[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, EDEN AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Eden Area chapter 
of the League of Women Voters (LWVEA). Throughout its extraordinary 
history, LWVEA has been known for promoting respect for individuals, 
valuing diversity, and empowering communities through civic engagement. 
This year LWVEA celebrates 50 years of service through encouraging the 
informed and active participation of individuals in government.
  The League of Women Voters was first organized on February 14, 1920 
in an effort to unite organizations who believed in the League's 
principles. The goal of this collaborative effort was to develop and 
codify legislation and public policy that protected future advocacy 
groups and promoted voter education throughout the electorate.
  The League prevailed in implementing legislation that addressed 
labor, social security and social justice concerns pertaining to 
woman's rights. Specifically, the League urged legislators to enact 
provisions for Federal aid for child care and maternal programs. In the 
1930's, the League advocated successfully for the enactment of the 
Social Security and Food and Drug Acts. The League played an important 
rule in transmuting hundreds of federal jobs from the Spoils System to 
the Civil Service designation. Credit is owed to the League for 
establishing the United Nations pursuant to World War II. Later, the 
League was recognized by the United Nations as being a non-governmental 
organization.
  The Eden Area group, like the national organization, is a nonpartisan 
political organization whose mission is to build citizen participation 
in the democratic process. The League of Women Voters, Eden Area group 
strives to educate policymakers and the general public on important 
issues in the public interest at all levels of government. LWVEA is 
committed to studying community issues in an unbiased manner, and 
achieving positive solutions to public policy issues through education 
and conflict management.
  The Eden Area Chapter has made immeasurable strides in furthering the 
nation's democratic objectives. Some recent and notable achievements of 
the Eden Area Chapter's work include sponsoring an Alameda County 
community forum on open government; writing letters and newspaper 
articles in support of state legislation on campaign finance reform; 
and promoting universal health care for all Californians. The LWVEA 
also has televised and moderated candidate forums for city, county and 
state candidates; provided translation services and ballot measure pros 
and cons; and conducted elections for homeowner associations and other 
community groups.
  Today the members and supporters of the League of Women Voters, Eden 
Area have come together to celebrate not only their 50 year 
anniversary, but also their permanent and positive impact on our 
community. On this very special day, I join all of them in thanking and 
saluting the League of Women Voters Eden Area Chapter for their 
profound contributions to California's 9th Congressional District, our 
country and our world.

                          ____________________