Social Policy

- ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE -

POSITION IN BRIEF: Action to ensure that our courts are fair, efficient, accessible and staffed with qualified personnel. Action to maintain a separate court system and facilities for youths that will balance the procedural rights of the adversary system with the protection of youth's basic rights. Action to realize equity in sentencing standards. Action to obtain alternatives to incarceration is of prime importance.

BACKGROUND: The League's Administration of Justice position has its root in a 1939 study, "Needs of Delinquent and Dependent Children." This position established our support for the adequate protection of juveniles. As part of a study of the state constitution (1965), the League focused on the judicial branch. From this study came our position on an intermediate appellate court. The League was present to see the culmination of its efforts when the twelve judges of the three divisions of the Court of Appeals were sworn in (August 1969).

League members were active in the Citizens' Conference on Washington Courts. Our position was updated in 1973, and in 1975 Administration of Justice was adopted as a separate program item. League undertook a study of judicial reforms including court jurisdiction, selection and tenure of judges, the penal system and juvenile justice.

In 1979 the League adopted a study of the adult corrections system. The publication Corrections? and the 1980 consensus on the correction system were a result of this study. The League helped write legislation to remove juvenile offenders and boat and game offenders from adult jails (1984).

The League's initial study on juvenile justice focused on the Juvenile Court. Our 1976 position was the basis for our lobbying efforts in opposition to the incarceration of dependent youth in state facilities for delinquents (SB 3116). In 1981 League adopted by concurrence with the Thurston County LWV a position relating to the housing of juveniles and dependent children within the justice system. As a member of the Judicial Administration Commission (1984), the League was involved in studying Washington's court system: its funding, structure and operations. In coalition, League has lobbied successfully to prevent the reintroduction of criminal sanctions for status offenders (runaways, truants). During the 1995 legislative session we opposed locking up non-offender runaway youth. We only partially succeeded in that the governor vetoed six-month involuntary incarceration of non-offender youth.

During the 1997 legislative session, League successfully lobbied against bills that would have made 16- and 17-year-olds eligible for the death penalty. League also opposed legislation, which did pass, that will turn over to adult court some 16- and 17-year-olds who commit violent crimes.

Adult Corrections (1981)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• A system of sentencing should provide accountability, equity and uniformity among courts and jurisdictions. Flexible guidelines should take into account the diversity among individuals and situations. There is a need for compromise between determinate and indeterminate sentencing.
• In the case of determinate sentencing where there is no role for the parole board, a support and/or review board should exist.
• A separate Department of Corrections should be established thereby enhancing visibility and accountability.
• New facilities are needed. Small prisons should facilitate the separation of offenders needed for security and offer the maximum rehabilitation opportunities.
• Funding for alternatives to incarceration should be a Legislative priority.
• Effective rehabilitation is society's best protection. Changes within the penal system should improve conditions and strengthen opportunities for vocational and educational activities.
• Women and men should be treated equally.

