argument before the Court. We secured an 8-1 landmark decision.
What I remember most was not the argument, but the quick-witted humor and sheer brilliance of Justice Ginsburg. The evening before the argument, I had dinner with her and her late husband, Martin. We hardly discussed the case, but rather had wonderful conversations about issues completely unrelated to the law. I will never forget just how enjoyable that evening was. As a 29-year-old kid who was scared to death about what was in store the following day, it actually helped calm my nerves.
Justice Ginsburg argued and won another four cases on gender equality before the Court. And from her first term as a justice, she made it her mission to guarantee equal protection and open doors for women and other marginalized communities across the nation. She was a deeply principled person who demonstrated great courage and conviction throughout her entire legal career - a champion of women's rights, reproductive justice, civil rights and workers' rights.
Her grace and steely determination never wavered, even in defeat. "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time," she famously said.
Indeed, some of her most memorable - and impactful - work came in the form of dissenting opinions. In Shelby County v. Holder, the 2013 Supreme Court ruling that effectively gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Justice Ginsburg wrote that the majority had been shortsighted. Getting rid of the requirement for federal "preclearance" of voting law changes in certain jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination, she argued, was "like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet."
And her dissent in a workplace pay discrimination case ultimately led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Given the transformative figure she always was, and the inspirational icon she eventually became, Justice Ginsburg will be sorely missed by all who knew her - and knew of her.
Now, it's our turn to show up with that same courage and conviction. In honor of her extraordinary contributions to our democracy, we must redouble our commitment to continuing RGB's mission of achieving justice and equity for all.
[Category: Law/Legal]
SELC Statement on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Announcement to Downlist the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The Southern Environmental Law Center issued the following statement on Sept. 25:
* * *
Today, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announcing plans to downlist the red-cockaded woodpecker.
"The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's proposed downlisting announced today could reverse decades of hard work for this iconic and endangered bird," said Ramona McGee, SELC Staff Attorney. "Today's announcement is poised to set a dangerous precedent of claiming victory too early and
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 26 -- The Southern Environmental Law Center issued the following statement on Sept. 25:
* * *
Today, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announcing plans to downlist the red-cockaded woodpecker.
"The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's proposed downlisting announced today could reverse decades of hard work for this iconic and endangered bird," said Ramona McGee, SELC Staff Attorney. "Today's announcement is poised to set a dangerous precedent of claiming victory too early andwithout scientific support, leaving this species without the management it critically needs to succeed."
"Not only does the agency's approach announced today remove protections for this iconic and rare Southeastern bird while ignoring evidence, it has largely excluded the public from the process," said McGee. "The Service's proposal seeks to give leeway to military installations to conduct some activities that could kill or harm red-cockaded woodpeckers in populations that have been key to growing the species over the past decades. We have consistently called on the Service to engage in an open and transparent process grounded in the best available science, providing the public and species experts the opportunity to evaluate relevant data and weigh in on the issue. Instead, the Service appears to want to claim another 'recovered' species, but claiming recovery versus actually achieving recovery are two very different things."
"Over the past four years, the Trump administration has worked tirelessly to gut long-standing protections for endangered and threatened species, from large scale rollbacks of the Endangered Species Act to ignoring science and claiming recovery prematurely for imperiled species."
When the Endangered Species Act was signed into law in 1973, the red-cockaded woodpecker population was estimated at 10,000 individuals after much of its longleaf pine habitat was destroyed due to logging and fire suppression. Although the red-cockaded woodpecker's population is slowly rebounding, populations are still in extremely isolated clusters. Federal protections are critically important for this species and for the special Southeastern pine forests upon which it depends.
In August 2018, the agency announced a formal status review for red-cockaded woodpeckers, as required every five years under the Endangered Species Act. Despite making no announcements or releasing a final status review to the public in the past two years, the Service is prepared to downlist the species. Public records obtained by SELC previously showed that the Service was asking other state and federal agencies to help make the case to remove all federal protections for the species--a move the Fish and Wildlife Service has failed to show is supported by science, as required under the Endangered Species Act.
