conference on ALTERNATIVE state an d local PUBLIC POLICIES

Editor : Barbara Bick

IN T H IS ISSUE...

"R un A w ay R a n ts " (p. 3) by Lee Webb The ability of corporations to move easily from region tç region in search of greater profits poses a serious problem to dependent communities. Some proposals are suggested.

"Fresh Voices in State Capitols" (p.5) Community organizations are taking neighborhood con­ cerns not only to City Hall but to State Capitols.

"Transfer Amendment: A New Source of Federal Money (p. 6) by Bob Schaeffer The Budget and Impoundment.A**offers a ievei to force choices between military overspending and community needs.

"8 Point Economic Program for Ruth Yannatta - From Consumer Activist W Assembly Candidate (see p. 4) Northeast Cities" (p. 8) ..,V The Nbrtheast dties Conference sent the Governor's Coali­ tion a legislative package to revitalize tufera areas of the ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATION region.

"Truth-in-Renting rights and ■ responsit.-iKttea; of A ct" tenants and landlords of ren­ "Making Sense Out of the System" (p. 12) tal dwelling uahs." This The nation's first Truth-m- "statement" is to be «tld fin by Joseph Marfuggi Renting Ac*" took «Sect $1 to the public and all New An innovative devise that would enable the working poor statewide in New Jersey last Jersey landliwfisi|(ia»dlords and unemployed to work off local «axe*. summer. The seven-section are required to distribute «? statute is written in uncom- copy to each M fbrit pvétoat m t e language and tenants (within 3t> days), to "New Conferences" (p. 14) \ mandates the MJ. Depart* all p^spective and meat of Community Affairs must post a copy in at least A Conference on Hew Directions in State and Local Tax to prepare and publish a one prominent location which Reform, and another for the Plains Region are in the statement of established legal Continued on page 2 works. Alternative Legislation Continued ■ ■ ■

