The League of Women Voters of Manatee County

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tnWelcome!

Our Mission

The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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invite.jpgDon’t miss our HOT TOPICS!

 

Hot Topics tackle some of the most controversial topics of the day—Elections, the economy, health care, and social issues.  We have engaged leaders and experts on these issues, for information and discussion.  If you’re not attending our Hot Topics, you are missing out!

 

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http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1578938864874&id=e166040a39c3413e9b337d10bf3def0eMon. May 14:  Hot Topic on Transportation.  How Will We Get Around in the Future?  Lou Gomes, outreach coordinator for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority will tell us about TBARTA’s plan for regional transportation in the seven-county West Central Florida Region, and discuss what transportation improvements will work best for our communities.  12 noon to 1:00 pm, Bradenton Woman’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W.  Refreshments and brown bag lunch begin at 11:30 am.

  No Hot Topics June thru August

 

http://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4822286748550048&id=929a6f0d58629906ff7fc1d3f2712c4aMon. Sept. 10:  The Ballot Amendments, Part I:  Information and discussion on the proposed changes to the Florida State Constitution, pros and cons, for Amendments 1-6.  12 noon to 1:00 pm, Bradenton Woman’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W.  Refreshments and brown bag lunch begin at 11:30 am.

Mon. Oct. 8:  The Ballot Amendments, Part II:  Information and discussion the proposed changes to the Florida State Constitution, pros and cons, for Amendments 7-12.  12 noon to 1:00 pm, Bradenton Woman’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W.  Refreshments and brown bag lunch begin at 11:30 am.

Scroll down to see the list of proposed amendments.

All LWV Hot Topics are open to the general public and free of charge.  Missed one?  No problem.  Just go onto Manatee Educational TV’s website—http://metvweb.com/—for their schedule of showings, or click on their YouTube link to watch our Hot Topics online.  For more League events, click on “Calendar” on top bar.

 

Other programs of interest:

 

Manatee 2020 Project:  LWV of Manatee County and METV have partnered to look at innovative ways to improve our schools. Manatee 2020 is a series of panel discussions featuring experts and a live studio audience.  All programs will be held at METV Studios, Rte 301 and 63rd Ave. E, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. 

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4925464668733717&id=70e0b12eedf4e72c6b3e0ae56cb7d9ca&index=newexp

Tues. Mar. 25:  Charter Schools:  a continuation of Tiger Bay’s excellent discussions on this growing segment of public education. 

Tues. Apr. 24:  Nutrition and Student Learning: the impact of federal mandates, menu options, and fueling the student brain.

Tues. May 29:  Mentoring:  what really works and how much can volunteers help in supporting student learning.

To attend a live session, RSVP at 355-7121.

All programs will be aired live and replay on METV.

 

 

http://sites.google.com/site/cswsarasota/_/rsrc/1278887296152/home/suffragettes2.jpg?height=400&width=355Sat. Aug. 25.  Women’s Equity Day.  11:00 am.  An annual celebration of the anniversary of women’s right to vote.  Exhibits, networking, lunch, and speaker program.  Polo Grill restaurant, Main St., Lakewood Ranch.  Circle this date on your calendar.  Reservation info to be posted soon.  

 

 

LWV Speaker’s Bureau:  Do you belong to a club that hosts guest speakers?  We now have a League Speakers Bureau, and can supply your group with practiced speakers with slide programs on a variety of topics.  We currently offer informational programs on the Affordable Care Act of 2010; the Florida Election Act of 2011; Redistricting; the proposed Amendments to the Florida Constitution, and a presentation on the work of the League of Women Voters.  For more information, click on the “Committees” tab above, or call 729-9248.

 

 

 

VOTER INFORMATION –BE PREPARED TO VOTE!

Due to provisions in the Election Act passed by the Florida Legislature in 2011, the League of Women Voters of Manatee County wants to remind voters to contact the county Supervisor of Elections Office to verify their status, especially if they have relocated from another county, changed their name or signature, or want to vote by mail (absentee ballot).  Under Florida law, voters must be registered properly at least 29 days prior to an election. 

 

Due to the new law, if you have changes in this information, you will no longer be able to make those changes at the polls—you will have to use a provisional ballot instead.  To quickly prepare for all three elections in 2012, you can scan a “Be Ready to Vote” Microsoft tag for smartphones at http://gettag.mobi.  For more information, visit the League’s Be Ready to Vote website, www.BeReadyToVote.org.