Assessments show that the bird's habitat, already severely diminished by development, have faced further blows from major hurricanes that have hit the region in recent years. Public records also contain new information about recent severe storm impacts from hurricanes Florence and Michael, reiterating the need to maintain the species' longstanding protections.
[Category: Law/Legal]
Population Media Center: Thank You, Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A Letter About a Woman With Vision, Hope, and Perseverance
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont, Sept. 26 -- The Population Media Center issued the following letter by Board Member Jerri Lea Shaw:
* * *
What did Ruth Bader Ginsburg mean to us? Hope, perseverance, and change - long-lasting change. Women will never again be so shackled by stereotypes and discrimination. RBG methodically took aim at societal expectations and unjust laws designed to limit the potential of women and girls, and she won. Repeatedly.
It seems only fitting that we honor RBG with both mourning and celebration. In life and in death, she is a catalyst pushing us to do everything we can -
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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont, Sept. 26 -- The Population Media Center issued the following letter by Board Member Jerri Lea Shaw:
* * *
What did Ruth Bader Ginsburg mean to us? Hope, perseverance, and change - long-lasting change. Women will never again be so shackled by stereotypes and discrimination. RBG methodically took aim at societal expectations and unjust laws designed to limit the potential of women and girls, and she won. Repeatedly.
It seems only fitting that we honor RBG with both mourning and celebration. In life and in death, she is a catalyst pushing us to do everything we can -in personal circles, in our work, in all areas where we have influence, to pick up where RBG left off and carry forth her vision.
RBG has been an inspiration to those of us at Population Media Center. Improving the status of women and girls is a pillar of our core values. We know that when we provide girls with an education, ensure reproductive rights to control their own bodies, and secure equal opportunities for economic freedom, we give women the power to control their futures. When the potential of women and girls around the globe is unleashed, unrealized dreams for the future of the global community become possible. RBG knew this too, winning victory after victory to expand freedom for women and girls.
"In the wide world, women encounter many deplorable conditions and traditions," said RBG. "I would put my money on education. Educate girls so they can do whatever their God-given talent allows them to do. Think of all the women who might have been great scientists, great mathematicians, great musicians and artists, but they never had the chance."
We can give girls that chance. RBG knew it would be a long, hard road - but she also knew it was possible, and that it must be done. Education, reproductive rights, and economic freedom are just some of the major tenets that must be won for gender equality.
RBG made it clear, many times, that equality is tied to women being able to make their own choices: "The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman's life - to her well-being and dignity. It is a decision she must make for herself."
Thank you, RBG. We celebrate your remarkable life and legacy. And we will work each day to make sure every woman and every girl has the ability to make her own choices - determine her own future. Every woman deserves to celebrate who she is and to understand the dreams of which she is capable.
In gratitude,
Jerri Lea Shaw, PMC Board Member
[Category: Media]
Medical Teams Intl. Partners With Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette to Provide Hygiene Kits for Wildfire Evacuees
PORTLAND, Oregon, Sept. 26 -- Medical Teams International issued the following news release:
Massive wildfires have displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods across the western U.S. In response, non-profits Medical Teams International and Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (GICW) have partnered to build critically needed hygiene supplies for evacuees in the Pacific Northwest.
Medical Teams International will engage its existing volunteer base to build 2,000 of its Compassion Force hygiene kits. In addition to providing the funding for those items,
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PORTLAND, Oregon, Sept. 26 -- Medical Teams International issued the following news release:
Massive wildfires have displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods across the western U.S. In response, non-profits Medical Teams International and Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (GICW) have partnered to build critically needed hygiene supplies for evacuees in the Pacific Northwest.
Medical Teams International will engage its existing volunteer base to build 2,000 of its Compassion Force hygiene kits. In addition to providing the funding for those items,Goodwill has donated $20 gift cards to be included in each of the 2,000 kits.
