Monday Morning News Mar. 28, 2016

NEW ABORTION LAW discussion topic for monthly DWC breakfast this Friday

Last week, Governor Mike Pence signed a bill that makes Indiana the second state to ban abortion because of a fetal abnormality. It criminalizes the procedure when motivated solely because of factors such as the fetus's sex or race. The bill also holds doctors legally liable for such abortions. Additionally, "the law restricts fetal tissue donation and requires doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital or to have an agreement with a doctor who does," according to the New York Times.

Our speakers on this subject at our monthly breakfast this Friday will be Dawn Johnsen (Walter W. Foskett Professor, IU Maurer School of Law) and Kate Michelman (Senior Advisor to Women’s Health Project; President (1985-2004), NARAL Pro-Choice America; former Executive Director, Planned Parenthood, Harrisburg, PA). Please attend and learn more.

IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
ACTION ITEM

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Applications Being Sought for Several Boards and Commissions

Applications for current vacancies appointed by the City Council are now being accepted. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the positions on the following are filled.

  • Bloomington Commission on Sustainability
  • Commission on the Status of Black Males
  • Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs
  • Housing Quality Appeals Board

City Boards and Commissions are citizen staffed and operated, and serve to advise the Common Council and the Administration on issues affecting Bloomington.

A complete list and description of Boards and Commissions, in addition to application materials, may be found at www.bloomington.in.gov/clerk.  Information and applications are also available at the City Clerk’s Office in Showers City Hall at 401 N. Morton. For more information or questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 812-349-3408.

Terri Porter for Auditor
Terri Porter asks for people to help her canvass neighborhoods. She is also looking for yard sign locations. Visit www.TerriPorterForAuditor.com and click on the Volunteer button. Also, please go to www.facebook.com/TerriPorterForAuditor and “like” the page. That makes it show up in searches more often.

Holly Harvey for Judge
The Committee to Elect Holly Harvey for Judge is looking for additional locations for yard signs and volunteers for canvassing or phone banking.

EVENTS

Monroe County Democrats Club Meeting
Tuesday, March 29, 11:30 a.m., Bobby's Colorado Steakhouse

Due to Spring Break and a scheduling issue, this meeting has been rescheduled to the last Tuesday of the month.
Speakers will be a variety of contested primary candidates.

IU College Democrats Fundraiser
Tuesday, March 29,
5-7 p.m., 635 South Woodlawn Avenue (Home of John Hamilton & Dawn Johnsen)
IU College Democrats are vital to the success of our town, county, and state, so let's help with some financial support from the wider community.
Two special guests: Kate Michelman, past president of NARAL Pro-Choice America and national civil rights leader for decades, and Lee Feinstein, dean of the IU School of Global and International Studies and former ambassador to Poland. Kate and Lee will be there to share stories of campaigns and candidates, past and present. RSVP suggested but not required to [email protected].

Democratic Primary Candidates to Debate
Tuesday, March 29, 6:30 p.m., Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
Produced by Democracy for Monroe County
  - Candidates for Treasurer, Auditor, and Commissioner 3

Indiana's 2016 Draconian Abortion Restrictions: What Do They Mean and What Can We Do?
Wednesday, March 30, 7 p.m., IU Maurer School of Law, Room 122
Dawn Johnsen (Walter W. Foskett Professor, IU Maurer School of Law), Kate Michelman (Senior Advisor to Women’s Health Project; President (1985-2004), NARAL Pro-Choice America; former Executive Director, Planned Parenthood, Harrisburg, PA), Wanda Savala (Community Engagement Coordinator for Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky), Morgan Mohr, moderator (Director, Generation Action IU)

Join Generation Action IU and many other student organizations for discussion and opportunity for action on one of the most restrictive abortion laws in America. Cosponsored by IU Feminist Student Association, IU College Democrats, IU Maurer American Constitution Society, IU Maurer Feminist Law Forum, IU Maurer Law Students for Reproductive Justice.

Reception for Superintendent Glenda Ritz
Thursday, March 31, 4-6 pm., Grazie's Italiano, North Side of the Square

The DWC is one of the sponsors of this nice reception for Glenda Ritz that will take place on March 31, immediately before the FDR Gala. Please consider coming.

FDR Gala
Thursday, March 31, 6-8 p.m., Fountain Square Ballroom 
This fundraiser is a great way to meet candidates and fellow Democrats and learn about the party organization. It is an opportunity to support the party organization, as it works on behalf of candidates and office holders, and in the pursuit of advancing Democratic ideals and good governance at all levels. Admission to this evening of food, beverage, and GREAT company is by suggested donation, but no one will be turned away if unable to contribute. RSVP here, by e-mail, to [email protected] today! RSVP on Facebook.

Committee to Elect Holly Harvey for Judge Spring Kick-off Brunch
Saturday, April 2, 12 p.m., Blue Burro Workspace

LWVIN Council meeting
Saturday, April 9, 10:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Prindle Institute at DePauw University in Greencastle
The League of Women Voters Indiana business, such as the election and the 2016-17 budget will be addressed at this meeting, but the focus will be on grassroots advocacy and how we can work more effectively to make an impact.  RSVP required by April 1.  For more information, please contact Kathleen Cruikshank at [email protected].

DWC Karaoke Fundraiser
Sunday, April 246:00-8:30 p.m., Player's Pub
You loved it last year! We had such a good time! 
Mayor Hamilton--You need to be there to defend your Karaoke King title!
Put it on your calendars now and be there! (There is good evidence that some are rehearsing right now!)

The Monroe County Election Board Announces Early Voting Dates:
We have a second location for early voting!!!
Early voting for the May 3rd Primary Election will start on April 5, 2016 and end on May 2, 2016.
     Absentee Voting will be available:
at the Election Central location only at 401 W 7th St., Suite 100.
April 5-8 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 11-15 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
at Election Central and at the new second location -
Room 201-202, North Showers Building, 501 N. Morton Street:
April 18-22, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 23, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Saturday
April 25-29, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
April 30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Saturday
and MONDAY, May 2, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.