Dear Members,

We are grateful that the national election took place properly due to the dedication of so many Supervisors of Elections, poll workers and volunteers. It was an emotional election with many important issues on ballots. No election pleases everybody, but every election pleases somebody...

With Medicare Open Enrollment ending on Dec. 7, the LWVAC Health Care Committee felt this was a great time to host a Hot Topic presentation on Medicare by Dr. Ed Weisbart, M.D., National Board Secretary of Physicians for a National Health Program. Dr. Weisbart joined LWVAC members as well as community members in person and via Zoom to discuss Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. He explained their advantages, disadvantages and differences, and effectively utilized personal stories to explain possible problems with various choices.

A recording of the November 12th Oak Hammock Meeting is now available. Stacie Greco, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department's Water Resources Program Manager, discussed the importance of water conservation strategies to protect our water supply, springs, and rivers.

LWVAC's own, Vice President Gwendolyn Saffo, joined the Queen Lizzie podcast to talk about all things voting, LWV and more.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed into law in 2010, was designed to improve the health of Americans. A key strategy in the law is improving access to health care which, in America, means providing affordable high quality health insurance. Florida Medicaid eligibility is limited to specific populations like pregnant women and children, but the ACA offers the opportunity to expand Medicaid to low-income adults. Florida is one of only 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, so it should not be surprising that it ranked 47th in the percentage of residents with insurance and 48th in the nation for access to care. This paper presents a summary of just a few of the many studies describing the reasons Florida should expand Medicaid.

This article was originally posted on the LWV Education website on December 26, 2023, by LWVAC Member, Sue Legg

Climate action plans (CAPs) are robust policy tools that outline the future of a community in the face of climate change. Research and focused case studies of Fort Collins, Colorado and Miami, Florida reveal that taking climate action can contribute to the growth of the green economy, avoid future losses in GDP, and reduce avoidable deaths due to air pollution and extreme heat. The economic costs are personnel and budget for creation and implementation, as well as the cost of shifting industries. By outlining small steps and quantifying savings for each initiative, cities can clear ambiguity and gain support for CAPs.

The Alachua County Library District offers an Issues & Controversies Database which aims to provide the most accurate, accessible, and authoritative content about politics, government, business, education, and popular culture. The database presents arguments on both sides of every issue in a clear, balanced, and unbiased manner.

The U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) goes to shape a better future for all and to ensure equality for women. It will shape their future and our future, a better world for all. Justice for women is justice for all, our future, theirs and our children's future. This treaty also speaks to protection for victims of trafficking and other crimes. Your action on it will be very helpful in applying some grease to the stuck wheels of a very important humanitarian issue.

The Meet & Mobilize Collaborative Initiative was formed from the Meet & Mobilize event in January. The collaborative is made up of nonpartisan community organizations, including Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Gainesville Alumnae Chapter, The Visionaires Club, The Links Inc. Gainesville Chapter, and LWV of Alachua County. The aim is to create meaningful partnerships as we enter the 2024 election season through education, engagement and empowerment. It is evident that our voices are more vital when we unite and collaborate; it is a testament to the power of collective action. Working together will strengthen and maintain our democracy and our community.