[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       SALUTING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 1995
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we pay tribute to the 75th 
anniversary of one of the most steadfast and respected political 
organizations in the Nation, the League of Women Voters. Today, as we 
mark this historic event, we recognize the contributions of this 
distinguished organization.
  Since its founding in 1920, the League of Women Voters has been on 
the national forefront of voter education. Their Presidential debates 
have become center stage for Presidential campaigns, and their 
informative voter guides impact every election, including those at the 
city government level.
  In my congressional district, the League of Women Voters has 
dutifully served not only their members, but the population as a whole 
through informative debates and other voter activities that have become 
their hallmark. Under the leadership of Miss Belle Sherwin, who served 
as the national president of the League between 1924-34, the Cleveland 
League adopted ``Every Woman An Intelligent Voter'' as the spirit that 
lead their charge through these 75 years. The League developed get-out-
the-vote campaigns, voting booth improvements, and objective 
questionnaires that have become models for the rest of the country.
  Since its inception, the League of Women Voters of Cleveland has been 
the epitome civic-mindedness, fighting for issues that are important to 
a majority of voters. The minimum wage, which they sought in 1918, was 
an early success before they tackled other issues, such as child labor 
laws and school attendance requirements. The league has advocated 
reforms in juvenile justice, advocated a smaller and more effective 
city government, and even devised a fair system of jury selection.
  More recently, the league advocated the creation of the Greater 
Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and supported a one-cent sales tax 
to support this transit system. They also worked with other civic 
groups that brought about an All-American City designation for 
Cleveland.
  Mr. Speaker, one of the League of Women's Voters crowning 
achievements was the establishment an educational fund that works for 
the education of all voters on pertinent matters, mainly through town 
hall forums. Starting in 1972, the forums have explored topics such as 
educational improvement, energy, hazardous waste, the judiciary, and 
taxes, just to name a few. This educational fund has become a valuable 
vehicle for enlightened debate and investigation of issues. Today, I 
salute the League of Women Voters of Cleveland and the fine work of its 
current president, Ms. Sharon Glaspie. I am proud to share a close 
working relationship with the Cleveland League and surrounding 
chapters.
  Mr. Speaker, the 150,000 members of the league must be recognized on 
their 75th anniversary for the good they have done in educating voters 
and illuminating the political issues facing our country. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in saluting the League of Women Voters.


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