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PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
6/13/94
Copyright 1990 The Times Mirror Company
Los Angeles Times
March 16, 1990, Friday, Home Edition
SECTION: View; Part E; Page 8; Column 1; View Desk
LENGTH: 1956 words
HEADLINE: THE LEAGUE TURNS 70: WHERE TO NOW?;
POLITICS: THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FACES DWINDLING FUNDS
AND DECLINING MEMBERSHIP. BUT THE PUBLIC STILL HOLDS THE
STAUNCHLY NONPARTISAN GROUP IN HIGH ESTEEM.
BYLINE: By KATHLEEN HENDRIX, TIMES STAFF WRITER
BODY:
In February, 1920, with ratification of the 19th Amendment just months away,
suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters of the United
States. Faced with a newly enfranchised group of 20 million women who had been
told it was unladylike to vote, the national nonpartisan league dedicated itself to
eradicating that notion and educating women about the issues and their new
responsibilities.
Seventy years later, with membership and funds declining, the league is still
working hard to get out the vote, influence government policy and promote
participation in the political process.
But in an age of glitz, celebrity, short attention spans and sound-bite campaigning,
the league is seldom in the limelight. Its loyal members seem to see themselves, by
choice, as a backstage organization out to preserve the democratic process. They
know the league has a visibility problem, that it has a reputation for doing drudge
work, that it is described in rather unglamorous terms: solid, stalwart, dedicated,
naive, boring.
Can such an organization expect to be around for its 80th birthday in the year
2000?
This year, members of the Los Angeles League, which was also founded in 1920,
will be celebrating and soul-searching. There is an anniversary brunch this weekend,
a fund-raiser in the fall and, shortly, a letter that league president Lois Saffian will
be sending to past presidents, asking, "Where do we go from here?"
"We're facing a challenge right now as a volunteer organization," Saffian said
recently at the league's offices in the Mid-Wilshire area. "How are we going to
continue the program we're known for with diminishing resources?
We have an
important purpose that is never going to go away. What can we do to live up to that
purpose?"
Said Paula Menkin, a member of the Los Angeles unit since 1946 and president
from 1953 to 1955: "There's nobody else who does these things. To me, the fact it's
not glamorous does not mean it's not exciting. It is exciting. I've now spent close to
50 years being excited by the issues.
Who else sits at city council meetings and
watchdogs things for citizens? Nobody else would study the state Constitution, the
city and county charters. These are the nuts and bolts of government."
But hard work alone will not ensure its future.
"I am both confident and worried," Saffian said. "The need is always there. By
definition, democracy means government open to change by people, but people have
got to know how to do it. People who want to keep (democracy) going gravitate
toward the league. "
The national and local organizations have always been strapped for money, Saffian
said, and nothing has changed.
"We're not terribly sophisticated in raising money," she said. "We're so focused on
accomplishments and issues, we've had a hard time to get members to support us.
They'll say, 'We're not here to raise money.'
The diminishing resources that most concern Saffian are people -- the men and
women who do the work (the league has admitted men since 1974). Los Angeles
membership is 940, down from about 1,200 when Saffian took over the presidency
three years ago. (At its peak, membership was about 1,600.)
Paradoxically, some observers say that the league has never been so powerful.
One political consultant, Steven M. Glazer, said that invariably public opinion polls
give the league one of the highest credibility ratings of any organization.
"As a result, they're being catered to by Republicans and Democrats," Glazer said
of the league, which, for example, this year is backing ballot measures supporting a
largely Republican-backed reapportionment initiative, bipartisan state and local ethics
reform measures and a transportation ballot measure led by Gov. George
Deukmejian.
"That is enormous clout to have. I don't even think they recognize the extent of it,
but it's recognized by other insiders. They have this white hat image. They seem like
these little mice at times, but they're the mice that roar."
Traditionally, league members have been educated, middle-class homemakers
who joined in an era when they were expected not to work for money.
Ann Lane, a fire commissioner for the city for the past 13 years, joined the league
in 1953.
"We had children, and we had to get out of the house to talk of something other
than diapers," she said. "It was intellectually stimulating, and there were not a lot of
other opportunities."
Members did and still do put in vast amounts of time studying issues, analyzing
materials, monitoring governmental meetings, writing reports, helping to draft
legislation, lobbying and speaking to groups on various issues.
The organization is frequently described as a leadership training ground for future
public life, and the Los Angeles league is proud of members like former City
Council President Pat Russell and Councilwoman Joy Picus. The league is "the
single most important influence in my life that made me go into public life," Picus
said recently.
"It was a career," Lane said. "I put in about 25 hours a week."
But few women are willing or able to do that kind of work any more. They are
working full-time or are unwilling to perform such skilled labor for no pay - or they
prefer single-issue causes because the results are more tangible and the process
quicker.
The league has always prided itself on being a multi-issue organization. In the
early years league members nationwide supported collective bargaining, child labor
laws, minimum wage legislation, and federal aid for maternal and child care
programs. They fought the spoils system and promoted the merit system in
government employment, backed Social Security, and discouraged isolationism.
Since the 1950s the league has been at the forefront of many environmental
issues. League members worked for civil rights, especially through voter
registration, and, in Los Angeles, supported school desegregation and busing.
In addition, the league supports the equal rights amendment and takes a
pro-choice position in the abortion debate.
But voting and governmental processes have been a primary focus, and last year
the national league decided to scale down, declaring it could no longer be all things
to all people. Its priorities are public campaign financing and voter registration and
turnout. The league has worked for passage of the national voter registration act,
commonly called the "motor voter" act, which includes provisions enabling people to
register when they get their driver's licenses. It passed the House in February.
The Los Angeles League appears to be headed in a similar direction.
"Locally, we're very proud of our effort to get high school students registered,"
Saffian said of their on-campus efforts.
Said lawyer Geoff Cowan, chairman of the city's ethics code commission: "I think
they're needed now more than ever. They do the most thorough job in analyzing
things. The support of the league on the city ethics (and campaign finance) ballot
measure is so important. People tend to say, 'If the league supports it, it must be
OK' "
That is a frequently heard description of the league and one that may become
controversial in California in the coming months. The state league has endorsed -
and helped write - Proposition 119, a reapportionment measure that would redraw
state legislative districts, sponsored by San Mateo County Supervisor Tom Huening,
who is a Republican.
"Sometimes the state takes a position (that) local can't support," Saffian said in
reference to the measure. "We're taking a no-action position.
"We're not a rubber-stamp organization
but it's important that we have the
discipline not to undermine (the state league)
Selma Calnan, a member of the East San Gabriel Valley League, was one of five
statewide members who co-wrote the reapportionment study the league undertook
in 1987. But she opposes the state league's position and said of the restriction on
opposition from a local unit, such as Los Angeles, "It's ridiculous."
Although Calnan said she is indebted to the league, she nonetheless has some
harsh criticisms of the organization and said the reapportionment issue points up a
fundamental weakness that goes back to its founding.
"Here they were, all innocent, feeling so righteous," she said of suffragists in 1920.
"They dove into partisan politics and got skunked. They retreated into the hills, and
remained above it all. And that's where they are today, above the partisan battle.
"They have a fastidious dislike for partisan politics and a great sense of certitude
about their rightness. I'm probably that way, too, I guess. But they confirm their
prejudices by only talking to each other."
As a result, she said, the league is strong in its knowledge of governmental
process but weak on political savvy. That lack of savvy, she said, led the state league
in the late 1960s to support deinstitutionalizing the mentally ill.
"We were so naive. We thought the local governments would pick up the tab" and
fund local programs for those released. "I feel personally ashamed of that."
Hearing Calnan's charges of naivete regarding reapportionment, Joy Picus said: "In
a sense, much of what she says is true. The league is naive. But that's important to
their image.
"I commend the L.A. League for standing apart. It shows remarkable perception
not to be part of that. It's significant that the major league in the state has done so."
