Join us!!
League of Women Voters of Broward County, FL
The League of Women Voters: a nonpartisan political
organization; encourages informed and active participation
in government, works to increase understanding of major
Volume 57, Issue 1 public policy issues, and influences public policy through
May 2009 education and advocacy. Not for Women Only!
Legislative Breakfast
June 6, 2009
Sheraton, Fort Lauderdale
1825 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004
JOIN US!
Broward County Delegation Members
provide an overview of the
2009 legislative session
Registration 8:30 AM
Breakfast is served at 9:00 AM
Program begins at 9:30 AM and concludes by 11:00
$20 LWV Members & Delegation Members
$25 Non-Members
Name(s): __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Will be attending the Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast
Please submit with your check to: Broward County League of Women Voters
PO Box 15952, Plantation , FL 33318-5952
Page 2 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
President’s Message — MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK
All members should not only be proud of LWVBC’s monumental and successful efforts in the
recently ended national election cycle but also encouraged to remain active and focused. Our com-
munities, saddled with budget shortfalls, must still address the needs of citizenry: education, health-
care, housing, failing infrastructures. It is imperative that individually and as an organization we re-
main cognizant and involved in our government.
The League maintains priority commitment in three arenas: Governance, social issues and
education. Each or all of these have significant levels of interest and import to individual members. I
implore you to learn all you can regarding an issue that interests you. Be well informed regarding plat-
forms, legislative committee members who debate, design and vote on bills. Communicate with your
elected officials, advise and educate them regarding League Priorities.
Newspapers, friends, neighbors all provide you with information and opinions. I encourage
you to use the web to increase your knowledge of important issues. Firstly, use our site
www.lwvbcfl.org. The state site www.lwvfla.org publishes weekly Capital Reports by the league advo-
cate, Heather Walker. Contact your state officials at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Issues that need current and continued attention include Redistricting, Civics education and
Health care. Senator Justice has put forth a joint resolution to establish an independent committee to
address redistricting. Signatures will be needed to place this on the 2010 ballot. Contact the senator’s
office to follow developments. Another issue for those interested in citizens’ initiatives will be the
National Popular vote. A major drive is underway to collect signatures. In the Florida State Ethics and
Election committee Senator Diaz de la Portilla has presented a bill that would greatly impede citizens’
ability to gather petition signatures. Again I implore you to stay informed and communicate with your
elected officials. (The www.leg.state.fl.us site will advise you who sits on the various committees.)
Florida government is dealing with numerable difficult issues. League members need to un-
derstand the complex processes involved in government and be knowledgeable participants in the
process. Your new local board looks forward to planning fall meetings that will address your knowl-
edge and ability to be more active in all levels of governance. Please contact the board with any ques-
tions or comments at 954-735-1311.
I wish each of you an enjoyable and peaceful summer.
Keep communicating and make democracy work,
Alice Levy
Sunshine and Shadows ~ Dr. Murray Hilton, husband of Edith Hilton, died on
March 12, 2009. Murray was a long time League member, attending many functions
with Edith. Murray's sharp political mind was always evident in any discussion. As the
notice in the New York Times read: "Murray M. Hilton, Dentist, musician and bon vi-
vant, passed away Thursday March 12, 2009 in Tamarac, Florida, one month before his
89th birthday. He was the beloved husband, for 66 years of Edith, cherished father of
Ken (Meri), and adoring grandfather of his pride and joy grandsons, Mike, Rob, and
Corey. He was pre-deceased by his son Tommy. " Our sincere condolences to Edith.
Page 3 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
Health Care Information brought to you by the LWVUS...
QUICK FACTS ON HEALTH CARE COSTS
Total health spending in the U.S. reached $2.1 trillion in 2007 – or $7,026 per capita.
By 2016, total health spending is projected to rise to $4.2 trillion.
Between 2005 – 2006, total health spending increased 6.7 percent, more than double the rate of the 2.9 percent
increase in overall economic growth.
Total health spending remained relatively constant at about 16 percent of gross domestic product from 2003 –
2006, but is projected to increase to 19.5 percent by 2017.