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• The judicial article of the State Constitution should establish a system of courts with specific details to be determined by the legislature. (Judicial Article 1968)
• There should be a two-level trial court composed of a Superior Court and a District Court. Both should be courts of record. (Trial Courts 1977)
• The essential functions of an appellate court are to maintain uniform administration of the law, eliminate undue delay in processing appeals and to provide guidance and assistance to the lower courts. Review of Intermediate Appellate Court decisions should be at the discretion of the Supreme Court. Cases involving death penalty, life imprisonment and constitutional questions should be appealed directly from the Superior Court to the Supreme Court. Location and operation of the Intermediate Appellate Court should be flexible enough to respond to changing population and caseloads. Panels should have an uneven number of judges, preferably three but no more than five judges. Provision should be made for the rotation of judges and for the addition of new judges and panels when and where needed. (Appellate Court 1968, 1969)
• The reception and processing of cases should be simple and orderly. All cases should be determined promptly. Fair consideration should be given to each type of case. Policies, procedures and rules should be uniform throughout the state. The court systems should be designed to attract the best judicial and non-judicial officers and they should be paid accordingly. The courts should have competent supporting staff and appropriate facilities. Our court system should be flexible in order to respond to changing needs and demands of the times. (Standards 1977)
• A non-partisan nominating commission composed of both lawyers and laymen should present names of judicial candidates to the Governor for appointment. Voters should have the opportunity for periodic review of judges appointed through the nomination process. Until Washington has a merit system for selecting judges, mid-term vacancies in judicial positions should be filled by Governor's appointment from a list proposed by an impartial group of lawyers and laymen. A judicial qualifications commission should be comprised of members of the judiciary, bar and non-attorney citizens and should be broad-based in representation. (Selection of Judges 1977)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• Youth should be entitled to basic legal rights (notice of charges, right to confront and cross examine witnesses, privilege against self-incrimination, right to an attorney) as set down by the U.S. Supreme Court. These rights should not include the right to jury trial or to bail.
• Basic human rights for youth should include education, health care, a stable home environment, counseling, protection from abuse and neglect and rehabilitation.
• Society is entitled to protection of life, property and other rights as guaranteed by law, regardless of the age of the offender.
• Juveniles should not be incarcerated for status offenses. Delinquent children may have to be incarcerated in certain cases but this should occur only when all other resources have been exhausted or when the crime is so serious that there is no other way to protect society.
• Youth must accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions. At the same time, however, age, intellect and mental capabilities of the child must be considered. Home, school and community must share in the guidance and teaching responsibility.
• Juveniles should not be kept in the same facilities as adults. Dependent children should not be kept in the same facilities as delinquents. (1981)
• There should be some authority in the Juvenile Justice Law to oversee its implementation.
• Certain first and minor offenders should be diverted from the court system and their problems handled by the community.
• The law should provide facilities and personnel for mentally and emotionally disturbed juveniles as well as for problems arising from alcohol and drug abuse.

- CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS -

POSITION IN BRIEF: The League of Women Voters supports vigorous, efficient and innovative child support enforcement methods and broad education regarding the responsibilities and consequences of parenthood. The best interest of the child should be the overriding consideration in determining custody, visitation and an appropriate level of child support. The physical and emotional security of the child should be paramount. Children are entitled to support that is adequate to meet basic needs commensurate with the parents' income, resources, and standard of living. Courts should have the discretion to order post secondary educational support in appropriate circumstances.

Action to support stable and adequate funding for children at risk, with priority given to prevention, early identification and intervention services, community based treatment programs, day treatment programs and residential care.

Action to provide for the general welfare of children in day care centers. Action to ensure that the state enforce minimum standards that include provision for a safe, healthy, clean environment. Action to support sufficient staff with emphasis on competence and ability to provide a creative, challenging and caring environment.

BACKGROUND: Born out of the suffrage movement, the League early on addressed existing social problems. Child labor laws were a state program item in the '20s. The League focused on adoption procedures in the '40s. In 1983 League adopted by concurrence the position of the Seattle League on "Day Care." This concurrence was subject to subsequent study and approval by local Leagues (1984). The League has testified on the critical need for day care services. Local Leagues were encouraged to develop data on availability, costs and conditions of local day care centers.

League successfully supported the passage of the "Trust Fund Bill" that established a tax on marriage licenses, with the funds raised earmarked for addressing child abuse problems. League played an important role in the 1984 legislative session lobbying for improved children's services. League was also involved in successfully lobbying for the reauthorization of the Washington Council on Child Abuse and Neglect and the implementation of the Children and Family Services Act. In 1985 and 1986, League conducted an extensive statewide study of the effectiveness of services for at-risk children - those who are abused, neglected, truant, runaway, emotionally disturbed or substance abuser. On the basis of interviews by local Leagues in twenty communities, the League issued a report on services for children at risk that formed the basis for a new League position and expanded lobbying efforts on behalf of children. In 1987, League lobbied for increased appropriations for children's services, including increases in day care reimbursement rates, supported measures to reduce the child welfare caseload, to increase legal protections for abused children, and to establish a Governor's Commission for Children.