Where, then, is the nonpartisan league's strength?
"Overall, I think it's a lot of wasted effort," said political consultant Joe Cerrell, of
Los Angeles-based Cerrell Associates Inc. Stressing he was more aware of league
activities on a national level, he said it might be more effective locally.
"But nationally they're a nice neuter group. I think they mean well, but their
laundry list of accomplishments -- I don't think it's a very long list. They do the
presidential debates. Whoopee."
The league, often a sponsor of local and primary debates, began sponsoring
presidential debates in 1976,but ina struggle for-control-with-the political-parties in
the 1988 election campaign, withdrew altogether.
"We live in a partisan world relative to state and national government," Cerrell
said. "I would like to harness all that energy into getting good people elected to
office."
Saffian took Cerrell's criticisms to heart. "It's really difficult to say where the
league has been effective. It's immeasurable, except where the league has taken the
leadership, like the motor voter act."
Cerrell's criticism, she said, may relate to "our need to publicize ourselves in a
more sophisticated way. Maybe we've been like the nuns, thinking God will take care
of us because we're so good and righteous. We need a good marketing plan. You
wouldn't start a business without one today. We never did that." (Saffian said a
public relations agency has agreed to take the L.A. League on as a pro bono client
and will design a public relations campaign for the organization.)
If it is still around, what will the League look like in 2000?
"I hope we're all around in the year 2000," Saffian said, mentioning the precarious
state of the human race and the planet.
Reflecting on the massive changes in so much of the world, she said the United
States, in a crisis on so many fronts -- education, the environment, homelessness, the
national debt -- probably will go through some major changes too, although not
through a classic revolution.
"I think it would be playing its historic role, but in a probably different political
environment. I hope that doesn't sound too radical," she said. "I have to believe it's
not all a waste of time. And if enough of us felt that way.
"
GRAPHIC: Photo, Chapman Catt, league founder ; Photo, Carrie Chapman Catt
leads a suffrage parade on streets of New York in 1917. League of Women Voters;
Photo, League President Lois Saffian is "both confident and worried" about the
future. TAMMY LECHNER / Los Angeles Times
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
Copyright 1989 The National Journal, Inc.
The National Journal
January 21, 1989
SECTION: WASHINGTON UPDATE; Policy and Politics in Brief; Vol. 21, No. 3; Pg.
139
LENGTH: 793 words
HEADLINE: Women Voters: Still a Major League?
BYLINE: By Douglas L. Belden
BODY:
The League of Women Voters -- beset by declining membership and financial
support, its debates spurned by presidential and congressional candidates last year -
is plotting a comeback. Spurred by the rock-bottom turnout on Election Day, the
league plans to lead a public discussion - inside the Capital Beltway and out in
grass-roots country - on how to make political campaigns more open to voters.
The league has "always been a multi-issue organization," said executive director
Grant P. Thompson, supporting "long-term fundamental issues, the kinds of things
that come back every 10 years or so." (The 69-year-old league, which until 1974 did
not allow men to be full members, has a membership that is 7 per cent male.
Thompson is the league's first male executive director.)
A long-term issue for the Washington-based league has been how to lure more
people to the polls. Accordingly, in the 100th Congress, the group was a strong
supporter of the Universal Voter Registration Act. The league also pressed for
reduced-political action committee clout, lobbying for a bill co-sponsored by
Democratic Sens. David L. Boren of Oklahoma and Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia
that would set spending limits_and_provide-for-publie-financing-of-congresional
elections.
League president Nancy M. Neuman said her group would pursue an "insideand
outside" strategy. In league parlance, "inside" means a conference, most likely to be
held in Washington early this year, to which presidential (and perhaps some
congressional) campaign managers, pollsters and academics will be invited to discuss
possible reforms. The league will subsequently present either specific
recommendations or an outline of options to Congress, President Bush and the news
media.
Then, later this year or in early 1990, comes the "outside" phase. Many of the
league's 1,150 local chapters are to sponsor "town meetings" in churches, schools and
community centers. To pay for these gatherings, chapters will seek contributions
from local foundations and corporations, said league press secretary William H.
Woodwell.
These efforts to stir the pot of campaign reform - and give the league a higher
public and political profile - come at a somewhat awkward time for the group.
Since 1969, its membership has declined from a high of 157,000 to the current 107,000.
Membership was greatly depleted in the mid-to-late '70s, as more and more women
began entering the work force, devoting less time to volunteer activities and civic
clubs. Last year, league membership increased for the first time since 1982, but that
jump was primarily a result of national direct-mail appeals, not recruiting drives by
local chapters.
The league's over-all finances have also been declining in the past two years. The
national legislative arm of the league recorded a deficit of $ 55,000 in 1986. By 1987,
the tide of red ink had reached $ 223,000, though the educational arm -- a smaller
unit of the league that sponsors debates -- broke even in 1986-87. According to
Neuman, the deficit reflects not only a drop in revenue and contributions from
corporations and foundations during the past few years but also increased
expenditures in the national office on computers and accounting systems.
And at both the national and state levels, the league has been having trouble
signing up candidates to participate in its debates. Negotiations with the presidential
contenders broke down over league objections to the format proposed by the
campaign managers. In pulling out, the league broke a tradition of sponsoring at
least two presidential debates in each election year since 1976. At the same time,
there was more of an effort by congressional candidates to "sponsor debates on their
own or with more submissive sponsors," Woodwell said. Of 67 league
congressional debates scheduled at the state level last year, 22 had to be canceled;
five of the cancellations involved disputes over format, he said.
For all its financial and membership woes, the league still has a network of local
organizations "in a class by itself," said Marsha Adler, a People for the American Way
legislative representative. Sonia R. Jarvis, executive director of the National Coalition
on Black Voter Participation, called the league "one of the strongest players in the
[voter registration] game" at the local level.
And the league still has considerable lobbying clout. It is "not a lead group, but a
firm supporter" of campaign reform legislation, according to Kathleen D. Sheekey,
Common Cause's legislative director. The league's efforts, said Greg D. Kubiak,
Boren's chief legislative assistant, have brought "a strong aspect of legitimacy" to
campaign reform legislation.
GRAPHIC: Picture, The League of Women Voters wants to increase voter turnout
on Election Day. Richard A. Bloom
HEADLINE: WOMEN VOTERS LEAGUE BACKS HEALTH REFORM
BODY:
After studying the issues, last January, the League of Women Voters of Arizona
and other Leagues all over the United States, took a consensus of the membership
as to what form they wished health care to take.
The League of Women Voters national consensus was that a basic level of quality
health care at an affordable cost should be available to all U.S. residents and that the
plan should include equitable distribution of services, efficient and economical
delivery of care, advancement of medical research and technology and a reasonable
total national expenditure level for health care.
League members felt that the new system should permit individuals to addto
their basic services through purchase of insurance policies. The membership
nationally was willing to pay a reasonable amount of additional taxes for universal
health care.
Much of the health-care plan which was outlined by the White House is in synch
with the League of Women Voters' position. Preventive care and health promotion
and education are part of the package, as we'd hoped. So are prenatal and
reproductive health care, which League members named as priorities.
It's our hope that the people of Arizona and our congressional representatives will
enter into a bipartisan effort to provide all Americans with a more humane
health-care system. Let's use the president's plan as an effective blueprint for reform.
