Please join us for this FREE program!

The Plague of Income Inequality
“Communities Thrive When All Members Thrive"
 

Dr. Anji Buckner-Capone, Assistant Professor of Public Health and Recreation at San Jose State University, will present her research on the extreme wealth disparities in our communities, which resulted in the recently published, 6th Annual Silicon Valley Pain Index.  This publication details both personal and community distress that negatively impact quality of life.  It is designed to inspire ACTION among those who care.

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The League of Women Voters of California will not take a position on Proposition 50

This statement explains our neutral position, provides context for that position, and shifts the focus to empowering California voters.

Early in the process, before the ballot language was written, we, along with several other good government groups, issued independent statements opposing mid-cycle redistricting. This was consistent with the League’s long-standing positions at both the state and national level. Since then, and on the heels of Texas’ decision, California Governor Newsom and the legislature moved forward to do mid-cycle redistricting. Now, the ballot measure language has been finalized. While the process for the redistricting in California differs from what is happening in Texas, the California League recognizes the importance of staying aligned with our national League and with state and local Leagues, such as in Texas, that are, or may soon be, in court challenging unfair maps.

With all of these factors in mind, we have decided not to take a position on Proposition 50.

On the proposed maps themselves, our policy is clear: the people most affected by district maps, especially communities of color who are often underrepresented, should be the ones to decide if those maps are fair. Many of our partners in Latino, AAPI, and Black communities are still reviewing the California map and forming their positions. We will defer to them to share their conclusions.

The League of Women Voters of California is a nonpartisan organization. Every day we fight in the courts and in the legislature to protect Californians from President Trump’s authoritarian actions that threaten the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Our record on this is public and clear.

The League of Women Voters of California has always spoken truth, fought voter suppression, and stood as allies for racial justice and democracy. We are a scrappy, grassroots, fire-fueled movement that will not allow democracy to be stolen. Donald Trump is using common tactics of an aspiring dictator: divide opposition, pit people against each other, and sow distrust. A well-worn tactic in that playbook is scapegoating, often by fueling anger and violence toward women. In recent weeks, the LWVC has received thousands of misogynistic, hate-filled emails. The League was forged in struggle, and we will not allow ourselves to be used as a scapegoat. 

Authoritarianism is the enemy, not the League of Women Voters of California.

Now it is time for the voters to decide. Special elections often see low and unrepresentative turnout. The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund will work to ensure that the full diversity of California voters participate in the November 4, 2025 election, and that every voter has access to the non-partisan, in-language, and factual information they need to cast an informed vote.

Do not let partisan politics divide us. Now more than ever, we must stand together. And now more than ever, California voters need the League.

August 20, 2025

Communities Thrive When All Members Thrive
League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark and Union City

Since 1920, the League of Women Voters has been an activist, grassroots organization whose leaders believed that THE PEOPLE of this country should play a critical role in democracy. We were founded by Carrie Chapman Catt in 1920, just six months before the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.

Throughout the years, the League has continued its dual purposes of education and advocacy. We study issues and develop positions in matters of public policy at all levels of government.

This is our position on government policy pertaining to Meeting Basic Human Needs.

The League of Women Voters believes that one of the goals of social policy in the US should be to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families, and that the most effective social programs are those designed to prevent or reduce poverty. We support policies and programs designed to increase job opportunities and access to health insurance. Further, we believe it is critical to provide support services such as child care and transportation, and to provide opportunities for education and job training.

Further, the League believes that low-income assistance should be based on need, and that benefit levels should be sufficient enough to provide for adequate standards for food, clothing, shelter and medical care.

Regarding the basic human need for housing, the League’s position is that the federal government must ensure that our economic system functions so that people at all income levels have a decent home and a suitable living environment. State and local governments should assist by establishing agencies that aid and supplement the housing programs of the federal government and the private sector. And government at all levels must make available sufficient funds for housing assistance programs. We believe, too, that citizen groups have a role to play in housing policy, by supporting legislation, activating non-profit sponsorship, and developing public awareness of community need and housing discrimination.

We can look around us—in our very own communities—and see that not all individuals are thriving. FAR FROM IT! In response, we invite you to join the League as we dive deeper into the unmet human needs in our community. An upcoming program will address these issues.

The Plague of Income Inequality
“Communities Thrive When All Members Thrive"
September 6, 2025, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Niles Discovery Church
36600 Niles Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538

Dr. Anji Buckner-Capone, Associate Professor of Public Health at San José State University, will present research on the extreme disparities in our communities and the recently published 6th Annual Silicon Valley Pain Index.  This publication details the expansive personal and community distress negatively impacting quality of life among residents.  It is designed to equip advocates with data and inspire ACTION among those who want to be part of the change.