The positions of the League of Women Voters of Maryland are

• Topics selected at convention from a pool of ideas from League members throughout Maryland
• Researched by League members from throughout Maryland  (see our E-Library for studies and reports)
  
• Presented to members throughout Maryland for member education
• Discussed by informed members who reach a position by consensus

Equality of Opportunity
Health Care
 Housing

I. GOVERNMENT

1. a statewide uniform and unified judicial system.
2. appointment of judges by the Governor based on the recommendations of judicial nominating commissions, with voter confirmation in nonpartisan merit retention elections.
3. effective, nonpartisan procedures for removing judges from office.

1. requirement of a proficiency test as part of the procedure for obtaining a hunting license.
2. restriction on the availability of handguns (not including the banning of handguns).
3. registration of all handguns including more effective identification process.
4. compilation of more adequate and uniform firearm and firearm crime statistics by the State Police.
5. development of police public relations programs to educate the public about firearms, especially gun safety, gun laws, and gun crime, and accident statistics.

1. uniform, statewide, criteria for death penalty prosecutions.
2. changing the standard of proof in weighing of aggravating and mitigating factors in sentencing from “preponderance of the evidence” to “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
3. requiring prosecutors to provide open file discovery and all favorable evidence to the defense, and to establish uniform internal guidelines for cases that are particularly subject to human error, such as those relying on eyewitnesses, co-defendants or jailhouse informants.
4. having mechanisms for preserving evidence such as DNA and for introducing newly discovered evidence.
5. requiring judges to explain to jurors life without parole as a sentencing option and to charge the jury to weigh mitigating factors.
6. effective defense including methods to screen, appoint and supervise lawyers representing defendants charged with capital crimes, adequate compensation for public defense counsel and sufficient funding to mount an effective defense.

1. alternatives to incarceration in state prisons, e.g., community correctional facilities, halfway houses, group homes, and other community-based services.
2. a well-staffed correctional system that provides effective training and adequate salaries for the correctional services staff.
3. a probation system that
   

   (a) is an integral and adequately funded component of the correctional system.
   (b) facilitates the behavioral change of clients through cooperation and interaction among community, agency, and departmental resources. These resources, including substance abuse programs, work empowerment, parenting skills, mental health counseling, and child/sex abuse treatment, should be available to every client who needs them.
   (c) recruits and retains probation agents; provides a career ladder for field agents; and gives them manageable workloads, time flexibility, and office resources to do in-depth risk and needs assessments, to develop treatment plans, to make referrals for services, and assist in getting clients accepted in programs, and to follow up on client participation in programs. There should be appropriate office facilities, private space, and technological and clerical support to allow agents sufficient involvement with clients.
   (d) includes intensive as well as lower levels of supervision of clients.
   

4. a Maryland prison system which provides:
   

   (a) a humane physical and psychological setting by the adoption, monitoring, and enforcement of standards with respect to:
   -- temperature, ventilation, light and noise control;
   -- medical, dental, and mental health care;
   -- classification services;
   -- fair, non-abusive, non-racist treatment by staff;
   -- living space;
   -- daily exercise;
   -- nutrition;
   -- personal safety;
   -- visitation.
   (b) useful activities (work training, education, counseling, treatment programs) for a substantial part of the work week.
   (c) adequate programs which create and enhance self-worth and facilitate community reintegration and economic self-sufficiency, including:
   -- substance abuse treatment programs throughout incarceration;
   -- ongoing counseling programs;
   -- education, literacy, and vocational training;
   -- reintegration services for all inmates prior to release and encouragement, with strong incentives, to participate in these programs.
   (d) space and security staff adequate to support program activities.
   

5. the correctional system's active encouragement of the use of qualified and trained volunteers.
6. a significant citizen role in setting, reviewing, and monitoring correctional policy.
7. the use of pre-sentence investigations.
8. the use of specialized judges, counseling services, and administration of juveniles cases, all geared to dealing with families.
9. small, regional juvenile institutions.
10. retention of the Youth Center System (formerly called "Forestry Camps.")
11. Individually designed training and treatment programs and local or regional diagnostic services for juvenile offenders.
12. coordination of programs and services for juvenile offenders provided by state agencies.
13. 24-hour supervised residential work and restitution centers with treatment programs available.