- Joyce M. Forney
President
League of Women Voters, Arizona
Scottsdale
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE-MDC: October 26, 1993
SECTION: Vol. 210 ; No. 10 ; Pg. 8; ISSN: 0028-6583
LENGTH:IA 20500
04700
BODY:
You've probably seen the T.V. ads on health care reform sponsored by the League
of Women Voters Education Fund and the Henry J. Kaiser Family
Foundation-they're the ones that righteously proclaim, "We're not backing any
particular plan. We want decisions to be based on facts." There's even a toll-free
number ("get the facts 1-800-facts-94"). Unfortunately the first "fact" publicized by the
$ 4.1 million campaign is spurious. "A lot of people think that most uninsured
Americans are poor and unemployed," intones the narrator. "In fact, 84 percent of
Americans who lack health insurance are in families that work hard and pay taxes
That's eight out of ten of us, and that's a fact." Wrong, on several counts. First, as
George Will has pointed out, the "84 percent" is not "eight out of ten of us," but eight
out of ten of the minority of "us" who are uninsured. Second, the statistics on which
the ad is based don't show that 84 percent of uninsured families work "hard." In fact,
the "84 percent" figure includes part-time and part-year workers along with full-time,
full-year workers. And the statistics say nothing at all about paying taxes. They
apparently just made that part up. Dr. Robert Blendon, the Harvard researcher cited
by the League of Women Voters as an adviser, concedes that the ads contain a
"mistake." A more accurate spot would say that about half (52.4 percent) of the
uninsured live in families with a full-time, full-year worker. That number is bad
enough. Why exaggerate?
IAC-NUMBER: IAC 14869076
IAC-CLASS: Magazine
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE-MDC March 28, 1994
Copyright 1993 Phoenix Newspapers, Inc.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
October 16, 1993 Saturday, Final Chaser
SECTION: Editorial/Opinion; Pg. B7
LENGTH: 253 words
01/28/94
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001
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LWVL
Straight Facts
Dept.
Co.
on
League of Women Voters
Health Reform
The Henry .1 Kai
Education Fund
Family Foundati
930 am EST, Junuary 31, 1994
Carla Bundy or Susan Solomon, LWVEF,
Cloyd Leonard will call Fax you.
To Mike Lux
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
For more information, contacts
Matt James, Kainer, 202-347-5270
202-429-1965 ext. 315 or 290
Post-It™ brand fax transmittal memo 7671
-File
Phone
Co.
- Get to Elles, FYI
KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION AND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS EDUCATION FUND
ANNOUNCE NATIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION INITIATIVE ON HEALTH REFORM
429-1965
of pages
Campaign Will Feature TV and Print Messages and 60 Nonpartisan
Town Meetings With Elected Officials
Vorla Bundy
5
Harvard University/Johns Hopkins to Provide Research for Campaign
Washington, DC -- The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) and the League of Women
Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) today announced a national campaign to inform the American people
about key issues in health reform and to give citizens an opportunity to participate in the debate.
The initiative, called "Straight Facts on Health Reform," consists of two components that will be
carried out concurrently: a national media campaign with paid messages airing on TV news and public
affairs shows and placed in national newspapers and newsweeklies: and a series of 60 town meetings with
elected officials broadcest on TV or ractio in communities across the country. The budget for the initial
phase of the campaign announced today is $4.1 million
An 800 number will be used to provide the public with three in-depth special reports: "Uninsured
in America," "Critical Choices in Health Reform," and "Health Reform Legislation: A Comparison of
Major Proposals
Both the LWVEF and the KFF believe that citizens should participate more fully in the health
reform debate.
"This is the biggest health policy decision we will make in this generation. and h is too important
to leave to the interest groups and spin doctors," said Drew E. Aluman, president of the Kaiser Family
Foundation. "Don't look for Harry and Louise, don't expect glitz or messages designed to pull at the
heartstrings. We will provide basic Information that people need. backed up by the best available facts and
research."
'On this most personal of issues, it is virally important that the American public hears where their
elected leaders stand." said Becky Cain, chair of the League of Women Voters Education Fund. "More
importantly, elected officials must hear where their constituents stand. All too often the debate over major
legislation is left to the special interests, and the voice of the American people is lost. We don't want to
see that happen with health reform."
-more-
Research assistance provided by
The Harvard University School of Public licalth and The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health
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Straight Facts on Health Reform/2
THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN: "The National Health Reform Quiz" -- The first messages in the
national television and print campaign will focus on Americans without health insurance and will address
the size and characteristics of the uninsured population and the contaquences of being without health
insurance. They will provide basic information to help people decide where they stand on the debate over
health reform. The Kaiser/Harvard/Princeton Survey of Public Knowledge of Health Reform (10/19/93)
showed that there are misconceptions about who is without health insurance. Survey respondents thought
most uninsured Americans were poor, unemployed and olderly. In reality, more than two thirds live above
the poverty line, almost none are elderly, and more than eight out of ten are workers and their families.
"We've found that the public is not well-informed about the critical facts driving health reform,"
said Robert J. Bleadon of the Harvard School of Public Health and a senior program consultant to the
foundation. "In the absonce of sccurate information, Americans are susceptible to being influenced by
advertising that distorts the issues underlying this debate."
The Keiscr/Harvard/Princeton surveys of public knowledge and understanding will continue
throughout the campaign. The next survey is scheduled for late February.
THE TOWN MEETINGS: "Citizens Voice for Citizens Choice" -- The other half of the Initiative
consists of 60 travn meetings with elected officials, that will be organized to facilitate broadcast crwerage.
The Kaiser/Harvard/Princoton Survey of Public Knowledge found that the public is not generally familiar
with ofther their Senators' or Representative's positions on health reform, or the key clements of the major
reform proposals.
Each forum will encourage citizen participation in the health reform debate by presenting and
debating alternative proposals, and helping constituents to understand their elected representatives'
positions on health reform. Each meeting will be sponsored by the League of Women Vulers Education
Pund, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the local League of Women Voters and an area television or radio
station. which will provide broadcast coverage.
The meetings will consist of two parts: general education on issues and proposals, and the
questioning of members of the House and Scnate by citizens and reporters. All meetings will be
nonpartisan and clected officials with divergent viewa on health reform will be Invited to attend.
The project has been ondorsed by the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF)
and is budgeted at approximately $600,000. Journalists who wish to attend or cover one or more of the
town meetings may contact the LWVEF or KFF.
THE PARTNERS: The Kaleer Family Foundation The Kaiser Family Foundation is an
independent health care philanthropy and is not associated with Kalsar Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
This project is part of the Kaiser Health Reform Project, an effort to provide the best available
research and analysis on key issues in the health reform debate to policymakers, the media and the public.
Throughout the health reform debate, the Kalser Health Reform Project will issue targeted studies, hold
media and policymaker briefings, facilitate public forume with elected officials, and track the public's
understanding of issues related to health reform.
League of Women Voters Education Fund The League of Women Voters Education Fund's
mission is to increase public understanding of mejor public policy issues and to encourage citizen
participation in government. In pursuit of these goals, the LWVEF conducts research and provides a
variety of educational services, including publications and public programs.
-more
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Straight Facts on Health Reform/3
The LWVEF works with many partners " foremost among them, the more than 1,100 state and
local Leagues of Women Voters throughout the U.S. Within their own communities, Leagues have
established a reputation for providing accessible, balanced and easily understood programs and materials
people can use to learn about current public policy Issues.
Harvard School of Public Health -- The Harvard University School of Public Health program on
Public Opinion and Heakh Care, under the direction of Robert J. Blendon, has provided research
assistance on public opinion on health reform and the uninsured, and advice on design of media mussages.
Robert Blendon, chairman of the Department of Health Policy and Management, is a senior program
consultant to the Foundation.
Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health - The Johns Hopkins School of
Hygiene and Public Health has provided research assistance for the campaign, analyses of the uninsured
pupulation, analyses of the major health reform proposals and advice on the design of modia messages.
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PROJECT SUMMARY
STRAIGHT FACTS ON HEALTH REFORM
A joint project of the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) and the Kaiser Family
Foundation (KFF).
Research and technical assistance provided by the Harvard University School of Public Health and
the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.
ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: January 31, 1994 (embargoed until that time)
OBJECTIVES: To provide a neutral source of public information and education on the issues and
alternative proposals in health reform. To give citizens an opportunity to participate in the debate.