creased utility costs. Thé laws Hderly Rent prohibit deposits tes gas and Exemption js "accessible to all . . ; ten- The $925 million program electric service and ban fees ants." The DCA is charged will net require a general tax for late bill paymeit. Despite Eligible elderly tenan'.s with the responsibility to re­ increa: ; The cost of the contrary predictions, the were given a 50% exemption vise and update the tenants' package would come from study of six Michigan com­ from a recently passed rent eights booklet annually. $240 million in increased panies states that the Utility bike in Boston's rent con­ The carrent DCA s tatement revenues resulting from the firms had no more trouble trolled apartments. To be o f tenants' rights runs about elimination of the special collecting bills under the new eligible the elderly tenant (65 15 pages and covers every reatment of capital gains in laws than under the former years or older) must be head major area of tenants' rights the California tax code, and rules. of a household living in a in the state Areas covered in­ from $520 million raised by rent controlled unit. The total clude the lease, rent increases, increasing the progressivity er Tax Proposal gross annual income for the discrimination, security California's income tax in entire household must be deposits, crime insurance, the upper brackets. The final A major ta» reform $7,200 or less for one person, distress/distraint, evictions, $200 million would be a ap­ proposal for New Haven, CN $8,750 or less for two people, retaliafïénsi reotdVership and propriation from the surplus has been adopted by the New $8,750 or less pics $300 for condition tatetr«nt of •«bifity to pay basts. creased taxes on Yale Univer­ agencies it has treated.. If tenants' rights" is available at For further information, sity, a progressive city review indicates that «he a cost of $1 from the Bureau esjtact. California Tax property b x , and the in­ agency ho longer operates in of Housing, Dept, o f Com­ tfeïcrm Assoc., 1J07 9th St , clusion of notes, bonds, the public interest, or if to munity Affairs, P.O. Box #224, Sacramento CA 95814 stocks, and other tiitangible activities are essentially 2768, Trenton, N.j. 08626 property within the local ù plicated by ether agen-ii*, Checks or money orders property tax Tor more in- th# legislature will cause■■’Äe should be made payable to Research Curb formation contact Richard D sun to "set," and the unit will Treasurer , State of New Ter- Wolff, New Haven AFL.-CIÖ be legislated out of existence. sey A nationa jrec. cm of D> legate, 678 C 5t The Colorado Itiw local confrol over scientific New Haven CN,. 06511. Continued on page 5 research was set last month when the Cam . MA TOPI X : e ' Tax City Council voted stringent safety regulations over Progiain genetic research at Harvarc A nearly Si billion tax Lhiyjprsity and thé efoi and relief iroposaî Î iass&hftisetts Ir ute oi has ;n sponsored in the Technology. State legislature* iltf ni Legislature by the and dfcy connais from Ne»*.' California Tax ■ • jersey to California have Astoijatiqi and the.; Citizens debated die question ö DNA Action League, The Tax research but until now all the iustke Ant of .1977 would yotfcs have allowed such work refprm the capital gains to go on The Cambridge ioophqje, add new income tax ordinance, adopted brackètS for wealthy tax- •! unaniïrïôusiy by the rime payers, add use up some oi h :nber council, is n ire the state surplus in order to »strictive than guidelines fund middle and lo, r-lhcome issu i 1 it July by the property tax relief for Na ionai ituti of Health homeowi'.;-- and renters on The cO . icil had imposed a the basis of need. moratorium on DNÂ researdi This ’lifeline" hr "fair since the NIH guidelines. share" proposal is designed to relieve the .property tax bur­ Consumer Protection den on low and middle in­ come homeowners rnd ren­ An extensive study by the “ T e ll m e , M r. Bi&pkins, why is S H p e r c e n t ters. The State of California Public Service Commission, whopping when it's tereat you’re paying would reimburse them direc­ concludes that Michigan’s tly for a portion of the liberal consumer protection me, hut IS per c e n t is measly when it's inter- property taxes they paid. laws have not caused in­ est Tm paving you?” Garden-Variety Solutions Inadequate. of Run Away Plants By Lee Webb workers into a state Community Assistance Fund. The Fund would then make payments to hard-hit workers and The small town of Fairport Harbor, OH was hit by an communities The bill was proposed by the Ohio Public In - economic earthquake last year wher. Diamond Shamrock terfo- Campaign, a state-wise organizing effort against Corporation announced it was dosing. It meant that 1200 runaway pla~ s. which has done impressive research on people will lose jobs. It meant that Fairport Harbor will strategies to control plant dosings. For more information lose taxes equal tt o0% of its school budget. And to top it on their work, write to OPIC. 340 Chester, 22th Bldg., off, a 270 rcre chemical waste pond, with an estimated 6Ö Cleveland, OH 44114. year life span, will be left for the town to deal with, when • Ai the federal level. Senators Hart and Mondale in­ the corporation departs. troduced î bill several years ago (S28Ö9) requiring that Such a story is all too commonplace in loca . newspapers every corporation give two years notice before closing any throughout the country. Plants shut down in one slate in ov*? a •tertain sir*. In addition, i* a mandatory order to open up in another state that offers lower wages, hearing and invest i&rtory procedure to determine whether lower taxes, and "a better business dimate." Plants flee the the plant should remain open. If the plant dosing is deemed North to the South, front die North and the South to 'unjustified,'' federal assistance to any new plant of tte Mexico, Taiwan, and other underdeveloped countries. corporation can be withheld, particularly the use of the The ability of industry to m tm easily from one place to federal investmimt tax credit. Currently there is a similar another in search of higher profits is one of the worst bill (H.R. 76) in the House. problems facing States and cities today. Officials are ofwr. Nearly all these bills and proposals represent a changing paralyzed by the knowledge of Corporate mobility. They belief m the legal relationship of a corporation to its shy away from inhuvative taxes or regulatory policies foi workers and the community in which it is located. In the fear that existing companies will leave or that others will past, a plant had no legal obligation to a community other boycott diem. In fact, any attempt to stop or put a price than payment of taxes and observance of local laws. ft had on those businesses which abandon a plant and communil y no legal obligation to its workers except to pay wages fra tes been attacked as bad public policy under the rationaB- time worked. The new argument holds that when a plant nation that such moves were motivated by the need for in­ has been in a community for some considerable period of dustrial efficiency and thus wsr. good for the country as a time there is an implicit contract or franchise between the wh ole - plant, its Workers, and the community. This should enable However a new and hard look at this problem is un­ the community Ip prevent a plant from leaving at wifi, Thù derway. Stimulated by the massive exodus pf American implicit contract is what the various legislative proposals jobs to other countries and the continuing dffdine of the would codify into statutory law. Northeast and Midwest, Community organizations, state There are a number of laws, viewed as precedent for legislators and Congressmen are taking steps to control'; runaway shops, which prevent a profit making business "runaway plant}*" in a number of ways. Some example; in­ from dosing at will. Most are in regulated industries. Ôn clude: the national level, ait airline or railroad cannot elimtn ,e ft A Wisconsin law passed in 1975 requires 60 days notice service to a dty or rail fine without formal legal per­ if a corporation plans to shut down a plant in that state. mission, after extensive hearings of the CAB or ICC. At the Although the notice period is short, it is a first step. Even a state level, an electric utility or telephone company cannot two month period gives time to the town, the union, and cut or eliminate service without approval by the state the state fö exert pressure on the corporation to change its Public Utility Commission. In most states a bank cannot decision or, if unsuccessful, to plan for the shutdown. move its business location, or that of any branches • Vermont responded to the shut down of a local without approval of the Banking Commissioner asbestos mine and processing plant with both political There is obviously strong resistance to applying these muscle and financial resources. The state lent money and precedents to manufacturing and commercial enterprises. guaranteed additional bank loans for the purchase of the However, until there are restrictions on runaway plants, plant by its workers. The worker-owned company, in states and cities are severely hampered in efforts to con­ Lowell, VT. has earned substantial profits and is opening front their economic and sodal problems. Uttle can be another large plant in the area done about changing property taxes, reforming state tax • An Ohio bill, "The Plant Closing Act of 1977" wouid systems, environmental laws, minimum wages, etc while require two years notice to affected employees and com­ corporations are able to pick up stakes and move at will munities before any industry shutdown, relocation, or The mounting desperation of state?, communities, and reduction m operations. The Act wouid also require a cor­ tihlbris V$lj|, hopefetfiy, te reflected in metre legislative poration to pay 20% of the total annual wages of laid-off programs ih the immediate future. From Consumer Advocate To Citizens' Candidate