Spending for home health care increased at a faster pace from 2005 – 2006 (9.9 percent) than any other cate-
gory of health spending; however, its impact is limited because it accounts overall for only 2.5 percent of
total health spending.
Yearly prescription drug spending growth accelerated in 2006 to 8.5 percent from a low of 5.8 percent in
2005, in part because of full implementation of Medicare Part D.
Between 2006 and 2007, premiums for health coverage offered by employers increased 6.1 percent, the fourth
straight year of declines in the rate of premium growth, from a peak of 13.9 percent in 2003. Even so, this
was more than twice the rate of growth in the Consumer Price Index.
Of every dollar spent on health services in the U.S. in 2006, 46 cents came directly from government sources.
Costs for program administration and the net cost of private health insurance were about 7 percent of total
health spending in the U.S. in 2006 and grew 8.8 percent, a marked increase over the 3.6 percent rise in
2005.
This list (without the original endnotes) is from “A Reporter's Toolkit: Health Care Costs” (an Alliance
for Health Reform Toolkit produced with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) and is
reproduced here courtesy of the Alliance for Health Care. The entire toolkit can be found at http://
www.allhealth.org/Publications/Cost_of_health_care/health_care_costs_toolkit.asp#keyfact .
Janis McMillen (LWVUS Board member and LWVKS) is chair of the LWVUS Health Care Education Task Force.
VOTE 411 Website Design Wins Awards (NEW)
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Page 4 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
Women’s History
In 1868, Virginia L. Minor, a resident of Missouri, attempted
to vote but was denied. She believed the newly adopted 14th
Amendment gave her this right because the Amendment begins with
these words: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States,
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United
States, and of the State wherein they reside."
Her husband sued on her behalf because women were not
allowed to sue at that time. In 1874, in Minor v. Happerstett , the U.S. Supreme Court rejected
Minor's claim. While it agreed that she was a person and a citizen, the Court declared that the
Constitution did not grant women the right to vote. Thus, the Court placed women in the
same class as children and felons who don't have the right to vote either.
The overall effect of this ruling was to tell women if they wanted this right, they would
have to amend the Constitution. They finally succeeded 46 years later in 1920.
In 1973, history mirrored itself in the case of Frontiero v Richardson. In a 5-4 decision
the Court struck down federal law giving benefits only under certain circumstances to hus-
bands of female Air Force personnel, while giving benefits automatically to wives of male per-
sonnel. Justice William Brennan attempted to have sex declared a suspect classification be-
cause "sex is an immutable characteristic."
A majority of the court acknowledged that, "Our nation has had a long and unfortunate
history of sex discrimination." However, in a 5-4 decision, the Court declined to rule sex as sus-
pect saying, "The proposed Equal Rights Amendment will decide this question." The Court did
not wish to interfere with the ERA ratification process that was underway at that time..
Although the Court found in favor of the plaintiff, it also ruled that in order to have sex
discrimination viewed with the same judicial weight and strict scrutiny as race discrimination;
women would have to gain ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Submitted by Laura Callow
NW Wayne County LWV, Michigan
NEW VOTER REGISTRATION RULES!
If you have any of the Red, White and Blue Voter Registration Forms--please discard them. The
new forms are available in the League office, in County Libraries or from the Supervisor of Elec-
tions offices. (Please note that the Hollywood office is now closed.)
THIRD PARTY VOTER REGISTRATION RULES
NEW RULES took effect on February 26, 2009. The League is a Third Party Voter Registration
Organization. If completed forms are not turned in promptly (within 10 days of date on Regis-
tration Form or by book closing, if that date falls sooner), fines will be assessed to the organi-
zation. Organizations can register before conducting drives, but then they must file quarterly
reports, whether drives are held or not. Voter Registration Forms may be freely distributed for
people to complete themselves, and those forms can then be mailed, or taken by the registrant
to SOE offices or Public Libraries.
Please contact the League Voter Service Chair before conducting any drive.
Completed forms must be handled VERY carefully.
Page 5 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
24th ANNUAL EVERGLADES COALITION CONFERENCE
New Opportunities, New Challenges
January 8th-11, 2009--Miami
As reported by Terry Lianzi, LWV Broward County, FL
Friday January 9th
GENERAL SESSION (I) – Restoration after the U.S. Sugar Deal
The U.S. Sugar deal may fundamentally change the planning, design and operational opportunities
for restoration, and in particular the role of the EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area). To further compli-
cate matters, The Florida Forever funding has been dropped.
