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Date: 3/16/2021
Subject: LWVJoCo Update: Learn what's percolating in the legislature
From: LWV of Johnson County



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Join us for our virtual Legislative Coffees. Sign up for our discussion on equity in housing in Johnson County, and participate in the 2021 WEALTH Days. There's much to learn and do  read on for more!


Legislative coffees are back (virtually)

Join us for virtual coffee talks with state representatives and senators to learn what's percolating in the Kansas Legislature. Coffee talks will be help March 20 and 27, and April 3 and 10. All legislators representing Johnson County were invited. Visit the event page on the Johnson County Library website to learn who will be participating on each date.  

Equal Opportunity Housing

LWVJoCo supports safe, affordable housing for people of all income levels. Join us on Thursday, April 8 at 6 p.m. to learn about the Johnson County Municipalities Community Housing Study. Panel members from the Johnson County Health Equity Network will drill down on the complexities of overcoming barriers and present opportunities for making Johnson County a welcoming place for all. 

Voting in a pandemic: KS was ready 

At the League's recent Annual Meeting, former Johnson County Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt provided a recap of what it took to manage a successful election season in Johnson County during a pandemic. Some of the reasons included:

  • Existing laws allowing for early voting, no-excuse mail-in ballots, and early in-person voting
  • Enhanced equipment procured through federal and state CARES Act funding
  • A highly collaborative effort to install ballot drop boxes
  • Continuous communication (helped in part by the League!)
  • Over 500 volunteer hours donated to the election office (also thanks in part to the League!)
And a few results:
  • Election Day results were tabulated by 8:15 p.m. (a new Johnson County Election Office record)
  • 44% of voters voted by mail (77% of those were returned via a drop box); 34% voted early in-person; 22% voted on Election Day
View the full presentation here.

DEIMoment - Equal Rights

Add the ERA to the Constitution

The Equal Rights Amendment is not only for women, but for all Americans, regardless of gender identity or sex. As long as this equality is not enshrined in our Constitution, there is the risk that laws can be passed to diminish the idea of equality in America. This year, the ERA is closer than ever to taking its rightful place in the supreme law of our nation.


Stay informed and engaged

PPFM Week of Action
LWVJoCo is developing a week of action for People Powered Fair Maps in late April, including a panel discussion featuring members of the Kansas House Redistricting Committee on April 29. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information.
Tell the Senate to Support S1!
The For the People Act is the democracy reform bill the American people want and deserve. The House has again passed the bill. We cannot let it get stalled in the Senate againContact your Senator today and tell them to support the For the People Act (S1).

Join the 2021 WEALTH Days this week 

It's not too late to participate in the 2021 WEALTH Days of Advocacy and Education. This is a unique opportunity to connection virtually with people across Kansas on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health (WEALTH). The event, run by the Climate + Energy Project, runs March 16-18. Learn more.

The first local primary is set

Three candidates have filed for city council in Overland Park, Ward 4. The primary will be held in August. Learn who the candidates are here.

Support for the Voting Rights Act from both parties

In Brnovich v. DNC, AZ Attorney General Mark Brnovich and the Republican party claim that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which allows Americans to bring lawsuits to challenge illegal voter suppression tactics, hinders legitimate action administration. Read this article from The Brennan Center, written by officials from both parties, on how that is not the case.

WaterOne Board vacancy

Elected Board member Greg Mitchell has resigned his seat. The Board is following its process to select an appointment to fill Seat 2 for the remainder of the term (May 2021 - December 2023). If you are interested, visit the WaterOne to learn more about the role and to apply. Applications are due by noon on March 20, 2021.  

 
 

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