"Improving the Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016"

      Looks like one of the illustrious congressmen from Indiana wants to save money by reducing free lunches for kids in schools.  Todd Rokita, IN04, presented a bill to the House Committee on Education and Workforce that would change the way school eligibility for free lunches is figured. The committee vote (20-14) broke along party lines with one Republican voting with the Democrats. 
     It's a well-known fact that children learn when their tummies are not growling and when they have good nutrition at school.  The best article on this issue can be found at the Huffington Post Political Page:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gop-school-lunch_us_573c7e82e4b0ef86171cca10

     Also For Sheila Kennedy's take on the issue from a Hoosier perspective read: http://www.sheilakennedy.net/2016/05/about-those-school-lunches/
AND..  after you read these articles, see the ACTION item below!


ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

MIDDLE WAY HOUSE LOSES HUD GRANT MONEY IN FAVOR OF NEWER MODELS OF HOUSING.

     Recently Middle Way House’s ‘The Rise,' an award winning, national model transitional housing program for abused women and their children, learned that its $174,000 annual HUD grant had been withdrawn, and withdrawn retroactively back to February 1, 2016.  Middle Way supporters and director, Toby Strout, have noted that HUD had initially assured MWH that despite their support for Housing First and Permanent Housing models, HUD would continue support for transitional housing programs for battered women. The state HUD director assured Middle Way that the decision had been made at the federal level.
     Middle Way House provides safe, affordable housing to over 100 women and children annually. It consistently has scored highly (98th percentile) in HUD scoring, and has scored higher than Tier One programs - those that fit the new ‘preferred’ model - and higher than another Tier Two program that did receive funding.
    Strout called this a failure to be frank about the HUD decision making process, and asserted it was contrary to HUD’s desire for funding decisions to be made locally, and its insistence that housing providers create and participate in the Continuum of Care (CoC) groups for that purpose.  At the local level Middle Way House was a clear favorite, at the state CoC level it ranked third.
     Strout has asked for all familiar with the work that has been done by Middle Way House to contact their elected representatives (See ACTION ITEM below). While Middle Way will look for solutions, this is a major challenge, one that is not easily met in a relatively small community by an agency that serves six, largely rural counties with high percentages of unemployed and impoverished citizens.
     Again, help by contacting your legislators at the addresses below at the end of this newsletter!


ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
ACTION ITEM

TWO THINGS TO KICK OFF THIS ISSUE:

Congratulations To All Our Endorsed And Supported Candidates!!!

By now you all know how spectacularly well DWC candidates did in the primary. Just to recap for those who have been out of town or ill (or maybe you live under a rock and are completely out of touch, but that's not the usual profile of our fabulous, engaged DWC members!), the following women won their primary races:

Julie Thomas, County Commissioner
Amanda Barge, County Commissioner
Jessica McClellan, Treasurer
Holly Harvey, Monroe County Circuit Judge
Lee Jones, County Council
Cheryl Munson, County Council
Joani Sheilds, County Coroner
Penny Githens, IN House District 60

And of course, Shelli Yoder won her primary race for U.S. Congress, as well!

There were several endorsed or supported candidates who did not officially win, but they are winners in our eyes and in the eyes of those who voted for them or encountered them during their hard-fought races. We will be behind you when you run again!

To all of our candidates, thank you for stepping up and showing the world what women can do!!!

SECOND, WE WILL SEE YOU ALL THIS FRIDAY, MAY 13TH, FOR THE MONTHLY BREAKFAST.
That's right--please note that the breakfast was postponed last week and rescheduled for this week. Same time (7:30), same place (Village Deli). 

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
ACTION ITEM

So.... I was at the checkout at Kroger this week.  At the place where you can rest your purse and swipe your credit card there was a little rack that was big enough to hold two types of Hershey's chocolate bars.  This was a new addition, and curious, I asked the cashier, "So do you sell more of those Hershey bars now?"  She didn't hesitate in saying "Absolutely!  More than EVER!"  

That's the Point of Sale... and a prime place in sales for those last minute purchases. To aid voters in making last minute choices at the polls, we have adopted it for our Election Day activity with candidates.  Having that reminder at the last minute before the voter goes into the poll couldn't hurt?!  

Couldn't you please help out for a two hour shift at one poll on Tuesday?  We'll have small flyers (no Hershey bars, tho) that will include our endorsed and supported candidates.  Full instructions and tips will be given with your packet of flyers. Plus you'll have the eternal gratitude from our candidates.  

We will focus on the 7-9 am, 11 am- 1pm and 4-6 pm time slots, although other times are available.