by Derek Shearer which gives the location of farms with surplus crops chat can be picked or purchased at low cost. Organized labor Today consumer advoeaie Ruth Yannatta is a leading supported her fight against supermarket computerization candidate for the state assembly. Fouir years ago die was and for a bill that would keep the price of goods on items tine of a group of angry los Angeles housewives who by law. Ruth frequently spoke at labor gatherings to stress sparked a nation-wide meat boycott. How did Ruth Yan­ the common interests el the labor and consumer move­ natta make the jump from protesting the high pride of meat ments. to running for public office? Politically, it all çame together for Ruth when.she- at­ Part of the answer is the politicization of the consumer tended the first national conference, on Alternative State movement. More îttjpbrtqnt., perhaps, is the recent coming and Local Public Policy in Madfcjqn, WI. She helped fri together of the singie-isSue movémtmjts bflhé ltyfi's and organize the California regional conference and gave «ariÿ 70's into a coherent national political force' workshops on food pélicy at the national conference us But back to Ruth iri 1973. When most of the other Austin, TX, At these meetings she met other activist women who had started the nheat boycott returned to their women from around the country who had run public jobs or families, Ruth decided tc ep working on food office apd won on progressive platforms. issues. She helped form a group called Fight Inflation And so, Ruth Yannatta, consumer activist, decided to Together (FIT). r .n for thé st$4f assembly when it appeared Jikely that a FIJ began a study a California stated marketing orders special electhiri would be held in the spring to fill an up­ They discovered that the government protected big farmers coming vacancy. The Democratic establishment will be trom competition by setting prices, quality, and q^mtity fielding a mam candidate against Ruth and a number of standards to the detriment of the small farmer — and the other candidates will be running. consumer. HT also discovered that the 1933 law which set Ti e 44th District, one of the most liberal in the state, in­ up the state marketing boards, required the appointment of ti'ides Venice, Santa Monica, and the middle and working one publié member to eachboard.ThijS had never been dass sections of West Los Angeles. It is not overly affluent. done. When FIT publicized this omission to the press and It should respond to Ruth's concerns about high food prices to Reagan's Director of Agriculture, Ruth was shortly ap­ and govemment-busine» collusion. pointed as the public member on the st&te Egg Board. Trie Assembly races in California are not cheap. A minimum was the first public member in California history budget runs around $50,000. More likely Ruth will have to Ruth used her position on the Egg Board to oppose a raise and spend $75,000 to win. Ruth Yannatta plans a program to ship surplus eggs to Japan in order to keep egg people-oriented campaign, with extensive precinct walking prices cq) in Càhfdïhia. She kept the press informed about by fier self and volunteers. Her advantages are that Ruth Other activities of the state marketing hp?uds, Ruth con­ hasromt pame identification in the district, a clear set of tinued to play an actfyi&t and organizing role, exposing the issu^j and a record ö? citizeö action on « É É : to cam­ state setting of wholesale milk prices, Organizing a Mother's paign Day mslkboycott, picketing.'at &«GiN turned to call for the appointment of a majority of public Derek Shearer is a journalist* the mest coast coordinator of members on all commodity boards the National Conference — and husband of Ruth Yannatta. hi 1974 newly elected Governor Jerry Brown announced that he would place public members on all state marketing boards. Ruth and he« ^foup iver^ given credit for raising the issue. Brown also offered her a job as Assistant to the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The ap­ pointment provided added legitimacy to the consumer movement hi the state. Ruth continued her activist roie in her state position, helping local groups fight for lower utility rates and lower food prices. She helped organize a program of direct fruit and vegetable marketing: consumers call a toll-free number Alternative Legislation Continued.,. schedules 13 of 39 agencies, prepared by a legislative task tivities. The author is Jerry package includes proposals for automatic termination force that included members Berman of the Center for that would make it easier every other year. But before of Common Cause, the group National Security Studies, for unions to Organize and dismantlement public that wrote the sunset law Copiés of the draft statute are negotiate contracts, and a hearings are held so that a novr in force in Colorado. available from the CNSS, 122 highet minimum wage floor given agency may demon­ Dr Benjamin Bhimberg, of Maryland Ave., N.E., Wash., (from $2.30 to $3 an hour) strate i public Ticed for its tile Centc for Occupatio- al D.C. with automatic increases in continued existence. and Professional /Assessment the future to keep the mini­ Two Texas legislators. Sen in Princeton, N.J., has made mum equivaler * to 60% of Lloyd Doggett and Rep. lohn a detailed study of sunset average hourly earnings in Wilson, have introduced a laws. He suggests that they New Labor Initiatives manufacturing. It does not sunset bill which would will only be effective if there While repeal of state include a provision for a require 66 state agencies and is ail accountability process right-to-work laws has been lower minimum for teen­ 13 advisory councils to justify that monitors what the sought for years, an unpre­ agers which many industries their existence every six years boards do and that can inter- , cedented new national cam­ favor but which the AFL- or be phased out. cede to stop actions not in the paign for sweeping changes CIO says would be discrimi­ The Maryland General public interest. Shimberg said in the nation's labor laws natory. Assembly killed a sunset bill that the Colorado sunset law was announced by the AFL- It also includes federal'/ for this session by referring it dora not come to grips with 0 0 *4 Executive Council. It mandated; coBeeHjkre bargain^ to a summer study. 'The bill this problem He believes the will be backed by a union mg ■ lights fo r ptitbiiç Em­ would have shat down more, key is the inclusion of effec­ war chest of more than ployees and agricultural than 100 state aeencie* if they tive private citizens on licens­ $800,000, tp be raised by workers, and removal Of the couldn't justify tjheir epdpfc ing and regulatory boards to assessing each of the 14.2 Hatch Act’s ban on poli­ ence. Considered one of the Help insure accountability. million union members one ticking by federal workers major bills to come before the cent a monfr for six A recent Supreme Court de­ Assembly, it would have months. cision has cast doubt over guaranteed a staggered review An d-SurvejJJaMce The campaign will seek to Congress' right to legislate of 122 agencies and would repeal petite» H(B) of thé for state and Ideal govern­ have made reviews of these A model Ahti-Surveihance T aft-Hartley Act, under ment employees. The Coun­ agencies mandatory every si* Statute has been drafted that which- 2 0 states have en- cil, for the time being, is years. Still alive is another would prohibit political sur cted right-to-work laws recommending that aO fed­ bill that would limit review veillance bÿstate and local I rohibiting collective bar­ eral grant programs contait to only 55 state agencies until police. It woidd also regulate gaining agreements that re­ a proviso that recipients the sunset concept had police conduct as it intruded quire workers to join a must agree to bargain with proved itself. This bill was on First Amendment ac­ union. The whole legislative Contirated on page 13 Fresh Voices in State Capitols

