By Public Policy Chair

Marilyn Treiman

halamari1@juno.com
Text Box: Public Policy Text Box: Volume 29, Number 2 October, 2008 Page # Text Box: AAUW OF OREGON ADOPTS POSITIONS ON BALLOT MEASURES At the July meeting, the State Board and leadership Team voted for AAUW of Oregon to join the Defend Oregon Coalition, formed to support and oppose certain ballot measures on the November general election ballot. AAUW of Oregon will participate only for the three measures on which we have taken positions: Support Measures 54 and 56; oppose Measure 60. Measure 54 is a Constitutional Amendment to remove the exception banning 18-year-olds from voting in school board elections. Measure 56 is a Constitutional Amendment to add May elections to the general elections, which allow property tax proposals that can be decided by a simple majority vote. AAUW opposes Measure 60, an initiative statute that would base teacher raises on classroom performance rather than on seniority. Be sure to vote on these issues, preferably as recommended by the State Board. BIENNIAL ACTION PRIORITIES Biennial priorities for federal action are chosen according to the criteria of viability, critical need, strong member support, and potential for distinctive Text Box: AAUW contribution or leadership To support a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, AAUW advocates Adequate and equitable funding for quality public education for all students Opposition to the use of public funds for nonpublic elementary and secondary education Vigorous enforcement of Title IX and all other civil rights laws pertaining to education Protection of programs that meet the needs of girls in elementary and secondary education Increased support for, and access to, higher education for women and other disadvantaged populations To achieve economic self-sufficiency for all women, AAUW advocates Pay equity and fairness in compensation Equitable access and advancement in employment Vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes Greater availability of and access to benefits and policies that create a family-Text Box: friendly workplace environment Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the workplace, including nontraditional occupations Strengthening programs, including welfare and vocational education, to improve postsecondary education access, career development, and earning potential Protection of the social insurance nature of Social Security To guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society, AAUW advocates Vigorous protection of and full access to civil and constitutional rights Choice in the determination of one’s reproductive life Freedom from violence and fear of violence in homes, schools, workplaces and communities Increased access to health care and family planning services, and expansion of patients’ rights Support for U.N. programs that address human rights and women’s and girls’ concerns