Social Policy
The League of Women Voters supports social policies that secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all, and that promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans.
ADULT LITERACY
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
DEATH WITH DIGNITY
State laws should grant the option for a terminally ill person to request medical assistance from a relevant, licensed physician to end one's life.
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)
DRUG AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Action to legalize the use of marijuana for any use, including medicinal, subject to restrictions on production and distribution. (2012)
DRUNK DRIVING
EDUCATION
Action to support measures which recognize the primary responsibility for funding public elementary and secondary education lies with the state. (1972, 1975) Action to support the state aiding local school systems in attracting and retaining competent teachers. (1989) Action to oppose using public funding for vouchers to enable parents to send their children to private elementary and secondary schools. (2001) Action to encourage the inclusion of certain criteria in any legislation or regulations governing the establishment of Public Charter Schools. (2001) Action to insure students have an opportunity to pass high school graduation tests. (2005) Opposed BOOST scholarship program for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch to attend private and religious schools that currently receive state funding for computers and textbooks (2018)
MARRIAGE/CIVIL UNION EQUALITY
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)
HEALTH CARE AND HEALTH CARE APPEALS
Action to ensure a health care appeals system which protects patients, makes insurers accountable and objectively addresses patients’ concerns. (1999)
HOUSING
Action to develop a state housing policy responsive to the need for more affordable housing and to clarify landlord/tenant relationships. (1982, 1983)
MEETING BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
Relied on LWVUS positions: One of the goals of social policy should be to reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families; Increasing emphasis on cash assistance; Benefit levels should sufficient to provide adequate food; and Pay equity