At the 1991 convention a new study was adopted to examine Washington child custody and support laws and guidelines. The 1992 study, which included a survey of members of the judicial system, has been received with acclaim throughout the state.

In 1995 League closely watched the passage of a child abuse prevention bill to provide family preservation services to avoid out of home placement of abused and neglected children.

League's major effort in the 1997 legislative session was to extend the First Steps program to children up to age three. The legislation did not pass, but we plan to bring it back in 1998. Passage would have meant a significant step forward in prevention of child abuse and neglect for some 8,200 children born to families where there is high risk of abuse. League helped to defeat legislation that would have eliminated protections for young workers as well as parental "rights" bills aimed at giving parents more control by cutting youngsters off from needed help from the community.

In 1998 and 1999, increased help for programs for young children was slim. Mostly LWV sought to avoid deep cuts and save some programs. A slight increase in funding and improvement in providing assistance and information for foster parents were gains. Funding to identify policies to encourage higher rates of kinship care placements was provided. Safety of young children was improved by HB 1898 authorizing "Crisis Nurseries". We will continue to work for child safety programs such as controlling bullying and SB5236, to decriminalize the act of transferring a newborn to a qualified person at an appropriate location. SB 5606 required Background checks for DSHS workers, but more is needed to protect children in non-licensed/in home, state subsidized facilities.

Child Custody and Support (1993)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• The best interest of the child should be the overriding consideration in determining custody, visitation and an appropriate level of child support. The physical and emotional security of the child should be paramount. All parties involved should work to reduce any adversarial aspects of the proceedings. In establishing child support, courts must ensure that deviations from the standard calculation do not place children in poverty.
• Children are entitled to support [that is] adequate to meet basic needs, which include the normal and reasonable costs of food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental expenses, child care, education and incidental needs. Child support should be commensurate with the parents' income, resources, and standard of living. Courts should have the discretion to order post secondary educational support in appropriate circumstances.
  • The parents' child support obligation should be divided on a non-discriminatory basis in proportion to their incomes.
  • In determining an appropriate level of child support, income should be defined broadly to include income from any source. Children from earlier relationships should not be penalized due to support obligations owed to children from subsequent relationships.
  • For purposes of calculating child support, income should not be imputed to a parent who remains home to care for young children or children with special needs. Staying home to care for children should have monetary value attached to those services.
• The League of women Voters supports vigorous, efficient and innovative child support enforcement methods. An effective enforcement program should include non-judicial dispute resolution alternatives and incentives to ensure that parents voluntarily fulfill their child obligation.
• The League of Women Voters supports broad education regarding the responsibilities and consequences of parenthood.

Children's Services (1987)

The League of Women Voters of Washington supports:

• Stable and adequate funding for a coordinated continuum of services for children at risk. Priority should be given to prevention, early identification and intervention services, community based treatment and day treatment programs and funding for residential care.

Day Care for Children (1984)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• In order to provide for the general welfare of children, the state should maintain and enforce minimum standards for day care. Minimum standards should include provision for a safe, healthy, clean environment; creative and child oriented activities; competent caring providers and sufficient staff for the number of children.

- ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION -

POSITION IN BRIEF: Action to ensure a balanced state economy with a strong mixture of large and small businesses. Measures to contribute to long-range planning and cooperation between all levels of government with local initiatives wherever possible.

BACKGROUND: The 1989 convention voted to "Examine the ways in which Washington state local economies may be affected by changes in the defense budget, our natural resource base, international trade and other factors." After the study was completed in 1991, Targeting Tomorrow: Washington's economy adjusts to the '90s was printed to share the information gathered with the public. This publication was supported by the State of Washington Department of Community Development.

Soon after, the governor appointed an Economic Diversification Committee with appointed members from all sections of the state, and from diversified walks of life. The committee met regularly, encouraged diversification in the economy with some success, until it disbanded in 1994.