The campaign will not back any particular health reform plan, approach, or point of view.
WHAT THE INITIATIVE WILL CONSIST OF:
1) A national television and print public information campaign on key issues in health reform. Paid
messages to air on network television and run in newspapers and news weeklies beginning
January 31, 1994.
2) A series of approximately 60 town meetings on health reform with elected officials.
The budget for this initial phase of the campaign is $4.1 million. Other components of the initiative-such
as a series of nationally televised debates on health reform-may be added.
THE PROJECTS:
The Media Campaign
The Town Meetings
A national television and print campaign with
Approximately 60 town meetings with elected
measages airing on news and public affairs
officials organized around media markets
shows and placed in major newspapers and
across the country. (See attached map)
news weeklies.
The objective is to provide a forum for citizen
First messages called "The National Health
participation in the health reform debate, to
Reform Quiz" to focus on the problem of the
fully present and debate alternative proposals,
uninsured and will explain how big the
and to make sure that constituents know their
problem is, who is uninsured, and what the
elected officials views on health reform.
consequences of being without insurance are.
Each meeting will be cosponsored by the
The objective of this project is to help assure
LWVEF, KFF, and an area television or radio
that the debate over universal coverage is based
station which will provide broadcast coverage.
on the best available facts and research, rather
than misunderstandings and misinformation.
The meetings will consist of two parts:
general education on issues and proposals and
An 800 number will be used to provide three
the questioning of members of the House and
special reports, "Uninsured in America,"
Senate by area reporters and citizans. A video
"Critical Choices in Health Reform." and
featuring Walter Crankits excerpted from the
"Health Reform Legislation: A Comparison of
PBS documentary "What's Ailing Medicine"
Major Proposals."
will be used during the educational segment.
The documentary was supported by the
The Harvard School of Public Health and KFF
Foundation.
will conduct ongoing surveys of public
knowledge and understanding to assess the
All meetings will be bipartisan and will be
and for further afforts
attended hv
officials with diversent
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006
Voting Rights Threatened Women's Issues Redefined
THE NATIONALVOTER
The League of Women Voters
I
December/January 1994
Vol. 43, No. 2
THE
HEALTH CARE REFORM
FOR the PEOPLE
!
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by Jennifer A. Baratz
In
Whose Industry and Other Interests
Are Drowning Out the Public's
Interest?
Voice in Health Care Reform
With more than $800 billion spent every
year on health care in this country, there's a
lot riding on reform for doctors, hospitals,
drug companies, insurers, medical equipment
manufacturers and other interests. Lost amid
all the jockeying for dollars and business, how-
ever, is the overriding fact that health care
reform is a win-or-lose proposition for the
American people as well. At stake for citizens
is whether we can craft a system that effective-
ly and efficiently meets people's real health
care needs.
"Our health care system is failing both our
nation's families and its economy," says
League of Women Voters President Becky
Ad Number One: An elderly woman looks somberly at the camera.
Cain. "Citizens need to speak up and be heard
The caption below her face asks, "Why should 1 have to choose
above the special interests or we might be
between buying groceries and buying medicine?" The ad, sponsored by
faced with reform in name only-with a health
the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA), goes on to say
system that only reinforces the inequities and
inefficiencies that sparked this whole move-
that "No American should have to make that choice. That's why we
ment in the first place."
support health care reform, with coverage for all prescription
medicines."
"A New Phenomenon"
Ad Number Two: "Meet the family nobody will insure," appears bold-
Talk of reform Is a new phenomenon in the
ly atop a photo of a family of three. "Health care reform has become
health care industry. "For years, the industry
our country's most important public health issue, and the 300,000
worked to maintain the status quo of the
member physicians of the American Medical Association (AMA) are
health care system," according to Josh Gold-
determined to bring about change."
steln of the Center for Responsive Politics,
"and industry interests were successful in
squashing any public discussion of reform."
As health care reform has moved to the top of the U.S. political agenda,
That all changed in 1991, when Harris
ads such as these have been appearing more and more frequently in
Wofford of Pennsylvania was elected to the
newspapers and magazines throughout the country. Part of an aggres-
U.S. Senate on a platform of national health
sive campaign on the part of different health-industry interests to shape
reform. Wofford's election sent a powerful
their public image and influence public opinion about options for
message to Washington-that the United
reform, the ads make plain that reform of the United States' health care
States' health care system is not working and
system is a high-stakes proposition.
the American people want it fixed. Since then,
4
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DECEMBER/JANUARY 1994
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the health industry has changed its
The Private Compaign:
approach. "Now that health reform has
Money and People
become a public issue, there's been a shift
W
hile the League and
(among industry interests) from squashing
others stress that
With health care reform looming on the
reform to shaping the debate in the way
horizon during the 1991-92 election cycle,
they want it to go," says Goldstein.
universal coverage
health care political action committees
(PACs) increased their giving to federal
The Public Campaign:
and cost containment are equal-
candidates by 36 percent, and insurance
Ads and Ideas
ly important goals of reform,
PACs upped their ante by 6 percent.
That's in addition to the more than $4 mil-
The mass media can be & powerful tool for
industry places less emphasis on
lion in "soft-money" contributions from
influencing public perceptions about poli-
cy issues, and the health industry knows it.
the more difficult issue of holding
the health sector to the political parties,
according to a report issued by the Center
According to Robert Blendon of the Har-
vard University School of Public Health,
down health care spending.
for Responsive Politics.
Predictably, the top recipients of
polls indicate that public confidence in
health care PAC money were members of
health-industry leaders-doctors, insurers,
tion from all points of view," Coorsh goes
the House and Senate committees that
pharmaceutical companies-is at a 25-
on to say. "We are all entitled to get infor-
have jurisdiction over health care legisla-
year low. And SO, health interests are
mation to consumers SO they can judge the
tion. Moreover. the amount that health
spending millions of dollars to recast their
impact of health care reform on them."
PACs spend is bound to increase as
public image and to focus the debate on
Moreover, as Steve Berchem, assistant
health reform proposals move through
issues that affect them.
vice-president for the Pharmaceutical Man-
Congress.
Blendon points out, for example, that
ufacturers Association (PMA), points out,
According to Goldstein, this money
the industry's high-profile advertising
industry advertising and other public-rela-
buys a seat at the table when the decisions
effort has two principal aims. "One of its
tions efforts serve an advocacy purpose as
about reform are being made. "Everyone
objectives is image advertising," he says.
well. "The Hill is influenced by con-
agrees there will be some sort of reform,"
"The industry has been trying to build up
stituents' interests and by what constituents
he says, "but the important decisions to be
public respect for people in the health care
have to say," observes Berchem. "The PMA
made are not the grand themes for reform
industry SO that when they criticize specific
wants to make sure that its voice is heard in
but the vital minutiae. Who wins and loses
things within reform proposals, the public
the health reform debate and that the phar-
the billions of dollars that are at stake will
will believe them to be credible. The other
maceutical industry is treated fairly."
be determined by sentences in a law that
goal of the ads is to alen the public that
To lend substance and added credibility
will run more than 1,000 pages long."
the problems they have now could be even
to their advocacy, many industry interests
Filling candidates' campaign coffers
worse under health care reform."
have developed their own reform plans to
with PAC money is one way to buy influ-
The AMA ads. for example, emphasize
address the problems of the health care sys-
ence, but the amount that can be spent is
the special nature of the doctor/patient rela-
tem. In general, the industry proposals
limited by laws governing campaign con-
tionship-that doctors are looking out for
stress the importance of guaranteeing
tributions. There are no limits, however,
the well-being of their patients-and the
health care coverage for every American.
on what can be spent on "hired guns"-the
importance of maintaining that relationship
But while the League of Women Voters and
lobbyists, pollsters and public-relations
free of interference. While seemingly altru-
others stress that universal coverage and
firms that trumpet their clients' concerns
istic, the message advances the medical
cost containment are equally important
in the public eye and on Capitol Hill.