WHEN: Friday, September 25, 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: Medical Teams International Distribution Center
14150 SW Milton Court, Tigard, OR 97224
"For many years, Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette has worked in partnership with Medical Teams International to provide assistance to people in need. For those displaced and suffering due to the historic fires, it is our hope that our packet of hygiene essentials and Goodwill gift cards will provide some comfort," said Dale Emanuel, Public Relations Manager of GICW.
Medical Teams' Compassion Force hygiene kits cost $10 per kit, which covers the cost of one kit and provides enough hygiene items for one month, including shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, bandaids, and a washcloth.
[Category: Medical]
Health Access California: Governor Gavin Newsom Signs SB 855, Key Bill Addressing Mental Health Care
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 26 (TNSRes) -- The Health Access California issued the following news release On Sept. 25:
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 855 (Wiener) which will require health plans to cover the full range of mental health and substance use disorder treatments.
"This new and overdue law helps ensure Californians won't be denied coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments," said Diana Douglas, Policy and Legislative Advocate at Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition.
"For too long we have allowed our insurance
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SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 26 (TNSRes) -- The Health Access California issued the following news release On Sept. 25:
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 855 (Wiener) which will require health plans to cover the full range of mental health and substance use disorder treatments.
"This new and overdue law helps ensure Californians won't be denied coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments," said Diana Douglas, Policy and Legislative Advocate at Health Access California, the statewide health care consumer advocacy coalition.
"For too long we have allowed our insurancecompanies to limit coverage for a range of critical mental health services. Now more than ever, coverage for mental health is needed as Californians face unprecedented challenges, including but beyond COVID19. This pandemic has exacerbated the underlying inequities in our health care system, but SB 855 moves us closer to true parity between mental and physical health care."
New reports show the severe need for mental health services. The most recent report posted by the CDC (https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1072143878&msgid=5125881&act=TE7J&c=5484&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmmwr%2Fvolumes%2F69%2Fwr%2Fmm6932a1.htm&cf=5484&v=b9e70a62852407694b85f60422516c3cd401d4dffd2fe844097707fb1023beff) stated that rates of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed, and legislators responded with measures like SB 855. Health Access has supported previous version of mental health parity, as part of its ongoing work on expanding access to care and patients' rights.
[Category: Health Care]
Court Permanently Strikes Down Montana Law That Restricts Voting Rights of Native Americans
MISSOULA, Montana, Sept. 26 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana issued the following news on Sept. 25:
A Montana court permanently struck down a state law today that severely restricted the right to vote for Indigenous people living on rural reservations.
Western Native Voice v. Stapleton, filed in March of this year by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Montana, and Native American Rights Fund (NARF), challenged the so-called Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act (BIPA), a law that imposed severe restrictions on ballot collection efforts that are critical to Native
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MISSOULA, Montana, Sept. 26 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana issued the following news on Sept. 25:
A Montana court permanently struck down a state law today that severely restricted the right to vote for Indigenous people living on rural reservations.
Western Native Voice v. Stapleton, filed in March of this year by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Montana, and Native American Rights Fund (NARF), challenged the so-called Montana Ballot Interference Prevention Act (BIPA), a law that imposed severe restrictions on ballot collection efforts that are critical to NativeAmerican voters living on rural reservations.
The law set an arbitrary limit on the number of ballots an individual could collect and also restricted the categories of individuals who were permitted to collect ballots. These limitations were intended to suppress turnout on rural reservations, where geographic and socioeconomic barriers to voting make ballot collection even more critical.
In the introduction of the order the court wrote, "the questions presented cannot be viewed through the lens of our own upbringings or own life experiences, but through the lens of the cold, hard data that was presented at trial about the clear limitations Native American communities in Montana face, and how the costs associated with ... ("BIPA") are simply too high and too burdensome to remain the law of the State of Montana."
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Western Native Voice and Montana Native Vote, Native American-led organizations focused on getting out the vote and increasing civic participation in the Native American community; and the Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes of Fort Peck, Blackfeet Nation, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, Crow Tribe, and Fort Belknap Indian Community.