The League of Women Voters of Washington:

• Recognizes that a strong mixture of large and small businesses is necessary for a balanced state economy, and supports measures that encourage both large and small business with the following recommendations:
  • The quality of the environment should be a prime consideration when making economic decisions. The environment should not be permitted to degrade.
  • Small businesses and rural businesses should be especially encouraged until such time as there is a better mix of small, medium, and large businesses to make up to a balanced economy in all areas of the state.
• Support measures that contribute to long-range planning and cooperation among all levels of government. Such measures should encourage local initiatives wherever possible. (1991)

- GUN CONTROL IN WASHINGTON -

POSITION IN BRIEF: Government should regulate ownership and possession of firearms and limit their accessibility.

BACKGROUND: The 1990 League of Women Voters national convention adopted a position on Gun Control by consensus. A study was adopted by LWVWA in 1993 to examine and evaluate existing Washington state gun control laws and their enforcement. The scope of the study further called for a review of current laws in other states and Canadian provinces, and an assessment of gun control issues.

In 1997, after several years of lobbying unsuccessfully for legislation to implement our position, the League endorsed Initiative 676, the Handgun Safety Act, and worked in coalition with Washington Ceasefire and other groups to gather enough signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. The act would require that all handguns be sold with trigger-locking devices for safe storage and that handgun owners be required to obtain a safety license to indicate that they have been trained in the safe operation, handling and storage of handguns.

The Handgun Safety Initiative 676 supported by LWVWA did not pass in 1997. Since that defeat we have continued to work on legislation regarding the safe-storage of guns and for closing the gun show loophole involving the sale of guns without the regulations required of licensed gun dealers.

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• Government should regulate ownership and possession of firearms and limit their accessibility.
• Firearms should be regulated by government through measures which may include the following.
  • Federal: applications to purchase; registration; manufacturers' and dealers' license fees; restrictions on owning, transporting and distributing; prohibition on types and places allowed, extended waiting periods (as consistent with LWVUS Gun Control position).
  • State: licensing to purchase; issuance of state and local ID cards; registration; manufacturers' and dealers' license fees; restrictions on owning, carrying, transporting and distributing; prohibition on types and places allowed; extended waiting periods.
  • Local: prohibition on places allowed.
• Taxes and license fees should be increased to help pay for:
  • education about firearm safety
  • background and verification checks for gun purchasers
  • violence prevention programs and measures
  • investigation and prosecution of illegal trafficking in firearms.
• Measures should be taken to limit young people's access to firearms. These should include the following:
  • gun-free zones in school areas
  • an age limit of 18 for the use and possession of guns
  • requirements for safe gun storage
  • civil and criminal parental liability under certain circumstances.

- HEALTH CARE-

POSITION IN BRIEF: Action to control total system expenditures and to provide universal access to affordable health services with seamless coverage regardless of one's health status.

BACKGROUND: After voting down a proposed study of "Health Care in Washington" at the 1991 League Convention, delegates to the 1992 state Council session voted to concur with the position reached by the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County on health care.

League study of health care reform began in the spring of 1990 with the creation of the State of Washington Health Care Commission. That same year "Health Care" was adopted as a national LWV study item. Snohomish County League members unfailingly followed the state commission's two-year process, which included full commission meetings once a month and weekly subcommittee meetings. Subcommittees monitored by LWV were Health Services, Access, and Cost Control. All meetings were full day sessions.

We followed Commission public hearings, provided input, and attended weekend retreats in Wenatchee, Alderbrook, and Yakima. Some Leagues held public forums to introduce the work of the Commission. When possible, various Commissioners attended to help summarize their report. Meetings on state health care reform were held in Port Townsend, Bellingham, Poulsbo, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Shelton, Oak Harbor, and Kent. We were instrumental in the organization of a forum sponsored by the Republican Women of Snohomish County.

In 1992, League was invited to lecture to a class of graduate students at the University of Washington on "The Politics of Health Care and Citizen Involvement." Since 1992, LWV representatives in Olympia have testified on behalf of our new state positions during legislative sessions. League has collaborated with two coalitions - one supporting health care reform policies in concert with our positions and another working to ensure the inclusion of long term care.