profession's interest in fighting off controls
goals of reform, industry places less
For example, the Federation of Ameri-
over doctors' practice styles or fees.
emphasis on the more difficult issue of
can Health Systems (FAHS), a trade group
"The ads are focused on what the
holding down health care spending.
of for-profit hospitals, has hired Patton,
industry does to help people," according
The reason for the industry's focus on
Boggs & Blow, one of Washington's
to Blendon. "They're saying, 'We really
expanding health care coverage? Universal
largest lobbying firms. In addition, like so
care. Trust us more than the politicians.
health care coverage offers a significant
many other health interests, the FAHS has
You don't want to trust politicians to make
financial benefit to the industry-it would
joined an industry coalition with a lobby-
decisions about your health care."
mean reimbursement to doctors and hos-
ing effort of its own. "If you lose a big
The health industry responds that it is
pitals for care that is now being provided
fight, you do not want to wake up the
merely trying to inform the public about
without compensation. Containing the
morning after and say you did not do
the issues. "As President Clinton has said,
overall costs of the health care system, on
everything you possibly could have,"
this issue will be decided at America's
the other hand, is likely to mean more
Michael Bromberg, executive vice-presi-
kitchen tables," remarks Richard Coorsh,
government control of the use and pur-
dent of the federation, recently told The
spokesperson for the Health Insurance
chase of medical technology, of fees paid
National Journal.
Industry of America. "For Americans to
to physicians, and of many other things
But industry lobbying is not limited to
make these decisions, they need informa-
that are the industry's bread and butter.
working with paid lobbyists and public-
THE NATIONAL VOTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 1994
B
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
6007
In
T
Cardon Admin ****** asseded NA plan for
health cyte " Intern and /MMN of il name 125 concerned
Codernied this plan will keep your for Terms
Riving for concerned
have what your doctor for YES will In
Whose
in
this plan h enclude
of the public for from the INTERNATE
Imall - for requirement the employers
uned brip pay In But In Intig we
Interest?
the Bounter physicians " the American
Motical AMAI ANY inventing that usly and refuse
registration part the health of DUE patient: first The only
of inter
" Involves million of in
This is the moment
And of us thirt remember
relations consultants. Recogniz-
which 14 -
of truth.
The is within the amount
ing the political pressure that
of with for American 110 water. from is the now
before due plan become law
the grassroots can exert, many
Finds where for stattics and let
industry groups are calling on
what by think for TRUIT internation
UB
on health the AM 1.
their members to make visits to
Department 315 North State
to
their elected representatives. In
MIN) 348-3067
March, the American Medical
Association organized more than
1,000 doctors from throughout
the country and brought them to
Washington to meet directly
with their members of Congress.
All delivered the same message:
universalize health care cover-
age and contain health care
costs, but do not touch physi-
America an Medical Association
cian autonomy or salaries. The
power of efforts such as this
should not be overlooked.
American Medical Association ad says, "We're concerned
"When you talk to people
ing to Harvard's Blendon.
who aren't paid lobbyists, it's
Moreover, he says, there's dis-
always useful," Representative
agreement within the industry
Michael A. Andrews (D TX), a
groups over which is preferable-
member of the House Ways and
gridlock or a watered-down bill.
Means Committee's Subcommit-
"Some organizations want the
tee on Health, told The Wash-
government to do something, but
ington Post after meeting with a
only at the margins. Some others
group of doctors from his dis-
hope the thing will just die."
trict. "Any responsible member
And if health care reform
(of Congress) wants to make
does "just die"-or ends up SG
sure his constituents have input,
watered-down that it hardly
that they're being listened to
changes the status quo-it is not
In the political sense, you bet I
just the health industry that will
pay attention."
be to blame. Groups from across
the political and economic spec-
Recipe for Gridlock
trum-including labor unions,
big industries, lawyers and small
Many people are fearful of what
businesses-have been mobiliz-
Crait somebody please do something
will happen to health reform if
ing their forces and calling in
about drug prices going up-
the health industry continues its
their political chits so that they,
aggressive efforts. With so
too, can have a say in the shape
We have Were progressin program under which companies can the is when
many interest groups involved,
reform takes. The fragmentation
FROM
tarily beain : price increase to no
Congress may be unable to pass
that could result from all of
more than perlation, What's man. well
AMERICAS PHARM VII
provide for Assernment momoring of
comprehensive reform that sat-
these interests wanting to have a
R ARCH COMPANIES
our performance. for more information
on this. and other measures 11 support
isfles everybody who's seeking
say will make comprehensive
(11 make healthcare accessible 11. all Americans. call the Pharmaceutical
to be heard. "We could end up
reform an extremely difficult
Manufacturers with 2002
with gridlock or a watered-down
and arduous process. In trying
Making sure its voice is heard: A Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
bill that's called health care
to please everybody, health
Association ad.
reform but really isn't," accord-
reform may end up pleasing no
6
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DECEMBER/JANUARY 1994
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
010
How to Get Involved:
The Health Care Debate Needs You
one at all-and may therefore fail to deliv-
T
0 overhaul the U.S. health care sys-
Rayburn House Office Building, Wash-
er the very thing the American people say
tem, Congress will have to enact
ington, DC 20515, (202) 225-2927.
they want and need.
new laws and amend existing ones.
The subcommittee chair is Rep. Henry A.
These actions - certain to result in win-
Waxman (D CA) and the ranking Repub-
The importance of
ners and losers among the powerful spe-
lican member is Rep. Thomas J. Bliley
Citizen Participation
cial interests who have a stake in the
(R VA). Contact: Subcommittee on
current health care system-will touch
Health and Environment, 2415 Rayburn
The one voice that needs to be heard clear-
the lives of all U.S. residents. While
House Office Building, Washington, DC
ly on Capitol Hill is that of the consumer.
ordinary people cannot match the spe-
20515, (202) 225-4952.
And while legislators have faced a barrage
cial-interest groups in hiring lobbyists
The Senate Labor and Human
of lobby visits, phone banks and letter-
and directing FAC contributions into
Resources Committee has broad
writing campaigns organized by the spe-
politicians' campaign coffers, citizens
jurisdiction over health matters. The
need to add their voices to the health
chair is Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D
cial-interest groups, little is being heard so
care reform debate.
MA); the ranking Republican is Sen.
far in congressional offices from the peo-
One of the most effective methods of
Nancy L. Kassebaum (R KS). Contact:
ple themselves.
citizen input is for individuals to express
Senate Labor and Human Resources
"The silence from the grassroots is
their concerns in letters or phone calls
Committee, 428 Dirksen Senate Office
deafening," says the League's Becky Cain,
to their elected senators and representa-
Building, Washington, DC 20510,
"and that leaves the health industry and
tives. There is growing evidence that,
(202) 224-5375.
other interests with the only voices in
when constituents speak, Congress lis-
The Senate Finance Committee
town. Legislators need the support of their
tens. And, according to a survey com-
has authority over legislation involving
constituents to deliver health reform that's
pleted in May 1993, a majority of con-
taxes and the federal tax system. More-
for the people."
gressional staffers said personal letters
over, the Finance Committee is responsi-
In October 1993, the League of Women
from individual constituents carried
ble for legislation involving Medicaid,
Voters Education Fund (LWVEF)
more weight than mass mailings, tele-
Medicare and other health insurance
RTATOS and phone calls.
funds such as workers compensation.
p.
Movnihan
e
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
001
FAX TRANSMITTAL
Date: 12/16/93
To:
DEBBIE FEiN
From: Ellen WEIR
LWV
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF THE UNITED STATES
1730 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/429-1965 fax: 202/429-0854
COVER PLUS
9
PAGES TRANSMITTED
Other Messages:
RE: ARTICLE for The National
Voter. HERE is what I sent to MIKE
Lux and also the piece that JASON
Solomon sant u's. THANKS for your help
On this.