Contact Julie at [email protected] as soon as possible so that we can plan the coverage of the busiest precincts.
Thank you for helping our endorsed and supported candidates!

EARLY VOTING Taking place now in TWO places:
Election Central at 401 W 7th St., Suite 100:
  AND
North Showers Building, 501 N. Morton Street -- 201-202, :
Sunday May 1, noon-6 p.m. (Seriously, SUNDAY!)
Monday, May 2, 8 a.m.-NOON

Do you have news items? Send your items of interest to us at [email protected]

Deadline for MMN is noon on Sunday.


Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/

First, thank you for all that you have done to assist our endorsed and supported candidates.
We are in the final stretch of this election, but there is something else you can do to help on election day, Tuesday May 3rd!
In past years, we have had volunteers staff what we call "point of sale" at key precincts in the county.

Some voters may only be thinking about voting in the Presidential primary and don't have enough information about our local candidates.
Or, they may not have made up their mind yet about how they will vote for a specific local office. We can help!

We have some beautiful 1/4-size information sheets for volunteers to distribute at the busiest precincts on Tuesday May 3rd!

We will focus on the 7-9 am, 11 am- 1pm and 4-6 pm time slots, although other times are available.

Contact Julie at [email protected] as soon as possible to reserve your spot!
Thank you for helping our endorsed and supported candidates!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY VOTING Taking place now in TWO places:
Election Central at 401 W 7th St., Suite 100:
  AND
North Showers Building, 501 N. Morton Street -- 201-202, :
Today and Friday April 25-29, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday April 30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday May 1, noon-6 p.m. (Seriously, SUNDAY!)
Monday, May 2, 8 a.m.-NOON

Monroe County Dems Candidate Page
The Monroe County Democratic Party has an online resource for Monroe County Voters.  
Check out at: http://www.monroedems.org/our_candidates

EARLY VOTING IS ON!
The time has come, the walrus said, to vote on many things. Wise walrus. Early voting started last week. Please vote for our endorsed and supported candidates and remember they can use your help in many other ways--walking, takings signs, writing letters, hosting or attending events.

Also, the County Clerk's office says we still need many poll workers on election day. Contact Linda Robbins at [email protected] or call/text 812-360-7542.  It is a really fun day (trust us--many DWC members have been poll workers) and you learn tons about the process while providing a valuable service to your community.  Can't work?  Convince your friends to do it! There IS a free lunch for workers!

IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
ACTION ITEM

The DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE in the Primary was TODAY, April 4, 2016 at noon
You can check your registration status, find your polling place, and see who is on your ballot at https://indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Registration

SUPPORT OUR CANDIDATES
Early voting starts tomorrow.  Please help support our endorsed candidates with your vote, your voice and your resources of time, money and effort.

There are many contested races in the primary, and we must make sure our voices are heard, and that women's issues remain part of the political conversation.  This is even more important in light of the recent new abortion law passed by the Indiana Legislature and signed into law by Governor Pence that we heard more about at the Friday breakfast last week.


IN THIS ISSUE:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ACTION ITEM

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

Carolyn --

IT'S ELECTION TIME!!
NOW   --    RIGHT NOW!
Early Voting Starts in TWO WEEKS!

It's time to support your DWC women candidates*** running locally.  
They are all inviting you to participate in their campaigns!

Here are some specific ways to help:

Amanda Barge for Commissioner 3
      Amanda would love to have you come to her Thursday event with some canned goods for the Ellettsville Food Pantry 279. She also needs a few more letters written on her behalf, yard sign locations and folks to walk with her. [email protected]

Darcie Fawcett for Judge Division 1
     Darcie is looking for people to walk with her in the next couple of weeks. Contact her at [email protected]

Penny Githens for Representative District 60  
     While Penny doesn't have a primary opponent, her district extends into Morgan county and she's been working really hard to make contacts and meet people there now, in preparation for the fall.   
     Penny has need for folks to walk with her (and surrogates, too!). She needs writers for letters to the editor, and would like to start talking to supporters about fundraisers and friend-raisers. She is also looking for yard sign locations. [email protected]

Holly Harvey for Judge Division 1
     Holly would like any help that fits your particular skill set! Sign locations, sign placement, letters, surrogates! [email protected]

Lee Jones for County Council at Large
     Lee is keeping her fingers crossed as she has no primary opponent right now and there are no candidates on the other side for the fall (as of yet). She asks that the DWC put any efforts to campaigns of others in the primary. [email protected]

Jessica McClellan for Treasurer
     Jessica needs help with walking partners, help with some letters in support of her candidacy, introductions to various groups that you belong to, and with social media - post your pictures with her and let everyone know she's running! contact her at [email protected]

Cheryl Munson for County Council at Large
     Cheryl needs yard sign coordinators for two areas of the county – Northwest and Ellettsville, and then the Southeast and Smithville. Email [email protected] or call 812-325-3407. See www.cherylmunson.us for more information about Cheryl's campaign. Thank you!

