For Feb 28, 2025 e-newsletter:
The UU the Vote team has been busy making good trouble. Lately we have worked on civic engagement activities and other current issues at the national and local level. In addition to continuing to attend unicameral hearings and contacting local and national representatives, several members joined the throng that heard Senator Bernie Sanders speak on "Defeating Oligarchy" on Friday, Feb 21, in downtown Omaha. You can see the live event here.
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For Feb 21, 2025 e-newsletter:
1. SUMMARY of Feb 18 Meeting - “The UU the Vote Team met on Tuesday
evening on zoom. Topics included; civic engagement activities attended by members,
upcoming activities and current issues at the national and local level. Activities attended included: League of Women Voters appearances in the Unicameral; webinar with UU Congresswoman Judy Chu; several Unicameral hearings attended in
person or on Nebraska Public Media; members sent numerous emails, calls and
other contacts to national representatives Unicameral senators.
2. STOP DEFUNDING NPR - Fill out this survey.
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For Feb 14, 2025 e-newsletter:
1. REPORT ON LB 89 - (Senator Kauth's "Stand for Women Bill.")
I don't know if you got to see on Public TV any of the "Government, Military and Veteran Affairs" committee hearing last Friday on Sen. Kauth's LB 89, the grossly misnamed "Stand for Women Bill." I watched it off and on over the four hours plus it was on the Public TV station.
The proponents' testimony was filled with ignorance, vitriol and hate. As before, they claimed trans folks were liars, pretenders, perverts and "anti-Christian sinners." The supporters of the bill who spoke included Governor Pillen, Senator Kauth (of course,) the Catholic church, several homophobic athletes and several women claiming (with no evidence) that there would be sexual assaults in bathrooms. It was a treat to see Senator John Cavanaugh. rip apart Pillen with questions. The Gov's only answers were "It is just common sense" (which it isn't) and "I don't know."
The opponent's testimony came from several medical associations, Social Workers groups, and other experts. The most compelling testimony came from members of the trans community and their parents and friends. They often turned proponent claims on their heads. One in particular was that there would likely be more sexual assaults in bathrooms if the bill was passed. We can only hope a filibuster will succeed. We would need a couple of "squishy" senators to vote no or "not voting" on cloture. My guess would be that there were three times as many opponents as proponents at the hearing.
2.. The Status of 'Winner Take All" legislation
The Government, Military and Veterans Committee took no action on the two "Bring back 'Winner Take All' " electoral voting. For the time being this is OK, but we have to see that it doesn't get out of committee. Thanks to everyone who attended the committee hearing.
3. Retired Educators Lobby Day 2/18
There are a number of measures affecting public education in this session. There is a "Retired Educators Lobby Day " coming up on the morning of February 18th. Any retired educators would still have time to attend that event and join the UU the Vote zoomer at 6:30.
4. First Unitarian is again a polling place for the upcoming Omaha Municipal elections on April I (Primary) and May 13 (General). We still could use some volunteers to "babysit" our building on those days. The Douglas County Election staff will do all the "heavy lifting." If you would like to help out on either day please let me know. We usually do one or two hour shifts starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. I am the host person for First this year. -Dave Richardson
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For Feb 9, 2025 e-newsletter:
From our friends at ACLU Nebraska:
We need every ally. On Friday afternoon, February 7, the Nebraska Legislature will hear testimony on LB 89, a bill that would mandate government discrimination against transgender Nebraskans. The hearing will be held in Room 1525 at 1:30 PM.
Submit public commentary about the bill here. (Click on the box that reads "Submit Comments Online for LB89")
The so-called "Stand With Women Act" would rigidly redefine sex in state law, restrict trans-Nebraskans' rights in schools, athletics, and state agencies, and create discriminatory barriers to essential services. Our message is clear: Nebraska should be a place where everyone is valued and protected under the law.
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