CPA News- November 15, 2001
POLICY ISSUE UPDATE
STATES RESPOND TO THE ATTACKS
State legislatures are operating in a whole new environment as a result of the terrorist attacks on America. New initiatives addressing homeland security are taking center stage, while spending programs face cutbacks forced by the economic downturn. As they develop proposals to protect Americans from terrorism, progressive state leaders are beginning to understand the challenge of getting policies right.
- Click here to read CPA's Alternatives articlehighlighting state proposals addressing the crisis.
- Click here to read an editorial from Jane Gruenebaum, CPA's Chief Operating Officer, about what type of leadership is needed to heal our nation and find solutions to issues of economic and physical safety and security in Exceptional Times Call for Exceptional Leadership .
REDUCING MEDICAID DRUG COSTS THROUGH FAIR MARKET DRUG PRICING
Spiraling prescription drug costs have hit states hard in two ways: drug costs are busting state Medicaid budgets and burdening other state health coverage programs, and uninsured residents--especially seniors--are unable to afford the medicines they need. States are beginning to respond, creating new programs to purchase drugs at lower prices.
- Click here to read CPA's Alternatives article addressing recent state action and a new model policy to save states money and provide lower prices to the uninsured.
- Click here to view CPA's recentpress release weighing in on the federal government's recent negotiation to lower the cost of the anti-anthrax drug Cipro, revealing what states knew all along: that government can and should take advantage of the long held practice of manufacturers selling the exact same drugs to different purchasers, at widely varying prices.
- Click here to link to our latest fact sheet, "Fair Market Drug Pricing."
A CONVERSATION WITH JULIANNE MALVEAUX
Dr. Julianne Malveaux recently shared her thoughts with CPA on the role of states in the current economic and political environment. Dr. Malveaux, an MIT-trained economist, writer and syndicated columnist whose thoughts on national affairs, the American workplace and the economy appear each week in more than 20 newspapers nationally.
STATES NEED TO STRENGTHEN HATE CRIME LAWS
Hate crimes are on the rise as evidenced by the 750+ attacks directed at Muslims, Sikhs and people
of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent were documented in the weeks following September
11. While 16 states have fairly strong hate crime laws, seven states have no hate crime statutes, and
the remaining 27 states could upgrade existing laws, which lack effective penalties and provide
incomplete protection. Click here to read CPA's Alternatives article advocating, in light of the surge in
violent attacks motivated by ethnicity, race and religion, for states to create or enhance existing hate
crime laws.
LINKS TO ADDITIONAL ARTICLES IN THE FALL 2001 ALTERNATIVES
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CPA Selects New CEO: Noted progressive political and policy leader Tim McFeeley joins CPA staff on November 5, 2001
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CPA EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
CPA IN FULL SWING WITH 25th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
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2001 Summit on the States: A Progressive Response to the National Crisis, December 8-9, 2001- Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Washington,DC Now, more than ever, progressives need to come together as a united community not only to promote our key policies but to create opportunities for change. This year's Summit will provide the very latest ideas for states legislators and activists to strengthen personal and economic security while protecting our most basic rights and freedoms. To register, click
here, or for more information, contact
Bryn Dolan at 202-956-5143.
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CPA's Annual Awards Dinner and 25th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, December 7, 2001- Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC CPA holds an Annual Awards Dinner to honor outstanding Americans who have been powerful forces in the resurgence of progressive public policy across the 50 states. This year's event will be held in conjunction with the Summit on the States. CPA will honor former CPA President and current CPA Board Chair Linda Tarr-Whelan, Texas State Representative Garnet F. Coleman, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, National Education Association
President Robert Chase and A&M University Student Body President Andrew Gillum. For more details and to purchase a dinner ticket, go to http://www.stateaction.org/dinner/ or contact Chris Rutledge at (202) 956-5151.
- Naming the Game: How to Frame Issues for Change, Friday, December 7, 2001- Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC CPA will convene aspecial workshop for Northeast legislators, state policy activists and grassroots leaders. The workshop demonstrates how to successfully subvert and change dominant frames, including examples from recent political history. Changes in the public discourse since September 11 will be discussed in terms of how to reframe issues so that progressive work is understood as critical. Through a highly interactive process, participants will engage in a creative analysis of the current frames on unemployment insurance, prescription drugs, and family leave benefits. For more information about this Northeast meeting, please contact Bettye Jo Pakulis, Northeast Region Director at 860-727-1115.
- U.S.-Japan Women in Public Policy, November 3 - 15, 2001. The Japan Society and CPA are in year two of the U.S.-Japan Exchange on Women in Public Policy. Three issues are the focus of the policy discussions of this exchange: domestic violence, elder care and economic development. These issues affect women directly and women leaders are seeking solutions in order to make a difference in these areas. The women's centers hosting the U.S. delegation are located in Yokohama, Fukushima and Sendai, Japan. Former Wisconsin Legislator Rosemary Potter is heading the U.S. delegation. Download a copy of our report, "Thoughts for Policy Makers" that came out of the first exchange http://www.stateaction.org/programs/women/japan/japanreport2000.pdf
- Eleanor Roosevelt Global Leadership Institute International Retreat, November 24 - December 1, 2001, Santiago, Chile The upcoming international retreat for the 2001 Eleanor Roosevelt Global Leadership Institute Fellows will provide the class of state legislators with an opportunity to interact with peers; meet public, private and NGO representatives; and observe the challenges and opportunities of a developing country in the global community. Stay tuned to a full retreat report in early 2002.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CPA Now Accepting Applications for a Mentorship Program for Californian Women Leaders CPA, in partnership with the California State Economic Network (SEN), has developed the Symposium for California’s Emerging Women Leaders (SCEWL). This program is designed to encourage and prepare young women (ages 18-35) to actively participate in leadership roles and the political process. Through SCEWL, established Outstanding Women Leaders (OWLs), including state legislators, nonprofit advocates and business leaders, will mentor and coach young, Emerging Women Leaders (EWLs) to become stronger, smarter, and bolder in their tactics and approach to policy development, advocacy and business. By bringing today’s young women together with accomplished women leaders across sectors, SCEWL will provide the opportunity and incentive for Emerging Women Leaders to become more effectively engaged in the political and decision-making processes. To learn more about SCEWL and how to apply, click here.