Terri Porter for Auditor
     Terri needs help in labeling postcards and also help in placing yard signs. Have some time? Send her a message! [email protected]

Julie Thomas for Commissioner District 2
     Julie Thomas, candidate for re-election as County Commissioner (District 2) is looking for yard sign hosts for the Primary and General Elections. Please send your address to [email protected]. Thank you for your support!

Joani Shields for Coroner
     Joani does not have a primary opponent and requests that the DWC efforts be devoted to those who do need help at this time. She will ask for help for the general election as she does have an opponent then.

***Candidates we’re working with this election cycle!
Endorsed Candidates* for 2016 Primary Season:
Amanda Barge for County Commissioner 3
Julie Thomas for County Commissioner 2
Lee Jones for County Council at Large
Cheryl Munson County Council at Large
Jessica McClellan for County Treasurer
Joani Shields for County Coroner
Terri Porter for County Auditor
Penny Githens for House District 60

Supported Candidates* for the 2016 Primary Season:
Darcie Fawcett for Judge Division 1
Holly Harvey for Judge Division 1
*for an explanation of the endorsement process, see www.democraticwomenscaucus.org or previous editions of the Monday Morning News.

IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
ACTION ITEM

Yes it's Pi Day. 3.14.16 (seriously -- you can round it up to today's date!!)



And what portion of the pie: "Serving in Elected Office" do women get?
Something like this? Historically the number is 2.59%. Today it's about 20% - if you round up!
Better, but still not close to 50%, right?


Figures here are from reports of the Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University.
See more at their website: http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/
For further reading, try this Politico article: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/01/104-women-in-congress-does-it-matter-113903
We'll have more about state and local gender equity in the political sphere during Women's History Month.

NOW--
It's time to support women candidates running locally.  They are all inviting YOU to participate in their campaigns!

Endorsed Candidates* for 2016 Primary Season:
Amanda Barge for County Commissioner 3
Julie Thomas for County Commissioner 2
Lee Jones for County Council at Large
Cheryl Munson County Council at Large
Jessica McClellan for County Treasurer
Joani Shields for County Coroner
Terri Porter for County Auditor
Penny Githens for House District 60

Supported Candidates* for the 2016 Primary Season:
Darcie Fawcett for Judge Division 1
Holly Harvey for Judge Division 1
*for an explanation of the endorsement process, see www.democraticwomenscaucus.org or previous editions of the Monday Morning News.

For some specific ways to help:

Join the Amanda Barge for County Commissioner Campaign! This is a grassroots effort and we need your support!
As a first time candidate, Amanda needs help during the critical months of March and April.
To host a sign, text: 812-606-8813
To walk door to door, host a house party, or write a Letter to the Editor, please email: [email protected]
AND - She is also accepting donations: www.paypal.me/AmandaBarge
Thank you!

&

Bellinis for Barge and Food Drive for Ellettsville Food Pantry 279
Fundraiser for Barge, with an added friend-raiser for Food Pantry 279. Help Amanda help our community!
Date/Time: Thursday, March 24th @ 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: Ridgemeade Hills -1330 Valley Forge Dr (across from Renwick)
Come out to support Amanda's campaign and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Ellettsville's Pantry 279. This pantry is scrambling for donations and is very low right now.  Started and managed by Girl Scouts, this panty serves 150-230 people a day. 90% of them are elderly or working families. The Girl Scouts will be at the event to briefly tell you their inspirational story behind starting the pantry. Stop by, have a cocktail, get inspired and help your community! No better time to celebrate Women's History Month than with a female, progressive candidate and local Girl Scouts who are making a difference

Volunteer HELP for Cheryl Munson: Join Her Sign Team
It's important for all candidates to get campaign signs out for the primary election, because voters need to know who is running! (And newspaper readership has substantially declined.) Without Republican opponents, it is hard to build interest in the County Council contest, but Republican's are promising that they will appoint opponents this summer. Cheryl's Sign Team needs to get the word out to build name recognition. Team members will divvy up Bloomington and the County. The more the merrier, the easier the job.

Can you help in your area? Email [email protected] or call 812-325-3407. See www.cherylmunson.us for more information about Cheryl's campaign. Thank you!

IN THIS ISSUE:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EVENTS
CARTOON
ACTION ITEM