ELECTIONS

1.  assure fair campaigns and elections
2.  institute elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly.
3.  support a closed primary election, a mix of single and multi-member legislative districts and coterminous boundaries.
4.  oppose term limits for members of the General Assembly. 

1. fair campaign financing, full disclosure, limits on election day campaigning, and full enforcement of election laws.
2. special primary and special general elections to fill vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly to be held at the same time as other regularly scheduled elections (tie-in elections).
3. a temporary gubernatorial appointment to fill legislative vacancies based on local political party committee recommendations until elections are held.
4. additional statewide standards regulating the central committee nominating process to fill legislative vacancies; public notice of meetings within the vacated district for public input, the public announcement of candidates prior to that meeting, and a publicly recorded vote of each committee member.
5. a closed primary election.
6. a mix of single and multi-member legislative districts. The following criteria should be used to decide which districts should be multi-member:

   (a) full minority representation,
   (b) geographic integrity,
   (c) preservation of political and community boundaries,
   (d) compactness.
   

7. coterminous boundaries (delegate districts nesting within senate districts).

1. Mandatory training for all election judges with the state providing basic training instructions;
2. A minimum compensation level for election judges set by the state;
3. A restructured Maryland State Board of Elections (MSBE)-formerly the State Administrative Board of Election Laws (SABEL)

   (a) giving MSBE legal authority and adequate funding to enforce election laws and regulations
   (b) giving MSBE authority and funding to develop and maintain a centralized, computerized voter registration list and a centralized, computerized campaign finance reporting system
   (c) staggered terms for members of MSBE
   (d) a professional administrator hired by MSBE;
   

4. Statewide uniformity of voting registration and registration records;
5. A uniform, simple system for accurate identification of voters at the polls;
6. A registration deadline set as close as possible to primary and general elections, consistent with technology that provides ballot security and makes the administration of the deadline cost-effective. ("Ballot security" assures ballot secrecy and prevents fraudulently cast ballots);
7. Provisional ballots, with a strong preference that voters be notified if they are later found not eligible to vote. Provisional ballots allow a voter whose name is not listed on the polling place election register to vote a ballot which is sealed and segregated from regularly cast ballots until the election authority can confirm the voter's eligibility. They provide ballot security, are convenient for the voter and avoid disenfranchisement of voters due to administrative error;
8. Early voting, but at a limited number of sites in order to assure ballot security;
9. A permanent application list for absentee voters who affirm that they have a permanent physical condition which necessitates absentee voting. Election authorities would then automatically send to those voters applications for absentee ballots. A permanent application list, restricted to those with disabling physical conditions, fosters access of the disabled to voting, and provides ballot security;
10. Study, research and pilot projects to determine the feasibility of Internet voting.

1. Term limits for members of the General Assembly.
2. requirement for uniform voting systems unless funded by the state.

1. an independent commission as the preferred redistricting body. The membership of the redistricting commission should:

FISCAL POLICY

• promote an equitable and efficient fiscal structure for Maryland and to improve the fiscal relationships between the state and its political subdivisions (1981).
• support or oppose proposed changes to Maryland's revenue structure, by using the following principles to analyze and evaluate the proposed changes (1999).
• increase the budgetary authority of the legislature and to achieve a more effective budget process. (2004)
  

1. A progressive income tax which should be the first choice if a revenue increase is necessary
2. A sales tax with exemptions to decrease regressivity
3. A motor vehicle fuel ax on a per gallon basis to be used for transportation, with measures included to protect the environment.
4. The distribution of state funds to local governments in a variety of ways, based on factors such as population, need, wealth, and tax effort.
5. Reduction of the number and complexity of equalization formulas used by the state to distribute money to local governments.
6. Statements of intent and periodic review by the legislature of all state-funded programs.
7. Permitting legislative reallocation of expenditures within the official state revenue estimate or the Governor's budget proposal.
8. Fiscal restraints which promote good fiscal planning and allow for proper budget procedures.
See "Education - Financing Eduction" positions for related support positions.