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
002
LWV
THE LEAGUE
THE NATIONAL VOTER
OF WOMEN VOTERS
MAGAZINE
November 8, 1993
Mike Lux
Office of Public Liaison
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. Lux:
I am delighted to follow up our telephone conversation today about a guest article from First
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton for the March/April 1994 issue of The National Voter.
As I mentioned, the upcoming Voter issue will discuss health care reform--one of the
League's priority issues--in a feature article As we envision it, the piece will examine the
White House health care reform proposal and several of the alternative plans, along with
background on what the League supports and why. After conducting a three-year study of the
financing and delivery of health care in the United States, the League concluded that universal
access for U.S. residents to a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost and
stringent containment of health care expenditures are the two critical elements of
comprehensive health care reform. The League is supporting the President's plan.
We would be looking to the White house to provide a one-page sidebar covering the
principles underlying the President's health reform proposal; the goals of reform and the costs
of doing nothing; the importance of citizen participation--in the reform process and in a new
health care system; and any related topics. The copy deadline for the March/April issue is
December 13, 1993.
I am enclosing our guidelines for writers and two recent issues of The Voter. You may be
interested in the League's comprehensive health care position statement (pages 22-23 of the
June/July 1993 issue). Also, our cover story for the December/January 1994 Voter-off press
today (1)--examines the campaign by industry interests to influence the health reform debate
and the need for citizen participation in the dialogue. In the second part of the cover
segment, guest authors representing communities with specific health care needs comment on
universal access.
Again, thanks for considering our request. I will check in with you next week to follow up.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to
contact me or Bill Woodwell, Voter consulting editor, at 202/429-1965.
Sincerely,
Ell De
Ellen Weir
Associate Editor
1730 M Street, N.W.
Washington. D.C. 20036
202/429-1965
FAX: 202/429-0854
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
003
LWVE
THE LEAGUE
THE NATIONAL VOTER
OF WOMEN VOTERS
MAGAZINE
GUIDELINES FOR THE NATIONAL VOTER
March/April 1994
This issue of the League of Women Voter's national magazine will continue The Voter's
extensive coverage of health care reform--one of the League's legislative priorities. We plan
to examine the White House health care reform proposal and several of the alternative plans,
along with background on what the League supports and why. The League is supporting the
President's plan.
Article Length: The suggested length for a one-page article is 500-600 words.
Deadline: The deadline for copy is December 13, 1993.
Graphics and Other Needs: The League requests that you provide an author photo and
any supporting illustrations or graphics that you would like to accompany the article.
Articles on Disk: If possible, please furnish the article on computer disk (IBM format,
WordPerfect preferable).
About the Magazine: The National Voter is published quarterly and is read by more
than 120,000 members and supporters of the League of Women Voters across the United
States and around the world. Copies are also distributed to every member of Congress. The
League would be delighted to provide additional copies of The Voter to contributing writers
for special distribution.
Contact: Bill Woodwell or Ellen Weir (202/429-1965) for additional information.
1730 M Street N.W.
Washington. D.C. 20036
202/429-1965
FAX: 202 429-0854
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THE HEALTH SECURITY ACT OF 1993: A SUMMARY
The Clinton plan offers a system of guaranteed private Insurance. It proposes to build
on the current system of private insurance with two critical changes: first, the guarantee
of comprehensive health benefits that can never be taken away; and second, greater
consumer power for people and small businesses to choose quality health insurance at
lower cost.
Our national goal is health security for every American - comprehensive health
benefits that can never be taken away. No limit on benefits over your lifetime. No
refusal of insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. No losing your insurance if you
get sick or lose your job. And no rate increases if you get sick.
Our principles are clear and distinguish our approach: Security -- comprehensive
benefits that can never he taken away. Simplicity -- creating a single claim form to
reduce paperwork and bureaucracy. Savings controlling health care costs. Quality --
making the worlds' best care better. Choice preserving your right to choose your doctor
and expanding choice of private insurance plans. Responsibility - every American
assumes responsibility to bring an out-of-control system under control and put funding on
a fair and responsible basis.
Real reform and real savings are possible only if health care benefits are guaranteed
to every American. Without universal coverage, there's no guarantee we will be able to
control costs and provide comprehensive benefits. For example, today, everyone of us
pays a part of the $25 billion bill for health care for the uninsured; and a single claim
form doesn't save money unless everyone is using it.
Comprehensive benefits include preventive care, prescription drugs, doctor visits,
hospital services, home health care, hospice care, emergency care and ambulance
services, mental health care, vision care, and dental care for children and
eventually, for adults.
For seniors, the protection of Medicare remains with improvements -- new
prescription drug coverage and a new long-term care program. Our health security
plan will achieve real savings in Medicare and re-invest those savings to improve
benefits.
For small business, our plan provides insurance discounts to help them afford
comprehensive benefits for their employees. Most small businesses already provide
health insurance to their employees hut they're forced to pay as much as 50% more than
larger companies. Our plan helps assure them the best benefits, controlling costs and
expanding coverage.
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If we fail to act:
Every American -- 100% - can expect to pay higher insurance premiums nearly
every year. with no guarantee of security, no guaranteed benefits, and no
guarantee that Insurance will be there when they need it.
One of every four Americans will lose their insurance at some point in the next
two years.
Almost $1 out of every S5 Americans spend will go to health care.
By the end of the decade, just to keep their benefits, American workers will
sacrifice almost $600 in wages every year.
Millions of Americans will find that rising costs will force their firms to cut back
on benefits and limit choices of doctors and health plans.
Our plan for health security is the most comprehensive and responsible, building on
what works in our current system and fixing what doesn't. We maintain an
essentially private system, streamlined and less bureaucratic than what we face today.
And, we're demonstrating how that system will work -- from details on the benefit
package and premiums to A firm explanation of the most responsible financing possible.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
The United States is a world leader in developing new medical technologies,
uncovering the mysteries of disease through basic clinical research, training nurses and
doctors, and constructing hospitals, clinincs, laboratories, and medical schools. People
from all over the world come to the United States for specialized training and treatment.
But the health care system, as a whole, is in deep crisis. We are spending too
much, and getting too little for our money. Health care spending now consumes more
than 14% of our GDP, projected to grow to more than 18% by the end of the
decade without insuring one more person..
Roughly 39 million Americans have no health insurance at all, and another 23
million have only bare bones coverage. Every month, 2 million Americans lose their
insurance coverage for some period of time, many to never gain it back. More and more
Americans have to give up their regular doctor because their employer cuts back on the
health plans they offer in order to cope with rising costs. Millions in rural areas have no
access-- insured or not-- to a doctor or hospital. And the quality of American medicine
is being threatened by the lack of measurable standards and real accountability in the
health care system.
Today's health care system can be particularly inadequate for women. Women are
more likely than men to be unemployed, have low income, or work part time, and are
therefore more likely to lack health coverage. Even those women with insurance find that
there coverage jeopardized by divorce or widowhood, since their insurnace is tied to their
marital status. And despite the fact that women are the primary victims of life-
threatening diseases such as breast and ovarian cancers, women are still at the bottom of
our national medical research agenda. Any serious reform proposal must address the
health needs of women head on, and provide affordable coverage to all women.
The President has placed women's health concerns at the core of the plan. Under
the Health Security Act, all women will be guaranteed coverage regardless of health
status, marital status, employment status, or ability to pay. Women will be guaranteed a
comprehensive package of benefits that will include unprecedented coverage, without
cost-sharing, of a wide range of preventive services, including mammograms, Pap
smears, diagnoste services, and prenatal care.
In addition, new research initiatives will concentrate on child health (including
birth defects, prenatal care, and adolescent health), and illnesses that primarily strike
women -- including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis. And the new home
health and community based long-term care program will provide greater choice and
flexibility for older women and will help reduce the undue burden born by many women
caregivers.
