How we decide on a position for an issue.

The Leagues hallmark is its unique grassroots approach to study and action.  Every national League position is based on nationwide study and consensus among members.  During the consensus process, members draw on balanced, pro/con materials, develop their own resources, turn o technical experts and public officials for information, and reach out to the community through public meetings, surveys and media coverage.

Once a position is reached, the League marshals all of its tools to influence the shape of public policy.  Work is focused on priority issues every year, in order to channel the League’s citizen power for the greatest effect.  Grassroots lobbying efforts are the key to the League’s legislative success.   Strategies include testimony, letters and phone call to key legislators, working in coalition with other groups, community outreach and media campaigns. 

 Our Priorities include:

Campaign Finance Reform

Clean Elections (Prop 200) was passed by a vote of citizens in the 1998 fall election, providing an alternative to the current system of raising money to finance campaigns and creating public funding for candidates who choose to utilize its provisions.  The funding is from 10% surcharge on civil and criminal fines, individual contributions, check off on state income tax and the candidates collecting a certain number of signatures with $5 contributions.

The League Continues to Support:

Election Laws: An open system of registration and election with uniform procedures throughout the state.

Initiative and Referendum: The constitutional rights of the people to enact direct legislation.

Legislative and Constitutional Redistricting: Regular redistricting on an equal population basis by a bipartisan commission; single member districts for state representation.

Campaign Finance: Clear legal definition of Political Action Committees and public identification of their affiliations; limits on PAC and individual contributions; prohibition of contributions to one candidate being transferred to another.

Reorganization of the Executive Branch: Centralization of authority and responsibility in the Governor’s office.

Corporation Commission: Adequate protection of residential (utility) consumer; funding for adequate staff to assess utility company data.

County Government: Constitutional amendment to allow local option (by vote of the people) for county governmental structures.

Judicial Selection and Tenure: Appointment of judges by the governor from a list of qualified nominees submitted by a bi-partisan commission, with voter approval for retention.

Lower Court Reform: Legislation to allow counties to consolidate their lower courts.

Juvenile Justice: A separate legal category for status offenders; guidelines for referral of juveniles to community-based facilities rather than detention; and emancipation of minor law.

Human Needs: State programs to assure basic elements of health and adequate living standards to persons in need, while striving to reduce dependency and break the cycle of welfare.

Children at Risk: Support policies and programs that promote the well being, development and safety of all children.

Victimization of Children and Interfamilial Abuse: State and local government programs to serve and protect the abused; proper training of those who deal with these issues.

Public School Finance: Provide for the equitable distribution of state funds, including capital funding.  Ensure that all schools using public funds irrespective of their formation, such as Charter Schools, are held fiscally accountable.

Land Use: Statewide land use planning which should include economic, social, and environmental components; basic services, transportation, best use of natural resources, and encouragement of regional planning.

Water:  Water management policies that conserve water and prevent harmful contamination; water laws that treat all water as interrelated; define and quantify ground and surface water rights and give priority to domestic and municipal uses authority at state level to monitor and limit water use.