A number o f new state­ in Sacramento and wor tackled only in the state «rill attem pt to get the North wide, multi-issue community egislative approval for the,. Capitols. They have shown Carolina legislature bp pais organizations, active now in Lifeline electric rate bill that they can mobilize ef­ an electric utility pate reform about 10 states, are shaking ACORN sponsored referen­ fective support on behalf of bill. Action league will be up status-quo politicians in dum in five cities in Arkansas state ballot referendums and lobbying slate-wide and in their state Capitols. Groups for electric rate reform, win­ state legislation. However, Sacramento for their 'Tax such as Mass Fair Share, ning in Little Rock. Missouri they rarely endorse or sup­ Justice Act of 1977." Mass ACORN (in Arkansas and ACORN came very close in a port specific candidates. In Fair Share will be working on half a dozen other states). state-wide referendum to fact, their leaders speak for­ a state-wide strategy for Citizens Action League exempting food from the state cefully against getting in­ economic development and (California), Carolina Action, sales tax. volved in "electoral politics" job creation. All of the and Virginia Consumers These community even though they seem to be groups will be sending voca) Congress speak mainly for organizations are generally knee deep m everything but delegations to the ofbees of working class and the lower- based on neighborhood, actually running or endorsing their state representatives and middle class who make up town, or city chapters with a candidates into the jobbtes of their state most of their membership. state-wide central office and These community capitols. In the past year Mass Fair staff. Until recently, the local organizations have demon­ ACORN, Mass Fair Share, Share mobilized such wide chapters have focused on strated the ability to get their Citizens Action League, support for its "Fair Share- neighborhood or city issues issues into the middle of the Carolina Action, Virginia referendum, or fiat electric such as traffic, housing, political debate They have Consumers Congress, and rates, that the utility com­ schools, etc. They are now developed interesting, in­ others, are the natural panies were forced to spend moving into the state-wide novative and politically political allies of the growing more than $1 million to political arena since many popular legislation Their number of issue-oriented elec­ defeat the measure. The local problems, such as utility' growing fond raising ability is ted and appointed state and Citizens Action League over­ rates, taxes, and consumer allowing them to expand. local officials They are whelmed the utility lobbyists protection, can be effectively This year Carolina Action sorely needed!