The time for health care reform has come, and the passage of the Health Security
Act will usher in much needed attention to women's health and wellness. I look forward
to working closely with the League in the weeks and months ahead to advance our shared
commitment to this goal.
FAX TRANSMITTAL
Date: 6/10/94
To:
LR Bizel 456-2239
From:
Betsy Lawson
LWV
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF THE UNITED STATES
1730 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/429-1965 fax: 202/429-0854
0589
COVER PLUS
4
PAGES TRANSMITTED
Other Messages:
06/10/94
15:10
2202 429
LWV LEADS CITIZEN CAMPAIGN TO
TAKE BACK THE SYSTEM
The League of Women Voters Educa
tion Fund is & nonpartisan public
In the 1990s. the League is rededicating its
policy educational organization,
efforts nationwide 10 promote voting and
which:
citizen participation in government
builds citizen participati on in the
The League of Women Voters in 1991
democratic process.
launched a nationwide citizen cempaign 10
Take Back the System plan of action to
studies key community issues at all
make voter registration more accessible.
government levels in an unbiased
provide votors with information on candi-
manner.
dates and issues and restore the voters'
chables people to seek positive so
confidence and involvement in vur American
lutions to public policy issues through
electoral system.
education bird contict management
the League believes that democracy de
eat:
We believe In:
pends on the informed and active participa-
TO promote an open
non of its citizens. When citizens are
respect for individuals
prevented from participating meaningfully in
governmental system
the volue of diversity.
their government, American democracy is
that is representative.
the ampowerment of the
endangerce. The League of Women Voters
accountable and
believes that the time has come for voters to
grassroots, both within the League
Taxe Back the System
responsive.
and in communities
the power of collective decision
THE LEAGUE'S NATIONAL AGENDA
making for the common good
We will
The League of Women Veters of the United
States works to influence public policy in
act with DOSL Integrity and
four broad issue areas. encompassing a
professionalism
range of interrelated principles and gnals
operate in 30 open and effective
GOVERNMENT: The League's goal is to pro-
mender to TREAT the newds of Hose
make an open governmental system that is
we serve both members and the
representative, accountable and responsive;
public
that has 0 fair and adsquate fiscal basis;
take the initiative in seeking diver
that protects individual liberties established
sity in membership and programs
by the Constitution: that assures apportent-
ties for citizen participation in government
acknowled our heritage n3 and
decision making: that provides sound agricul-
seek our path 10 the future.
ture policies. and that preserves public health
and salety through gun control measures.
League members have studied and reached
positions on. Agriculture Policy, Citizen
6
7
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
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FAX TRANSMITTAL
Date: 4/10/94
To:
Liz Boyer
456-2239
From:
Betsy Lawson X233
LWV
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF THE UNITED STATES
1730 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/429-1965 fax: 202/429-0854
COVER PLUS
12 PAGES TRANSMITTED
Other Messages:
/
League Board members (z pages)
(2) Ress Release on convention (2 pages)
3
Health Care position memo to Hin for 6/15/94 3 pgs)
+
press release on President
Aniton's heart
.
care buie
4
Background on heage + positions (5 pgo)
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as of 2/15/94
LWVUS and LWVEF Board of Directors/Trustees, 1992-94
Officers
Becky Cain, President/Chair
H: (304) 727-6547
2313 South Walnut Drive
F: (304) 727-0865
Saint Albans, WV 25177
Diane Sheridan, 1st VP/Vice Chair
H: (713) 326-5253
4127 Rolling Green
F: (713) 326-2769
Seabrook, TX 77586
Peggy Lucas, 2nd VP/Vice Chair
H: (612) 823-8544
4427 East Lake Harriet Boulevard
W: (612) 332-5664
Minneapolis, MN 55409
F: (612) 332-2365
Robin Seaborn, Secretary/Treasurer
H: (813) 347-6723
5935 35th Avenue North
F: (813) 345-7670
Saint Petersburg, FL 33710
* Note on fax to
call her at home.
Directors/Trustees
Pat Brady
H: (703) 569-1702
8528 Greeley Boulevard
F: (703) 569-1702
Springfield, VA 22152
* Call first.
Marilyn Brill
H:, (717) 275-5537
16 Heather Hill
F: (717) 275-6656
Danville, PA 17821
Jane Garbacz
H: (203) 762-9268
301 Sturges Ridge Road
F: (203) 762-9268
Wilton, CT 06897
* Call first.
Bobbie Hill
H: (501) 836-7349
1770 Holly Ilill
F: (501) 836-8463
Camden, AR 71701
Fax should also be
used for conference
calls.
Debbie Macon
H: (810) 626-4111
4568 Fairway Ridge Court
F: (810) 932-1115
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Beverly McKinnell
H: (612) 646-3690
2124 West Hoyt Avenue
F: (612) 659-9493
Saint Paul, MN 55108
(CVER->)
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Linda Moscarella
H: (505) 776-8338
Post Office Box 572
F: (505) 776-8338
E1 Prado, NM 87529
* Call first.
FedEx/UPS Address:
237 Hondo-Seco Road, Taos, NM 87571
Nancy Pearson
H: (206) 582-3543
6708 Bridgeport Way, West
F: (206) 582-3543
Tacoma, WA 98467
* Call first.
Carole Wagner Vallianos
H: (310) 545-4322
599 36th Street
F: (310) 545-2404
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Kathleen Weisenberg
H: (415) 323-7146
167 Heather Drive
F: (415) 363-2670
Atherton, CA 94027
W: [On Mondays]
(415) 363-2670
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THE WOMEN LEAGUE VOTERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACTS:
JUNE 6, 1994
A Voice A Force FOR CITIZENS FOR CHANGE
Bobbie Faul-Zeitler (301) 951-0748
Carla Bundy (202) 429-1965
PROGRAM & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
41ST NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS - WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The League of Women Voters convenes
its 41st National Convention on Friday, June 10 in Washington D.C., at
Convention '94
the Sheraton Washington Hotel. More than 1,500 members from
41st National Convention
Leagues in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin lelands, and the District
Sheraton Washington Hotel
of Columbia are expected to attend the June 10-15 convention.
June 10-15. 1994
Washington, DC
All events take place at the Sheraton Washington Hotel unless
otherwise noted.
Highlights of the 41st National Convention include:
Attorney General Janet Reno, U.S Department of Justice, and
League member since 1971, will give the Keynote Address.
(Sat., June 11, 1:15 p.m.)
75
Address by Raul Yzaguirre, Executive Director of National Council
of La Raza. (Mon., June 13, 11 a.m.)
ANNIVERSARY
Workshop on Health Care Reform - Panel of experts discuss the
1920-1995
impact of health care reform on vulnerable populations. (Mon.,
June 13, 2:00 -3:30 p.m.)
Workshop on the League's Emerging Democracies Program - Panel
of experts discuss citizen education programs in Poland and
Hungary. (Mon., June 13, 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.)
1730 St, NW
Leadership Awards Gala by the League of Women Voters
Washington, DC 20036
Education Fund . 1994 awardees are: Hon. Barbara Jordan,
Tel - 202 - 429 1965
Elizabeth Dole, MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, and League member
fax 202 - 429 0054
Willie Campbell. (Mon., June 13 - Reception 6:30 p.m.)
Lobby Day - Health Care Rally on Capitol HIII. Greeting by Sen.
Tom Daschie and Rep John Dingell. Delegates meet with
members of Congress on health care legislation. (Wed , June 15
Rally begins at 9 a.m. West Front of the U.S. Capitol)
Official kick-off of the League's Diamond Jubilee - a two-year
celebration of the 75th Anniversary culminating in 1996 in
LWVL
Chicago, site of the League's founding.
-MORE-
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005
-2-
Founded in 1920, the League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan
political organization that encourages the informed and active
participation of citizens in government and influences public policy
through education and advocacy. Any citizen of voting age, male or
female, may become a League member. The League has 200,000
members and supporters throughout the U.S.