The Washington State Health Services Act of 1993, one of the most sweeping health care reform acts in the nation, was passed in the spring. It is an employer based, managed competition, multiple sponsor model of health care reform. It outlines a structure for providing access to a Uniform Benefit Package for all residents by the end of the decade.

League policies don't necessarily lead us to endorse this model of reform. However, we cautiously remain supportive. As the discussion moves forward and implementation strategies are developed, we will work to make the legislation more sensitive to consumer needs and choices in line with our positions. In the spring of 1995 the Washington State Legislature repealed most sections of the 1993 legislation. The health care debate appears to be in a state of uncertainty. During the legislative session, League followed bills such as HB 1046 very closely. The Health Care Reform Amendment had features we supported, but many more we opposed. It finally passed and thus terminated the Health Services Commission and Plan.

The League is represented on the Health Care Policy Advisory Board, the Interagency Quality Committee authorized by the legislature, and the Friends of the Basic Health Plan, a coalition working to expand the enrollment in the subsidized arm of the Basic Health Plan. Despite the best efforts of League and other coalition members, the bipartisan goal of 200,000 subsidized enrollees that was set by the legislature in 1995 was not met in 1997. The subsidized Basic Health Plan was capped at 130,000, with a waiting list of around 80,000.

The state League Board voted to become a member of the Washington Coalition for Insurance Parity which consists of various groups and organizations that support Senate Bill 5425, legislation that would call for parity regarding mental health benefits in health plans that do not self-insure. The League supported Senate Bill 5425 during the 1998 legislative session and it was a priority.

During the 2000 and 2001 legislative sessions the League continued to support the drive for mental health parity. However, a tie between the Republicans and Democrats in the House coupled with tight budget constraints precluded movement of major issues being monitored.

One exception to the lack of action was the Individual Market. This marketplace had eroded to the point that in 2000 no individual policies were being offered in the state other than organizational policies such as from the Chamber of Commerce. Before the session ended, a bill was passed which recreated a high-risk insurance pool to provide coverage for the costliest 8%. Individuals applying for insurance in this market must fill out a very detailed health screen and then are directed to the regular market or the pool. League did not support this legislation, which segments the very ill and injured. This will be a work in progress and one to follow for many reasons - some policy setting and some practical.

As with the rest of the nation, pharmaceutical coverage has been a pivotal issue. Governor Gary Locke proposed a program called AWARDS to help elderly people without drug insurance coverage purchase their medicine through group purchasing practices. In 2001 this was challenged by the coalition for Affordable Prescriptions for seniors. A Thurston County judge ruled that the Health Care Authority, which was designated as the implementing body, did not have legal authority to carry out the plan. Rather than a lengthy appeal, it was agreed to commit to further discussions.

The League of Women Voters of Washington supports:

• Policies, as part of comprehensive reform of the existing health system, which:
  • Ensure universal access for all residents to a comprehensive, uniform, and affordable set of health services. These services shall be available regardless of one's health status (i.e., pre-existing conditions) or financial status.
  • Provide "seamless" coverage and continuity of care, to the extent possible, regardless of changes in life circumstances such as change in employment, marital status, financial status, or health status.
  • Establish a mechanism to adequately control total system expenditures for health services while maintaining quality standards of care.
  • Assure that no one shall be forced into poverty because of medical or long-term needs. (1992)

- HUMAN RESOURCES-

POSITION IN BRIEF: Action to achieve equal rights for all. Action to achieve equality of opportunity for education, employment and housing regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Action to obtain measures that provide basic human needs for those unable to provide for themselves. Action to ensure that there are emergency support services for those involved in physical and/or mental violence.

BACKGROUND: From its inception League has worked for equal rights and social reforms. At the 1969 convention a study was adopted which focused on discrimination in housing and the need for and availability of low-cost housing. The resulting position was adopted at council in 1970. In conjunction with the national welfare study, the state began a study of state welfare programs. In 1971, convention adopted a study on the status of women. After the adoption of a position in 1972, members throughout the state campaigned successfully to place the Equal Rights Amendment (HJR 61) in the state constitution. The Human Resources position was expanded in 1979 when convention adopted by concurrence a position on Domestic Violence based on a Cowlitz County League study.