 

 

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red.jpgCitizen action:  Get involved!  Contact your elected officials.  Let them know what you think. 

Download our Citizen’s Guide to Elected Officials for contact information. 

 

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Election 2012 Preview

STATE LEGISLATURE-proposed November ballot amendments

Florida Constitutional amendment proposals

(require 60% voter approval)

Lawmakers approved the following proposed constitutional amendments for the November 2012 general election ballot.

 

1.    Health Care Services:  Prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person or employer to purchase, obtain, or otherwise provide for health care coverage.

2.    Homestead Property Tax Discount for Disabled Veterans.  Expands the availability of the property discount on the homesteads of veterans who became disabled as the result of a combat injury.

3.    State Government Revenue Limitation. Replaces the existing state revenue limitation based on Florida personal income growth with a new state revenue limitation based on inflation and population changes.

4.    Property Tax Reduction for Non-homestead Assessment. Provides that non-homestead property assessment may not increase if the just value of that property is less than the just value of the property on the preceding January 1.

5.    State Courts. Provides that the Legislature may repeal a rule of court by a general law approved by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature.

6.    Public Funding of Abortions.  Provides that public funds may not be expended for any abortion or for health-benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.

7.    Removed

8.    Religious freedom.  Deletes the prohibition against using revenues from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.

9.    Homestead Property Tax Exemption.  Provides total or partial exemption for surviving spouse of military veteran or first responder.

10.  Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption.  Provides an exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by local governments on tangible property valued over $25,000 but less than $50,000.

11.  Additional Homestead Exemption for Low-Income Seniors.  For properties valued at less than $250,000, and residency on the property for at least 25 years,

12.  State University Board of Governors.  Provides appointment of Student Body president to board of governors of the State University System.

 

Full text of these amendments at Florida Division of Elections – Amendments

 

 

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newspaper.jpgSee our latest newsletter: The Manatee Voter

 

 

Volunteers Needed

Are you hiding your light under a bushel?   Here’s your chance to let your talents bloom while making a difference in our community.  The opportunities are limitless.  Here are some examples:

  • Distributing voter guides.
  • Fundraising
  • Staffing booths at events.
  • Committee activities- help us study issues and make recommendations to decision makers.
  • Creating attractive and interesting educational materials.
  • Website design
  • Expanding our outreach efforts.
  • Voter education
  • Coordinating our efforts with other community groups.

 

If you are interested, please call 729-9248.

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JOIN THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MANATEE COUNTY

The League of Women Voters celebrated its 90th birthday on February 14, 2010. As the League honored the years of work its members accomplished, it is also looking to the future. In 2010 League members will continue their commitment to improving communities across the country. As a nonpartisan political organization with over 850 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America's most trusted organizations.

As we celebrate the difference we have made over the years, we remain focused on the future, working to keep Manatee County strong, healthy and vibrant. This year, the League remains committed to our mission to educate and engage members of the community in their government.

The LWV of Manatee County has an active agenda this year. Our members work toward our goals every day by reaching out to new citizens and first-time voters, protecting our natural resources, improving our election systems and holding public forums on government transparency and other important issues.

We are:

·         Empowering millions of voters to protect their right to vote

·         Working to ensure that ALL votes are counted and all voices are heard

·         Preserving our constitutional rights by safeguarding civil liberties.

·         Acting as a force for positive change in our communities and in our democracy

·         We believe that sensible, responsible, civil discourse and action based on substance, rather than partisan battles is essential if we are to avoid polarization and get something done.

Join us and bring civil discourse and genuine citizen's perspective back into local, state and national issues. Join us and be part of the solution! Become a member.

Please fill out and mail this application.  Membership is open to men and women of all ages. Members have an opportunity to study issues affecting their lives and to promote action. The League does not support or oppose individual candidates.

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DONATE TO THE LEAGUE

Your contribution will provide important support for advancing our critical work. Contribute today!

 

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send check to:
LWV Manatee
P.O. Box 545
Bradenton, FL 34206

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League of Women Voters of Manatee County
P. O. Box 545   ·   Bradenton, FL   ·   34206
TELEPHONE: (941) 744-9692



Last modified May 3, 2012

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