We need to use the land or run the risk of losing it. We need to get shovel ready projects ready to
go so that when funding becomes available we are ready. These projects need to be environmentally
friendly if we are to save the Everglades. The proposed land acquisition needs to be evaluated to see
what lands are best suited for agriculture, for restoring the flow and for protecting the environment.
Everyone involved in these projects from local, state, and federal levels must be brought to the table.
There must be inclusion, engagement, expedition and integration with other projects. An inland port
in the proposed flow area is not acceptable. The panelists do support the right kind of economic devel-
opment. They also felt that a return to food farming rather than growing sugar is preferable. Ever-
glades Restoration is not optional in view of climate change. There should be long term funding as op-
posed to annual funding. Government execution is the important link between plan and result. The
economic consequences of not acting include pollution and decreased property values.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS A-FLOWWAY vs RESERVOIRS
The problems include lack of storage and outflow capacity. The Everglades has lost 1.5 MAF of stor-
age. What we have now is the lesser Everglades of disconnected systems which include increased dis-
charge to tide and reduced discharge to the Everglades. Still water such as rock pits and wells pro-
duces ooze which is bad. A slow flow produces muck which is good. Plants that filter pollutants will
come in at the appropriate flow. The natural historic Everglades are gone forever. There once was
four million acres of storage in the Kissimmee Basin. We are losing the Everglades to pollution and cat-
tails. ASR’s can provide about one and a half million acre feet of storage with wells and reservoirs.
Whatever is decided must include the answers to these problems and questions.
GENERAL SESSION (11) Sustainable Connections
-Local Government’s Role in Restoration
Local governments play a critical role in the suc-
cess of Everglades Restoration, and have many op-
portunities to be involved in the various decision-
making processes. Being less technical may win more
support from local governments. The issues are not
clear. There are differing viewpoints. Various bodies
of water have crashed a number of times because of
polluted water coming out of Lake Okeechobee.
What is the goal: to restore Lake Okeechobee to nine-
teenth century levels or to connect Lake Okeechobee
to Florida Bay. There is not just one good answer. The quality of water coming into Lake O as well as
the quality of water leaving Lake O needs to be considered. There are compatibility issues between
rural and urban areas. We need to return to more traditional farming which relies more on local
sources of products. There needs to be communication and cooperation between agencies and gov-
ernments. Developers have too much influence on governments. We need to insist on full clear cost
accounting on projects.
Page 6 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
GENERAL SESSION (III): Executive Call to Action-the Role of the White House
We need a change of attitude in the White House if environmentally friendly projects are to survive.
Agency heads pay attention to the President’s views. We have a billion and a half dollars worth of pro-
jects which could be shovel ready in 2010. The stimulus package is a big target. There needs to be
guidelines and requirements to ensure that these projects are beneficial, cost effective and do no
harm. Only when the President gives directions can inertia be overcome. In these hard economic
times, people are more concerned with finances than
Everglades Restoration projects.
SATURDAY JANUARY 10th
CONCURRENT SESSIONS B: 20 Years Later:
Making Tamiami Trail a Transportation Project
Allowances must be made for future needs. If a four
inch pipe is needed later, a two inch pipe should not be
installed now. Once litigation is resolved there will be
shovel ready projects which can make use of money from
the stimulus package. Fixing the Trail is a must do pro-
ject. Unless the Tamiami dam is fixed the flow can not be restored. Whether the solution to the prob-
lem includes bridges and/or culverts must be worked out with the Tribe who feels that modifying the
flow from WCA-3A to WCA-3B is a must do project to restore a more natural flow of water. These
projects can be done in steps as funding becomes available. Before land swaps are made long range
plans must be done.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS C: Rewriting the Regs: Can we get it right the second time?
The regulations do provide for modification of the plan. We need to streamline the process which
should not take three years. We do not have the regs needed to make CERP successful due to lack of
leadership, vision and direction. Individual projects need to be modified to fit a master plan which
needs to be carefully drawn up to take into consideration effectiveness and on whether these goals
can be implemented . These projects can be done in a series of steps as long as the master plan is fol-
lowed.
