Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that the people of this country should play a critical role in democracy. We were founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.
Throughout the years, the League has continued its dual purposes of education and advocacy. They study issues and develop positions in matters of public policy at all levels of government. This is their position on government policy pertaining to Meeting Basic Human Needs.
The League of Women Voters believes that one of the goals of social policy in the US should be to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families, and that the most effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty. We support policies and programs designed to increase job opportunities and access to health insurance. Further, we believe it is critical to provide support services such as child care and transportation, and to provide opportunities for education and job training.
Further, the League believes that low-income assistance should be based on need, and that benefit levels should be sufficient enough to provide for adequate standards for food, clothing, shelter and medical care.
Regarding the basic human need for housing, the League’s position is that the federal government must ensure that our economic system functions so that people at all income levels have a decent home and a suitable living environment. State and local governments should assist by establishing agencies that aid and supplement the housing programs of the federal government and the private sector.
Government at all levels must make available sufficient funds for housing assistance programs. We believe, too, that citizen groups have a role to play in housing policy, by supporting legislation, activating non-profit sponsorship and developing public awareness of community need and housing discrimination.
An upcoming local program will address these issues. Dr. Anji Buckner-Capone, associate professor of Public Health at San José State University, will present research on the extreme disparities in local communities and the recently published, 6th Annual Silicon Valley Pain Index.
The Plague of Income Inequality
Saturday, Sept. 6
10 – 11:30am
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont
lwvfnuc.og