League lobbied with partial success to prevent the curtailment of available services and the closing of several Human Rights Commission offices. League also participated in the campaign to defeat Initiative 471 which would have deleted all Medicaid funding for abortions. In 1984 we joined with other interested groups to increase public awareness of social problems including domestic violence, comparable worth and chemical dependency. The programs highlighted the effects of these problems on youth, women and sexual or ethnic minorities. League sponsored two all-day workshops to discuss educational equity, comparable worth, day care and children's services.

In 1985 we supported a low-income housing trust fund, and in 1987 we lobbied for funding for the trust fund. In 1987 we helped amend the Family Independence Program (FIP) for welfare reform into acceptable form, which was enacted into law. In 1993 the convention adopted a position on welfare to replace the original position adopted in 1971. This rewritten position combines those from LWV of Washington and LWV of the United States. League has continued to actively lobby for adequate funding for programs covered by the positions below.

The 1995 legislative session, with many new representatives in the House, saw an orchestrated attack on the state's handling of welfare, on spending for a wide spectrum of human services, and on the civil rights of non-offender youth and homosexuals. We responded, with very moderate success.

During the session League did successfully support a domestic violence prevention bill (SB 5219). Three main goals of this legislation were to improve victims' access to the courts; to improve systems and procedures so courts, police and prosecutors can do their jobs better; and to improve enforcement mechanisms to improve victim protection.

At the 1995 state LWV convention, delegates adopted a study of "Public Assistance as Social Policy." Consensus reached after discussion of the study in the fall of 1996 resulted in adoption of the revised position on Welfare printed below in time for action during the 1997 legislative session. Congressional welfare reform, signed by the president in 1996, ended the 60-year entitlement of aid to poor families with dependent children, and passed on to the states the task of implementing the federal reform. The state legislation that eventually passed was originally a stingy, punitive measure by League standards, but it improved somewhat during the session, and some of the more onerous provisions were vetoed by the governor. Among the issues the League lobbied for with some success was guaranteed child care (without a high co-payment) for every participant who must go to work and general assistance for legal immigrants.

League has continued to lobby for approaches to welfare more attuned to the needs of recipients and their dependent children. In November 2001, Gov. Gary Locke announced a new policy. About 96 percent of Washington families receiving cash benefits would be exempt from the 5-year cutoff of August, 2002. Those who will be permanently exempted from the limit include parents with mental or physical disabilities too severe to work grandparents over 55 caring for grandchildren and relatives caring for a disabled child. Temporary exemptions up to one year will be granted for parents who have faithfully participated in 'WorkFirst but have been unable to find a job.

From 1992-1997 LWVWA relied upon League principles and LWVUS positions in successfully opposing legislation and the five initiatives that would have legalized discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals in our state. Delegates at the 1997 state convention adopted an amendment to our positions on Education and Human Resources to clarify our long-standing commitment to equal rights for all people and to be consistent with LWVUS positions.

In 1997 League endorsed Initiative 677, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. This initiative to the people would prohibit employers, employment agencies and labor organizations from discriminating based upon sexual orientation. In the 1998 election, the LWVWA unsuccessfully opposed Initiative 200 which made discrimination illegal but effectively did away with Affirmative Action. From 1998 through 2001 the League lobbied for the "Safe Schools Bill", which requires the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop criteria for school districts to develop their own anti-harassment policies and to establish training program guidelines for districts to address harassment and intimidation against all children, regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Due to an evenly split House the bill was not able to move out of committee. At the 2001 Convention the League passed a resolution supporting "a well-written Anti-Bullying Bill".

In 1999 League supported a bill to develop a grant program to fund public educational activities regarding the events around the forced internment of civilians of Japanese ancestry. Also, the League supported a bill which would enable employers to file a lawsuit on the basis of employment discrimination regardless of the number of persons employed by the employer. In 1999, 2000 and 2001 the League successfully opposed a bill that limited benefits of state employees to lawful spouses and dependent children. The State Board provided health insurance to partners of gay and lesbian employees in 2001.