GENERAL SESSION IV: Everglades Restoration and Wildlife Habitat Preservation
Florida Panther Protection Program is a collaborative effort between land owners and wildlife or-
ganizations which involves 195,000 acres in Collier County. There is a scientific review process set up
by the Paul J. Martindale Fund to see if the protected areas are large enough, are protected from being
developed with uses incompatible with panthers and connected to prevent in-breeding. Is the Endan-
gered Species Act being observed, are water levels being maintained at levels to save apple snails,
snail kites, wood storks and other wildlife and is water quality being maintained?.
GENERAL SESSION V: Wetlands, Water Quality Protection and the Everglades
Improvements to federal and state policies are needed in order to prevent further degradation and
destruction of wetlands, as well as deteriorating water quality. The Harper Methodology is flawed be-
cause it does not take into consideration the pollution flowing into a wetland only the pollution flowing
out of the wetland. LOEW was created to address this defect. Discharging into managed wetlands has
resulted in reducing pollution. Lowering standards will only lower water quality. A statewide storm
water rule needs to be established that will encourage cleaner water and better water flow. While
state perspectives are better than federal ones, more work needs to be done on both levels. Federal
requirements are very clear. No one is requiring that the highest and best use be made of the land or
that the least harmful method be used.
Page 7 May, 2009 League of Women Voters of Broward County
UNIT Meeting information
Contact the Unit Leader for additional information
Join one of our Units for a small get-together! Unit meetings provide a great opportunity
for you to get to know fellow members and learn all sorts of interesting information!
Unit/Leader Date and Time Contact person Subject and/or Location
Southeast Broward No Meeting in Carolyn Hardy Lake Forest Volunteer Fireman Hall
Carolyn Hardy May 954-357-7008 (w) 4111 SW 39th Street
954-357-7008 (w) 954-987-4047 (h) West Park
954-987-4047 (h)
Coral Springs Date: Carol Smith Location: TBD
Stephanie Pearson To Be Determined 954-341-9221 Topic: TBD
954-752-2713
Tamarac/Wynmoor Monday Elaine Sloves Wynmoor Grand Ballroom C
Elaine Sloves May 25 954-974-8886 Coconut Creek Pkwy
954-974-8886 1:00 PM TOPIC: TBD
Refreshments will be served
East-Broward No Meeting in Marjory Brusasco John Knox Village Center
Terry Lianzi May 954-946-2174 Hibiscus Room
954-924-6545
The Voter is a newsletter published nine times a year by the League of Women Voters of Broward County.
If you wish to submit articles to THE VOTER, LWVBC, you can send them via USPS to
Margaret Wolter, Editor, 393 Carrington Drive, Weston, FL 33326-3569,
by email at INFO@LWVBCFL.org or by FAX at 954-389-3206. Thank You!
SEE PAGE 2 for
Upcoming EVENTS! UNIT MEETING
Mark your calendar! INFORMATION!
NOTE DATE Board Meeting Contact:
CHANGE 9:30 AM Networking Alice Levy
Saturday LWV Office President
May 9 5101 NW 21 Avenue, Suite 440 954-456-3097
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
10:00 AM
Saturday LWV Annual Legislative Breakfast See the Cover of this
June 6 month’s VOTER
9:00 AM
Saturday Board Meeting Contact:
June 13 9:30 Networking Alice Levy
10:00 AM LWV Office 954-456-3097
5101 NW 21 Avenue, Suite 440
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BROWARD COUNTY NON-PROFIT ORG
P.O. BOX 15952 U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PLANTATION, FL 33318-5952 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954-735-1311 PERMIT NO. 1243
www.lwvbcfl.org
Postmaster: DATED MATERIAL
Please deliver promptly
Join the LWV!
Visit www.lwvbcfl.org
We are NOT JUST FOR WOMEN!
If you are interested in joining the LWVBC
or would like more information on
membership
Please contact Alice Levy
via email at president@lwvbcfl.org
or by writing to the LWVBC at
PO Box 15952
Plantation, FL 33318-5952
THANKS!