1. Adequate yield: Adequate and timely revenues are available to finance planned expenditures.
2. Equity/Fairness: The ability-to-pay principle defined as a progressive tax --a graduated tax--which will collect a greater percentage of income from those with higher income than from those with lower incomes; e.g., a graduated income tax with a series of rates and income brackets.
3. Compatibility with state social and environmental policy: The state's policy and tax structure are working toward the same ends, not at cross purposes.
4. Cost effective administration: Collection costs are low relative to the yield.
5. Elasticity/natural growth: As the economy, the population and/or inflation grows, the revenue system will grow naturally at a similar rate in order to maintain a constant level of services.
6. Equity/Fairness: The benefit principle means a tax or fee will be levied in proportion to the benefit received; e.g. user fees, college tuition, and dedicated taxes. Use of this principle must include an assessment of the impact on low-income people.
7. Simplicity: The revenue source is easy to understand.
8. Certainty: The tax is difficult to avoid.
9. Public acceptance: The political will exists to impose the tax or fee and the public's willingness to comply is evident.
10. Compatibility and links with federal policy. Maryland's budget includes a significant amount of federal funds; the state income tax is pegged to the federal income tax; several other smaller taxes also piggyback on their federal counterpart; and some state taxes are deductible at the federal level.
11. A competitive business climate: The state's policy and tax structure will not adversely impact on-going businesses, or where businesses locate. The costs of inducements, such as tax credits, to businesses to move to or to remain in the state will be considered in the light of Maryland's overall competitiveness and attractiveness. Accountability for the cost of inducements and their results must be included in this policy.(1999)

1. Transparency: A budget Process that is clear and readily understood.
2. Public Access: Opportunity for substantive public input during the entire budget process, including the formulation, enactment and implementation phases
3. Reliable, current and objective information
4. Accountability: A systematic review process of expenditures, programs and services to determine their impact, efficiency, and sustainability
5. Sufficient time to deliberate
6. Flexibility: The ability to adjust to changing needs
7. Balance budget requirement

COAL

• oppose strip mining on slopes steeper than 20 degrees (1993)
• support the collection of taxes and fees from the coal industry for costs to the public resulting from the mining of Maryland coal. (1987)
• oppose the granting of eminent domain for and the construction of, a coal slurry pipeline through Maryland. (1986)

1. The coal industry being responsible for the payment of costs to the public resulting from its operation.
2. Use of the per ton severance tax and the current system of impact/relcamaton fees as the sources of revenues to cover these costs.
3. Continuation of the Maryland Coal tax.

1. the use of the personal property tax for surface mined coal because of the difficulty in enforcement and collection.
2. strip mining on slopes steeper than 20 degrees.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. sound management of hazardous waste through

   (a) recycling, recovery, and pre-treatment.
   (b) alternatives to landfilling.
   (c) providing economic incentives to industry and evaluating the results.
   (d) providing funds for environmental monitoring and enforcement.
   

2. state government action to assist public and small generator waste disposal in an economically feasible and environmentally safe way through

   (a) education of the public as to what hazardous waste is, how to dispose of it properly, and safe alternative products that can be used.
   (b) mandating informative labeling on all hazardous waste products.
   (c) encouraging the establishment of convenient collection sites throughout Maryland.

1. ample opportunity and funding for active public participation including timely scheduling and notification of public meetings.
2. provisions by local, state, and federal governments of the following types of information on the impact of solid waste actions: environment, economics, public health, socio-economic, demographics.
3. technological information collected, shared, and provided by the state.
4. state regulations in place (1995) regarding control, funding and public health for the management of solid waste.
5. the following incentives that encourage the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials and the opening of new markets and that discourage the use of some materials: legislative mandates, tax incentives, voluntary guidelines, pricing support, variable rates for waste pick up, procurement regulations.
6. inter and intra-state solutions to solid waste management.