In 2001 the League also supported a transgender hate-crimes bill, and a bill to study the implementation of the death penalty, but neither of these bills passed. However we successfully opposed a bill that would allow the Boy Scouts to receive state funds while discriminating against gay scouts and leaders.

Discrimination (1997)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• All levels of government share the responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for education, employment and housing for all persons regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Domestic Violence (1979)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• Shelter services should be staffed 24 hours a day. Day care should be provided which includes appropriate structured activities which deal with the emotional needs of the children involved.
• Both professional and peer counseling should be offered within a counseling program. Referral services should be available. Opportunities should be provided to improve self-esteem, assertiveness, parenting skills and career planning.
• Education should be offered to acquaint the community at large with the philosophy and services of the program. It is important to increase the understanding of the community regarding domestic violence, its impact on people and the potential role of the community in seeking solutions.
• Legislative and administrative requirements should be minimized. Local policy-making boards should be developed and local control should be encouraged when possible. Advisory boards should be composed of concerned citizens, social service professionals with experience in working with victims of family violence and past users of emergency shelter services.
• Provisions should be made to offer legal services and legal counseling. Whenever possible and appropriate, paraprofessionals may be used. A close liaison with law enforcement agencies should be encouraged. This may include specialized training for police officials, refinement of existing laws and/or support for new laws that address more effectively the circumstances surrounding family violence.

Housing (1970)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• All levels of government and the private sector share the responsibility to help alleviate the housing shortage in the low income sector. Identifying housing needs and planning to meet these needs is best done at the local level. The state should set minimum standards for safe and decent housing and provide for their enforcement. Policies should be formulated to allow for maximum use of available federal funding as well as encourage the participation of industry, business, local and nonprofit groups in meeting housing needs. The state government should provide information, assistance and coordination for housing programs at all levels.

Status Of Women (1972)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

• State government shares with other governmental levels the responsibility to enact laws and regulations which provide women, regardless of marital status, rights and responsibilities equal to those held by men. Strong enforcement powers as well as adequate funding should be provided.
• Procedures for divorce should be simple, equitable and as inexpensive as possible. Divorce law should include the no-fault concept. There should be provision for counseling; conciliation is to be encouraged and the rights and welfare of children are to be protected. Settlements should be based on individual need and the ability to pay.
• Employment laws and regulations should encourage practices which are fair to individuals of both sexes. Job-related benefits should be extended to workers regardless of sex.
• Every individual should have the right to choose his or her legal domicile regardless of marital status.

Welfare (1993, 1996)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes:

Policies eliminating disincentives to work and implementing the social goals of preventing and reducing poverty should make it possible for individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. These policies should be implemented at federal, state and local governmental levels. Programs must be efficiently administered and evaluated periodically. We support state government programs that, alone or with private efforts:
• increase job opportunities;
• provide opportunities and incentives for education and training for employment at wages sufficient to support a family and that include support services such as quality child care, health care, transportation, counseling and job placement;
• emphasize life skills such as family planning and parenting, as well as work skills;
• are tailored to meet the needs of the individuals;
• decrease the incidence of teenage pregnancy. Persons who are unable to work, whose incomes are inadequate, or for whom jobs are not available, should be assured of public assistance and services sufficient to meet their needs for food, shelter and health care. When the federal government does not provide sufficient resources to meet these basic needs, state government must assume that responsibility. In times of budgetary constraints, our state government's highest priority must be to meet people's basic needs for food, shelter and health care, with a special emphasis on protecting and nurturing children. We support:
• adequate funding of income maintenance programs (cash grants) measured by a realistic and regularly updated standard of need, and
• continued eligibility for "in kind" assistance (food stamps, food and nutrition programs, housing and health care and preventive services). We also support a goal of achieving statewide, a continuum of family support services maintained and delivered by public and private entities. Supportive services should be integrated with those available to the general public with charges based on ability to pay.