5 Â le w Source of Federal Money

Transfer Am endm ent

By Bob Schaeffer nation by legiecting uman needs at home while for the State and local public of­ first tim.-: in < . nation's ficials and their allies in history increasing mil ary organicétions now have a spending aftei a Since powerful lever to win a Carter won't keep his ord bigger share of scarce fédérai IPs now up to citizens a he ids. The new fidget and press Congres to keep he Impoundment Control Act of- Democrat's pledge. . s a way to fonce a Choice The Coalition for a New b etwee# Spending on wasteful Foreign and Military Policy Pentagon prograins and has been established to coor­ priorities which benefit local dinate the campaign. They I ommunities. A 'Transfer have pre »red a nr de Trans­ A ten datent" plan for in fer Amendmer to be filed i .roduetion laifcet this spring congress ' ter this yeai The tV 'll m ake C o igress directly : reposai calls for • att g :he c:nfro*it the gun. tarsus aul- f f If military budget tc spending dilemma. 513.6 million and applying all Although Jimmy Carter the -’ lyings tes social cae paigned for the Presiden­ program s which aid states cy .« the promise .of a sub- and municipalities Specific creased fey 52 billion), world t Taise h e connection et- sh' tiaä cut in m difàry spen­ cuts would come from >.n- development housing, health ween bloated i -.ilitary pend­ ding, his budget actually in? n ecssary weapons su h» .as care, and children's services. ing and Icca'. fiscal "crises" -teases Pentagon funding by »•; B-l Bombe. Trident Sub­ Since military spending is when »mmunity programs m ore d u n 37 billion over last ir. fine, and Gridfe Missile, the worst possible economic •re cut, taxes rai .d, or year. as •.-/ail es oversees roops in activity in terms of jobs mu i ripai candidates cam­ His much ballyhooed $2.8 places like Korea, and fund. created ‘ or e; ..h $10 thousand paign; billion cut actually came a hid aie iictatc ; and sup­ spent (according to Bureau of from Ford' :• inflated pro- port CIA intervention labor Statistics figures), • Have the Transfer pssal -or $323 billic:; in Programs dated for a« ■ passage of the Transfer .Amendment endorsed by military spending authority d tional funding indude anti­ Amen dm hit would actually your local govemn ent, ci­ for 1973 which was $10 bä- recession aid to state and crears nearly a million new vic, religious, and labor or­ Hort more thar the 1977 fig­ lçr;al governments {up $2.5 job.; Without adding a single ganization, gnd "notable'' ure. In ;&•*, his proposals billion), public service jobs dollar in total extra spending. comm unity fig-,«s, n n counter to the Demo (more 'hin $3 billion id- Also included is a special cratie party pi ?. form which ditional, with concentration fund of $500 million ear­ • Urge your USi Senators castigates die N ixon/Ford or. minority, youth and marked to aid commun’des and Representatives to sup­ administration for "under­ senior citizen), elementary and workers directly affected port the Transfer Amend­ mining the security of ou: and secondary education (in­ by the military ruts. ment. Tell them he It wilt The TrarisferAmenbment help local programs. will com e tr. the floor in The Trans#» Amendment Congress in late Apr: or will h i no panacea for all the garly May. To win that fiscal ills of our itardpressed Crucial vote and bring much cities, towns and states But it needed funds to our com­ is a concrete way in which we munities, work must begin can begin to change this nOW: country's misdirected priorities. • contact the Coalition for T o ta l »Spending ■‘S1T2.H billion a New Foreign and Military Major Costs: Policy, 120 Maryland Ave , N.E. Wash. DC 200021(202i Pay and Fringe Benefits for DiiO.OOO civilian and 2.1 Bob Schaeffer a staff mem- 546-8400] for copies of the her of Citizens for Petr- million military personnel . j ’ri.d billion Transfer Amendment, ticipation in Political Action detailed analyses and sup­ New Weapons: . $22,S billion (CPPAX) porting material. Get on their Weapons Research and Testing 1.4 billion mailing list far Legislative A lert, Thn Wa*hinzUn Po.