LAND USE/GROWTH MANAGEMENT

1. state government having a larger role than local government in managing critical areas of statewide concern, especially environmental protection and resource conservation and preservation.
2. goals and guidelines for regional and interagency coordination in the development and implementation of land use plans.
3. local government's use of land use planning and regulatory techniques, such as adequate public facilities legislation, land banking, planned unit developments, transfer of development rights, and timed development ordinances to direct development to designated areas.
4. preservation of agricultural land by

   (a) zoning;
   (b) continued use of preferential farmland easement laws, including collection of the roll-back tax;
   (c) transfer of development rights;
   (d) easement purchases funded by the state real estate transfer tax.
   state government using incentives such as the provision of technical assistance, infrastructure, and grants to enable local governments to comply with state goals, guidelines, and standards.

• Maintaining the solvency of the Transportation Trust Fund.
• Increasing funding for mass transit.
• Developing regional visions and frameworks for transportation which reflect local concerns and which incorporate relevant LWV positions on land use, economic development, and environmental protection.
• Achieving and maintaining cooperative working relationships among state and local agencies in order to achieve better planning and to decrease the use of single occupancy vehicles.
• Incentives which promote use of mass transit and other alternative modes of travel.
• Public education to promote transportation goals which would provide alternative travel modes, encourage technological improvements that abate emissions from mobile sources, reduce energy consumption and protect natural resources.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Action to support a comprehensive range of child-centered services to ensure all children a chance to grow toward stable, productive adulthood. (1995)

Support for:

1. Making the needs of children a high priority of government.
2. Effective services for children, including:

   (a) collaboration across departmental and agency lines to provide seamless services for children.
   (b) community-based points of entry where families at risk can apply for multiple services.
   (c) consumer-oriented service centers sited in easily accessible neighborhood locations (such as schools) with hours convenient to families.
   (d) a compatible computer system with appropriate safeguards for confidentiality, connecting agencies serving children to allow more open collaboration and provide comprehensive resource listing.
   (e) a non-categorized contingency fund, with rational limits and clear accountability, available to line workers dealing with crisis situations.
   (f) early intervention to prevent later crisis.
   (g) result-oriented, long term evaluations of program and services based on measured outcomes.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Action to support preventing initial and repeat occurrences of violence against spouses, domestic partners, the elderly, and children.
Action to support a strong statewide response to violence that is integrated, interdisciplinary, and adequately funded, involving all segments of the law-enforcement and judicial systems, the medical community, the schools, social services, animal care and control agencies, and the private sector, with a primary focus on the safety of victims. (2000)

DRUNK DRIVING (1983, 2001)
Action to promote strong governmental measures and educational programs to address the problems of the drinking driver. (1983)

Support for:

1. a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) not to exceed 0.08 standing as both the legal definition of driving while intoxicated and absolute proof of guilt-per-se in alcohol-related driving offenses.
2. the administration of BAC tests when there is a probable cause to believe that a driver is under the influence of alcohol.
3. courts and other agencies expediting the handling of alcohol-related driving offenses.
4. statewide guidelines for rehabilitation programs, which should be locally administered, with costs shared by the offenders.
5. judge's use of a variety of sentences for alcohol-related offenses.

EDUCATION

ATTRACTING AND RETAINING COMPETENT TEACHERS:
Action to support the state aiding local school systems in attracting and retaining competent teachers. (1989)

Support for:

1. the state setting realistic minimum beginning salaries.
2. the state funding scholarships for college education of qualified candidates entering the teaching profession, particularly for those agreeing to teach in critical subject areas or in school systems with critical teacher shortages.
3. the state supporting alternative paths to certification.
4. the state providing support for professional development activities.
5. the state encouraging the use of support staff to enable teachers to spend time with students and their learning problems.