In a state where the majority of individuals vote by mail, rural tribal communities work with get-out-the-vote organizers who collect and transport ballots to election offices that would otherwise be inaccessible because of distance, lack of access to transportation or other socio-economic barriers.
These ballot collection efforts are often the only way Native Americans living on rural reservations can access the vote. BIPA would have effectively ended this practice, disenfranchising Native American voters en masse.
Hear directly from Western Native Voice organizers: watch the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZKYBCC0b3w).
The following is reaction to today's ruling:
Alora Thomas-Lundborg, senior staff attorney, ACLU's Voting Rights Project: "This ruling is a major victory for voting rights and for thousands of Native Americans in Montana who can now vote without this barrier in the way."
Alex Rate, legal director, ACLU of Montana: "We are celebrating this ruling. Indigenous people have historically been and continue to be disenfranchised, and BIPA was yet another barrier standing in the way of Indigenous people exercising their fundamental right to vote. Ballot collection efforts are an important way to get out the vote on rural reservations, and with this ruling those efforts can proceed."
Natalie Landreth, staff attorney, NARF: "Today the court held that BIPA is unconstitutional and is permanently enjoined. This means that this election, Indian people in Montana can get the help they so sorely need to have their ballots counted."
Jacqueline De Leon, staff attorney, NARF: "Native American voters living on reservations in Montana are tired of being under-served and systemically discriminated against by the state. Today's decision removes one unnecessary obstacle for rural Montana voters and helps every voice be heard in our state and federal elections. It is one step forward in the fight to protect our vote and our voices."
Marci McLean, executive director, Western Native Voice: "This ruling means that Indigenous voters living on rural reservations are better able to participate in our democracy. Ensuring that all voters have access to the polls is a foundational component to our democracy, and we are pleased that our organizers can continue their get-out-the-vote and ballot collection efforts on every reservation in Montana. The excellent result in this lawsuit shows what can happen when organizations, individuals, organizers and tribal governments come together."
This ruling follows a preliminary injunction granted by the court in July, which temporarily blocked the law.
The lawsuit was filed in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District Court in Yellowstone County.
[Category: Law/Legal]
American Action Forum: Severance Taxes - A Case Study of Alaska's Ballot Measure 1
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release:
As global oil markets continue to be severely distressed, Alaskans will vote this November on a ballot initiative, Ballot Measure 1, that would increase the effective tax rate on oil to fund government services. In an analysis of this example of a severance tax, AAF's Director of Fiscal Policy Gordon Gray and Director of Energy Policy Ewelina Czapla find this proposed measure would increase the effective tax rate on oil per barrel by an average of 188 percent over the rest of the decade. This tax increase would
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The American Action Forum issued the following news release:
As global oil markets continue to be severely distressed, Alaskans will vote this November on a ballot initiative, Ballot Measure 1, that would increase the effective tax rate on oil to fund government services. In an analysis of this example of a severance tax, AAF's Director of Fiscal Policy Gordon Gray and Director of Energy Policy Ewelina Czapla find this proposed measure would increase the effective tax rate on oil per barrel by an average of 188 percent over the rest of the decade. This tax increase wouldalso reduce employment by over 6,300 workers, suppress investment activity by 14 percent, and deliver less than half of the revenue supporters have previously claimed, they note.
They conclude:
The proposed Ballot Measure 1 would impose a substantial effective tax increase on a declining tax base, harming an industry that supports the employment of about a quarter of Alaska's workforce. A global price war and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a dramatic decline in global oil prices, substantially impacting Alaska's economy. A new tax would further impact the economy and risk the employment of thousands of Alaskans, while simultaneously failing to deliver an effective and stable revenue model for the state. This proposal illustrates the dangers inherent in severance taxes - both the temptation among policymakers and interest groups to manipulate it to achieve greater revenue, as well as the instability inherent in it relying on oil revenue to fund government programs.
Read the analysis https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/severance-taxes-a-case-study-analysis-of-alaskas-ballot-measure-1/.
[Category: Political]