NOTE TO MEDIA:
For advance information, contact: Bobbie Faul-
Zeitler (301) 951-0748; or Carla Bundy (202) 429-
1965.
Press badges for the Convention will be issued at
the League's Convention Press Office in the
Sheraton Washington Hotel.
Please bring official press credentials to ensure
entry.
Access to some events may be limited.
UV.
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LWVL
THE LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS
or UNITED
June 15, 1991
To:
Members of the House and Senate
From:
Becky Cain, President
Re:
Health Care Reform
Presment
Becky Cath
The League of Women voters believes that the only solution to the
St Albans West Virginia
current health care crisis is the enactment of comprehensive
health care reform. Congress must pass a health reform bill that
Ver-Presidents
Diane B. Shendan
provides universal access to quality health care for all U.S.
Taylor Larke Village Terms
residents regardless of ability to pay. The legislation must also
include stringent cost control measures for health care cutlays.
Peggy Laters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Universal coverage is the basic test of the humanity of our health
Secretary-Treasure
Robin Scaborn
care system. The most advanced nation on earth must be able to
Si. Percesburg. Florida
assure adequate health care for all. Only through universal
coverage can we be sure that children will get the vaccinations
Directors
Par Ready
they need, that mothers will get the prenatal care they require
Springfield, Virginia
and that working families won't be left destitute by unexpected
medical bills. Only through universal coverage can we stop cost
Marilyn F. Billl
Danville Pennsylvania
shifting, which unfairly puts the costs of emergency care for the
uninsured on the rest of UB.
Jame S. Carbacz
Wilma, Connecticut
A basic package of quality services must be included in any health
Bobine F. Hill
care reform package. Benefits should include the prevention of
Camden Arkansa
disease, health promotion and education, primary care (including
Debbie Macon
prenatal and reproductive health services), acute care, long-term
West Bloomilicid. Michigan
care and mental health care.
Beverly K McFannell
St. Paul. Minnesota
No health reform effort will succeed without a serious effort to
contain costs. One of the key problems in this crisis is that
Linda Moscarella
Two, New Mesico
health care costs are spiralling out of control. Millions of
Americans are losing the battle to keep up with rising health care
Name) Pearson
costs. As a nation, we spend $1 out of every $7 we earn on health
Tacomor, Washington
care.
Carole Wagner Vallianos
Manhattan Beach,
California
Ideally, the League favors a national health insurance plan
financed through general taxes a so-called "single-payer"
Known Weisenberg
plan. short of that, the League believes that it is essential
Atherton. California
+hat an employer mandale be included in health care reform.
Executive Director
Gracia M. Hilliman
Because health care is a traditional form of compensation, and
because it assures a healthy and productive workforce, it is
appropriate for employers to continue to pay for health care.
Those employers who do not now provide health care gain a
competitive adventage. This is unfair.
The health care crisis affects everyone. It 18 critical that you
listen to the concerns of your constituents so that the health
care bill passed by Congress provides real solutions to a very
real problems.
17:50 M STREET N.W.. WASHINGTON "Y" 100%
202-420-1965 129-0854
Primed on paper
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5.
008
THE LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS
NATIONALOFFICE
LWV
CONTACT: Maggie Simpson
NEWS RELEASE
(202) 429-1965,
ext. 290
EMBARGOED UNTIL:
9:30 PM EST
September 22, 1993
PRESIDENT'S PLAN IS EFFECTIVE BLUEPRINT FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM
Statement by Recky Cain, President
The League of Women Voters of the United States
The President's health care reform package marks a critical step forward.
It will fix fundamental flawe in our nation's health care system.
This is real reform. The plan provider for universal access and for
stringent cost control measures -- the two most important criteria set
forth by League members after more than three years of studying the health
]
care crisis.
Under the plan, Americans will be covered no matter where they live, where
they work or how much they earn. The plan's basic benefits package will be
a boon to people's health, especially for women. Por the first time, all
Americans will be guaranteed coverage for preventive, primary and acute
care; and reproductive health services, including abortion, are in the
plan. Mental health services and long-term care are also included, but are
limited to keep costs down.
Among the plan's most critical features are its built-in cost control
mechanisms. Millions of Americans are losing the battle to keep up with
rising health care costs and millions more cannot even afford the most
basic health care coverage. Health care costs have doubled since 1980 and
will double again by the year 2000 unless strong action is taken. By
standardizing forms, introducing new competitive structures and limiting
spending, the plan has effective ways of cutting waste and reducing costs.
The President's health care plan 18 not perfect, but it 18 fair. It will
need some fine-tuning in the legislative process. For example, citizen
participation must be included in all aspects of the plan's implementation
to ensure that government-sponsored programs are responsive to citizens'
needs. In addition, there will be heavy pressure to weaken the plan's
proposed tax on cigarettes. The Administration must not buckle under. sin
taxes make senee.
Health care reform will need bipartisan support. The League is encouraged
that many of the goals for reform are now shared by key members of both
political parties on Capitol Hill. Congress must not lose sight of the
costs of inaction on this critical issue. There will be no perfect
solution to this crisis. We need a viable plan that gives all Americans a
more humane health care system. The President's plan is an effective
blueprint for reform.
STREET. M. WASHINGTON. DC 1965
009
06/10/94
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LEAGUE WOMEN VTR
F
bunded in 1920. the League of Women
Voters is a nonpartisan political organi-
THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
zarion that encourages the informed
EDUCATION FUND
and active participation of citizens in govern-
The membership and political advo-
ment and influences public policy through
cacy of the League of Women Voters
education and advocacy. It is a unique activ-
of the United States is complemented
ist network that derives its strength from the
by the citizen education and research
energy and commitment of more than a hun-
activities of the League of Women
died thousand members and supporters na-
Voters Education Fund (LWVER)
tionwide. The League knows first-hand the
Founded in 1957 the LWVEF provides
value of citizens organized for change
na League is
local and state Leagues. as well as
The League ambitiously pursues its dual
the wider public, with information and
stristly nenuortizen:
mission:
educational services on elections
it neither supports
and on current public policy issues
To encourage the active and informed
be League IS
The League of Woman Voters Educa
nor opposes
participation of citizens in government and
tion Fund is renovered for 15 ability TO
organized in more
candidates for office.
to increase understanding of major public
make complex and controversial is
than a thousand
policy issues
SURE accessible witho nonexpert
At the same time,
communities. in all
To secure public policies that promote
zen in 8 balanced. evenhanded.way.
the League is
League goals reached through member
And the LWVEF is an experienced
50 states as well as
wholeheartedly
participation and agreement.
trainer of community leaders and
the District of
activists
political-
The League is strictly nonpartisan: it neither
Columbia, Puerto
supports nor opposes candidates for office at
Of course. a special and familier to-
working 10 Influence
any level of government. At the same time,
cus of the League's educational work
Rice and the Virgin
public pelicy
the League is wholeheartedly political-
is voting and elections Leagues in
Islands.
working to influence public policy through
communities across the nationare
through education
education and advicency. It is the original
known for providing votors with inc
and advocacy.
grassroots citizen network, directed by the
tual. nonpartisan information mation on can
consensus of its members across the country
didates and bellotissues whether
through voter's guides, candidate
forums, town meetings or debates
GRASSROOTS STRENGTH
Much of the League's campsign to to
Take Back LIB System for American
The League of Women Voters works at the
local, state and national levels, paralleting
voters is spearhoaded by the League
of Women Voters Education Fund.
The levels of American government. Most
people know US through the local League of
Women Voters in their community. The
League is organized in more than a thousand
communities. in all 50 states as well as the
The organization's name, like its mission,
District of Columbia. Puerto Rico and the
derives from the proud legacy at the
Virgin Islands.
women's suffrage indvement. Today's MAM-
2
3