CHOICE IN EDUCATION/CHARTER SCHOOLS
 Action to encourage the inclusion of the following criteria in any legislation or regulations governing the establishment of Public Charter Schools: *

  Public Charter Schools must be nonsectarian, nonreligious, nonprofit, and not home-based;

1. Applications may be submitted by a variety of groups or organizations, including, but not limited to, parents, teachers and institutions of higher learning;
2. Local boards of education determine which groups or organizations will be granted contracts (i.e.,"charters"), with the right to an appeal of that decision to the state board of education;
3. Waivers (to be specified in the contract) may include some public school regulations governing curriculum, calendar, and teaching methodology. No waivers may be granted from regulations governing fiscal accountability, nor (as specified by federal regulations) from civil rights or health and safety standards;
4. Quarterly financial reports should be made to the local school board;
5. Academic standards, including testing, required of other public school students must be met;
6. Admission must be non-discriminatory and open on a first-come, first-served basis to all students who wish to apply; and
7. Public Charter Schools must be funded at the same per pupil level as students in other public schools.

* No consensus was reached on whether we oppose or support Public Charter Schools. (2001)

Support for:

1. a foundation program based on a weighted per pupil formula supported from general state revenues at a level high enough to eliminate inequities.
2. some local leeway to provide additional funding for education.
3. continuation of local control over the schools.
4. the encouragement of increased federal funding for education.
   

EDUCATION--HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TESTING:  Action to insure students have an opportunity to pass high school graduation tests.  (2005)

1. As long as passage of academic tests (High School Assessments) is required for graduation, the following conditions should be in place to insure students have a fair opportunity to pass:
   1. Access to curriculum and instructional materials aligned with state standards
   2. Access to a high quality educational program, including advanced placement courses
   3. Access to well qualified teachers
   4. Timely and specific results
   5. Multiple opportunities to pass the test
   6. In-school and after-school tutoring and remediation
   7. Opportunities to retake a course or take a mini-course
   8. Alternate ways to demonstrate mastery of the subject

    

2.  To insure every student the opportunity and resources to pass tests, the state should fund: 
   1. Pre-school education
   2. Professional staff development (curriculum, learning styles, cultural differences, expectations of students)
   3. Curriculum development and textbooks aligned with core curriculum
   4. Smaller class size
   5. Technical assistance to identify reasons for low academic achievement

No consensus was reached on whether passage of statewide, course-related testing should be required to determine eligibility for high school graduation.

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EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

Action to ensure that Maryland law does not discriminate in its recognition of all marriages/civil unions on the basis of gender or religious definitions of marriage. (2007)

Support for:

• State sanctioned, legally recognized unions which convey rights, benefits and obligations to same-sex partners who seek such unions.

• Recognition of such unions and/or same-sex marriages that have been legally sanctioned in other states.

With preference for:

• In keeping with the principle of separation of church and state, making the basis of state recognition of all marriages/civil unions (same-sex or opposite-sex) a civil proceeding, with the additional step of marriage in accordance with religious traditions a voluntary option.

HEALTH CARE

HEALTH CARE APPEALS
Action to ensure a health care appeals system which protects patients, makes insurers accountable and objectively addresses patients' concerns. (1999)

Support for:

1. Uniform state standards and guidelines for health care appeals (including time frames for responding to appeals and qualifications required of reviewers, requiring professional standards be used in making decisions on appeals.)
2. Collection of health care data which can be used to hold health insurers accountable and which is understandable and accessible to patients.

HOUSING

Action to  develop a state housing policy responsive to the need for more affordable and workforce housing and to clarify landlord/tenant relationships.  (1982, 1983)

Support for:

1. one state entity charged with and held accountable for establishing housing policies, programs and goals; periodically collecting and analyzing data; and reviewing housing programs.
2. housing programs funded by bonds and general revenues.
3. housing programs targeted to those geographic areas with proportionally the highest level of housing assistance needs.
4. new construction or rehabilitation to promote economic development.
5. the change of state landlord/tenant laws to require a clearly written lease which states the rights and responsibilities of both parties and includes a warranty of habitability.
6. requirement of landlords to state reasons for either terminating tenancy or initiating eviction proceedings.
7. the establishment of local and/or regional landlord/tenant offices and quasi-judicial commissions throughout Maryland.
8. the use of manufactured/mobile housing and the development of manufactured/mobile home subdivisions to meet the need for affordable and available housing.