^c 6 with the help of community groups and volunteer attor­ Food Day 77 neys, initiative America won to Note two Utah State Supreme In 50 States Notes Court battles against the utilitfci who tried to force them off the baHot. By Barbara Gottlieb One can jobï Initiative Food CiuL handbook Blöd: G rant Aids America for $25, or $1*3 for Food Day, the national students anti senior citizens. day of action and education Excellent material on how "Citize:. Involvement in For information contacs John or. food, is St: for April 21, to set up fend rur; a food Community Development: Forster and Roger ') elschow 1977. Local groups anti coa­ buying dub, as well es in­ An Opportunity tu d A at Initiative America, 1316 litions across the country formation on the history of Challenge," is the fifth in a Independence Ave. S.E., at e planning a wide army food politics jn Washington series cf publications called Wash.. D.C 20003. of activities to educate and D.C. and nationally, is con­ Citizer Action.Guides involve thei- neighbors in tained in a small, attractive published uy file Cer nr for the issues of nutrition, hun­ manual, The D.C Food Community Change. The In These Times ger and agribusiness Buying Club Handbook. It is pamphlet is designed to help in These Times, » If last year's Food Day published by Strongforce, a citizen groups apply more ef­ nationally circulated weekly was a fair indication, then O.C. group that recently ob­ fectively for community newspaper, has begun Food Day 77 will be ob­ tain«! a National Institute of development block grants. publication in Chicago. An served hi all .50. states' with Mental Health grant to train Price is $1.50 CCC, 1000 independent soQa)ù»t food fairs, toaçb-ins, com­ community residents on Wisconsin Ave. NW. Wash. ne w spaper for ■ a general mun! tym eals, farmers' mar­ starting and running demo­ IK 2000? audience, hr These Times is kets, urban gardens, food cratically managed, coro» sponsored by a wpls raai&- °* stamp drives, lobbying mumty-work Chicago, It. 60614. 5% erf the voters,. eau mit The'Federation for legislation on the ballot against representatives of NYC Take Over of food corporations and super­ Economic Democracy;; with From conception to passage Con Ed? several -state chapters, has the bill remains exclusively markets- Subjects to be de­ bated will indotle the ef­ opened a national office it. citizen controlled. A cali to take over Co«- fectiveness of food coop sys- Washington fl.C . The group Initiative bills are ovk-~ soUdated Edison; the private s versus supermarkets ; focuses on helping people whelmingjly of people-orient­ utility serving New York City v Attends and fte use of establish or take over ed concern ■*- the type of and Westchester County, was tax-subsidized water for cor manufacturing operation reform that rarely makes it made by Jack Newfield and potate fanning; absentee that are dosing down, and through tbg legislature. Paul Do Brul, two well ownership and management then to operate them or. » Through that process the known city political writer:, of farms; and the -ole ol worker controlled and state of Washington passed in a recent issue of the Village food corporations in contri­ managed basis FED’S ex- a tough consumer credit act Voice, They argue that the buting to malnutrition. erience has been that cor­ In Michigan successful legfc- sake over of Con Ed is Among the cities where porations, even when not In­ letion removed the sales tax necessary to reduce energy delates are scheduled are terested in operating a given on food and drugs and rri- costs for the poor, to improve; Fresno, San Francisco, Oma­ plant, are still reluctant to s ‘tuted a returnable deposit the air and environment, and ha, Austin, Chicago, Pfeila- sell to workers. It ps dear that law on bottles and cans. to encourage the economic tidphia and Atlante. corporations are stiB It: 3 in­ California and Florida now development of die city. Senator Mark Hatfield terested in worker-maw ^ed jhave strict political honesty New Yorkers were urged to joins CSPI in sponsoring a business competition laws, ft is Unlawful to have follow the example of two conference on the political FED is also working with % huge corporate farms in small Up-State cities, Massena causes of world hunger. The numb«- of unions for the in­ North Dakota, and Missouri and Sherrill, which have conference, April 23 and 22, clusion of a dause in union has a law to protect con­ passed referendums and are contracts that would give sumers from unfair utility in the process of taking over featuring speakers from Third World countries, US­ workers the first option to charges, for construction Bie private utilities in their buy when a business is to be communities. To put the take AID and the World Bank, will challenge the conven­ sold or shut down. Initiative America came over of Con Ed on the For more information write up against power and mon­ November ballot, the tional wisdom of cash-crop faming. Green Revolution to George Bendlo, c/o IGP, ey *s they fought for nu­ signatures of 50,000 registered Suite 311, 2100 M St., N.W., clear energy safety mea­ voters must be placed on Wadi. DC 20063 sures in seven states. Still, petitions. Continued on page 13

