League of Woman Voters of Northampton Area

LWV Acts on Challenges to Democracy

LWV CALLS ON CONGRESS TO ACT. “The League of Women Voters of the United States along with our state affiliates in 50 states and the District of Columbia, write to express our strong concern about Congress’s abdication of its duty and authority under Article I of the US Constitution. We urge you to exercise your authority to protect the rule of law, defend the Constitution, and end the overreach by the executive branch of government, which is surely leading to harm for millions of Americans. We demand that you honor your oaths and protect your constituents.”

The League of Women Voters of the United States, along with all 51 state Leagues, issued a LETTER TO CONGRESS on February 14 URGING THEM TO EXERCISE THIR AUTHORITY. Read the complete letter here and the press release here.

Webinar with Climate Investor, Tom Steyer, March 27

March 27 webinar, 7 pm with Tom Steyer. REGISTER HERE Come learn about the climate crisis and why local action is critical. A longtime leader in the climate movement, Tom has spearheaded citizen campaigns, championed climate science, and advocated for bold legislation—even running for President to put climate first. Now, he’s leveraging decades of experience as a world-class investor to drive climate solutions in the private sector. Steyer played a key role in preserving California’s Global Warming Solutions Act, while also working to pass clean energy initiatives and advocate for environmental justice across the country. In 2020 Steyer served as co-chair for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Business and Jobs Recovery Task Force. In addition, he co-chaired President Biden’s Climate Engagement Advisory Council to help mobilize climate voters.

LWV annual membership renewal system changes start February 3rd

Beginning February 3, most members will join and renew their annual dues through a centralized online form. For a summary of the new process, please read New membership System FAQs 2/25

ALL MEMBERS SHOULD ACTIVATE THEIR MEMBERSHIP PORTAL  IN FEBRUARY. LWVUS will send you an email (membership@lwv.org) the week of February 3rd. The email contains a unique link, just for you. Lou Bouley has already entered your membership profile. Review it, make changes if needed. This will create your unique link to the portal. 

First open the Join/Renew/Portal button in top menu to see complete directions, including a video with step-by-step actions. Directions include joining and renewing annual membership dues. Click on red Join/Renew button on the right to go to the national portal.

Don’t want to use the LWVUS portal? You can pay dues or join offline – print the membership form on the Northampton Area LWV website. Click on the Join/Renew/Portal button in top menu for directions for writing check and mailing address.

REVISE CHAPTER 70 FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Contact your legislators

Write to your Representative and Senator about the critical need to revise Chapter 70 Funding. Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke school systems can’t balance their budgets for 2026, and are considering cutting teachers and programs because of insufficient Ch.70 Funds.

LWVMA Where We Stand, p 39 calls for adjustment of the state’s education funding formula (the foundation budget formula) to meet changing needs and to cover costs, including those associated with mandated programs (2017)

Excellent slide show Overview of Chapter 70 Funding for Education by the Mass Municipal Association.

 

Broadside Bookstore, Northampton – great source of books for defending democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion

“We are here for you today and always. We hope our little store can be a source of comfort and a site of knowledge and power.” Broadside Bookstore Facebook, Jan. 20,2025

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion League Policy

The Northampton Area League is fully committed to ensure compliance – in principle and in practice – with LWVUS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy.

1/21/2024 LWV DEI Policy: Discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be accepted within the League, including but not limited to race, socio-economic status, age, ability status, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or marital status. The League is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members. The collective sum of our individual differences and life experiences represents not only our culture, but our reputation and the organization’s mission and achievements as well.

Historical Posters and Photos are now in the 100th Anniversary Folder

View historical photos, events, and resources here.

 

 

 

 

 

Congress has introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require citizenship documentation to register to vote even though voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering.
Americans do not need MORE obstacles to vote. Tell your representatives to say NO to the SAVE ACT.

In the first 17 days of the Trump administration, we’ve witnessed nothing short of the weaponization of government against Americans. Read LWV CEO Celina Stewart’s full statement in response to actions taken by the new administration and the impact on voters,

“The dismantling of our sacred democracy on full display for the world is one of the most horrific events in modern-day politics. When the executive branch egregiously signals it will defy court orders and neglect the welfare of citizens, that is when Congress must be reminded of their duty to defend the Constitution. The League demands Congress act to prevent threats to the very fabric of our Republic – LWVUS CEO, Celina Stewart Esq, Facebook, February 14

On February 5, 2025, LWUS sent a letter to the Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CACAP), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), “requesting a meeting with you to discuss how we might work together to protect and preserve federal voting rights laws, including the Voting Rights Act, during the 119thCongress.” Partners on the letter included The League of Women Voters of the United States®, Southern Poverty Law Center, American Association of People with Disabilities, Asian Pacific Islander American VOTE, National Council of Jewish Women, and National Organization for Women.

Rep. Sabadosa, other pols again co-sponsor ‘Medicare for All’ bill

Rep. Sabadosa, other pols again co-sponsor ‘Medicare for All’ bill, Hampshire Gazette, 2/3/2025

 

LWV co-sponsored book event at Odyssey Bookstore Oct. 7

Lou Bouley and Brigid Glackin provided voting information at the League table.

 Joshua Douglas introduced his new book, The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How The Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights. The book gives an urgent and gripping look at the erosion of voting rights and its implications  for democracy, told through the stories of 9 Supreme Court decisions –and the next looming case. RECOMMENDED READING for a greater understanding of the Supreme Court’s role in curbing voting rights, and how we can reverse course towards improving voters rights.

Click to watch Northampton LWV member, Chris Flory, discuss Medicare for All in MA.