Kentucky League of Women Voters

Co-Presidents’ message:

Many thanks to all of you who took the time to inform your Kentucky state legislators that you support the automatic restoration of former felons’ voting rights after they have paid their debt to society.  On September 22, several members of our voting rights coalition testified before the Joint Taskforce on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Governmental Affairs.  Teena Halbig testified in behalf of the League of Women Voters.  She explained that many former felons who cannot vote feel that they are relegated to civic isolation and are deprived of a sense of collective identity and membership in the community.

The new bill, BR 2, which has been prefiled by Representative Jesse Crenshaw, will allow voters to decide on whether they want to change the Kentucky Constitution to allow automatic restoration of former felons’ voting rights.  Currently, one must request a pardon from the Governor, a cumbersome ad confusing process.  There is still plenty of time to get in touch with your representatives to  inform them of your support of BR 2(formerly HB 70).  You can find your KY senator or representative’s contact information online at http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Legislators.htm.

Nita Smith & Terry Naydan

Co-Presidents, LWV of Kentucky

LWV of KY Energy Study

The energy study committee, consisting of Joan Lindop, Nancy McDuffie, and Elizabeth Crowe, have already had several meetings on energy issues in Madison County and have scheduled several more throughout the state.  In Lexington, the 6 p.m. Dinner & Democracy meeting of October 13, will feature John Twitchell, who represents the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, and Jonathan Miller, who is Secretary of the Kentucky Finance Administration Cabinet.  They will present their insights on energy efficiencies and renewable energy.  The cost is $10 and the meeting will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Lexington.  Call 859-494-3202 for reservations.  The public is welcome!

If you live closer to Louisville, on October 12, at 6:30 p.m., the Louisville League is presenting a meeting on Energy at Lang House, 115 So. Ewing Avenue.  Greg Guess, of the KY Division of Renewable Energy and Efficiency has been invited to speak, as well as Lee Colton.

The Energy Study Committee also has an email list of contacts who can speak on energy efficiency issues.  Email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@cwwg.org, Joan @jlindop@gmail.com, or Nancy at n.mcduffie@insightbb.com for more information about contacts.