League of Women Voters presents

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League of Women Voters of Berks County members host this program about issues in municipal, county, and Pennsylvania state government. Tuesdays at 9:00 PM or on demand.


BCTV

YouTube Channel (for on demand viewing)

                          

The true cost of jail detention and a vision for public safety in Berks County. Results of months of research, analysis and extensive interviews with 121 returning citizens, have culminating in a report by the Vera Institute of Justice about cost-conscious and safe non-detention alternatives to incarceration.


• What are people incarcerated for?

• What are the repercussions of incarceration on the individual? Community?

• What are the alternatives to incarceration?




A conversation on the merits of the Electoral College method to select U.S. Presidents versus a National Popular Vote method. With Dr. Brett Dolente, LWV PA Government Policy Committee member, Amy Widestrom, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb, District 200. Moderated by Karen Parish of the LWV of Berks County.




On May 20th, voters will select from among candidates for up to 17 different government positions. Learn what Berks County does to assure our elections are safe, secure and accurate.


This is an opportunity to learn:


o How Election Services ensures that our elections are safe and secure?

o How many different offices are up for election?

o How many candidates are involved?

o What candidates must do to get on the ballot?

o What is “cross-filing”? and What is retention?

o What is on the ballot?

o And other election information including important dates for you to know and how mail-in ballots work.



A discussion about various lead contamination hazards in the home with Michael Drumheller, Deputy Director of Energy Program with BCAP, Jarel Melendez, Lead Hazard Control Program Manager with the City of Reading, and host Karen Parish with the League of Women Voters of Berks County.



Learn why Congress holds the power of the purse – your tax dollars at work! Learn how these Congresswomen use that power. Learn how you can give input. Learn how they work across the aisle in a very partisan Congress.

With Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan.



We hope to provide answers to your questions about our state and federal judiciary:


1. Surveys show less confidence in our judicial system than four years ago. Why?

2. What are judicial “Codes of Ethics” and how are they used?

3. Why are Pennsylvania judges elected and federal judges appointed?

4. What do Pennsylvania courts do? What do federal courts do?



A discussion on the local water supply and water conservation tips with Bethany Ayers Fisher, Sustainability Manager for the City of Reading, working out of the Public Works Department, and William Murray, Executive Director of the Reading Area Water Authority.



Every day, Americans face a flood of information from newspapers, TV, radio, social media, and casual conversations. With both sides criticizing fake news and misinformation, how can we discern what's true? How do we validate information and avoid spreading inaccuracies? This program will explore these questions and more.




A discussion of common questions about the voting process and an update on preparations for the upcoming fall, 2024 general election. With Berks County Election Services Director, Anne Norton; Sylvia Gutierrez, Chief Registrar for Election Services; and LWV moderator Karen Parish.




This program emphasizes the importance of radon testing, findings on the occurrence of Radon in our area, and how to address the problem.




Understanding public education funding is crucial for voters in Berks County as it directly impacts the quality of education their children receive and the overall prosperity of their community. By engaging in this discussion, voters can make informed decisions that shape the future of education and society in their region.




Why redistricting matters and why we need action NOW on redistricting reform




Join the Crucial Conversation on Gun Legislation in Pennsylvania. We host a pivotal discussion on the future of gun legislation in Pennsylvania.




The Berks County Air Quality program addresses the issue of pollutants in our air, where they come from, what health impact do they have and what you can do to protect yourself. Particulate matters, called PM2.5, rules are being changed to decrease the acceptable levels in our air. Learn why this is important.