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Our League
Most of you have heard me say that the League is where I get my endorphins. Well, after a riveting national Council meeting with state leaders over the last weekend, I am still riding high on the power of the League. More than 150 state Leaders joined staff and the national board virtually for four days of trainings, presentations, and networking. You can read the highlights HERE.
I extend a personal thank you to all who were able to participate, and particularly applaud those who were willing to step out of their comfort zones and speak with honesty and vulnerability from their hearts. It is critical that at this time, in our League and nation, we support each other, wherever we may be in our journey to a more inclusive, equitable League and country, in a nonpartisan manner.
Our Courts
Today, the Supreme Court issued rulings in two cases pertaining to our work:
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee upholds discriminatory voting policies in Arizona and does further damage to the already gutted Voting Rights Act. This decision could result in more anti-voter laws across the country, but don’t be dismayed.
Our mission to defend democracy is extremely vital. Now more than ever we must continue to push for Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act to repair the extreme damage to our freedom to vote. Our statement about this decision can be found on LWV.org.
In Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, the court rejected California’s nonprofit donation disclosure requirement. Though this is a narrow win for wealthy special interests, it opens the door for more dark money groups seeking influence in our democracy for their own benefit. This ruling reinforces why our work for campaign finance transparency through the Campaign for Making Democracy Work®continues to remain crucial. Our work helps maintain the integrity of our democracy.
Our Legislature
Last month, the US Senate blocked a vote to bring the For the People Act up for debate. This sweeping pro-democracy bill will make our elections fairer and put the power back in the hands of the American voters. It is also the solution to all the anti-voter bills we’ve seen introduced in states around the country. With Senators back home for the July 4th recess, now is the time to keep the pressure on them to support this bill to ensure that all voters have equal access to cast their ballots.
We expect the Senate will try to pass the For the People Act again in the weeks ahead. I urge you all to continue reaching out to your senators and inviting others to do the same.
I wish you all a Happy Fourth of July! This is a time to celebrate not only how far we have come, but more importantly what we can be if we fully embrace the promise of America in all its aspects. I hope you all use this time to safely connect with loved ones and recharge.
In League,
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