7 8 Point Economie Developing

which the public, through its elected representatives, can The Northeast Cities Conference, held m Hartford, CN control the wealth of neighborhoods, cities, and states. Our last December, enunciated the first policy paper adopted by proposals advocate decentralization and citizen par­ any meeting or section of the National Conference on ticipation in the delivery of social services. They look to a Alternative State and Local Public Policies. The document federal policy that is responsive to the needs of the entire was in the for.n of a letter to the Governors of the Ndrth- Northeast, especially our cities. eastern Coalition. In addition to an &-pomt program for We understand that the governors have formed a the cities, the letter requested that aß policy discussions coalition to focus qn regional concerns and to develop an tt (th the feder al government include prior consultation with agenda for interstate cooperation and: federal action. We state and local public officials, community groups, and Support this effort. The existence of a. jpatfjfâm, and.the other appropriate leaders, and a halt to all policies thaï fcâ1 nature of the policy discussions it stimulStfes, reflect con-, (O qddrçsç thé crucial needs of urban residents. ceëjjfjor the region and willingness to consider bold and in­ Th? letter is reprinted below for the information of all novative action. those concerned with the needs of our cities who did not f lit this logie rnust take one step $arthçr The: governors attend the Hartford gatherings Ä Steering Committee o f the arg ^ forcefully that national pconomiç and social measures Northeast Cities' Conference will meet in tire near future to do not affect all regions equally. Even measures that sup­ plain contmuing programs, publications, and topical con­ port opr region, however, will not automatically assist our ferences. Ta be on their mailing list, write to: 0ffcs Con­ cities. The same economic logic that transfers resources ference, Hartford Process Office, fth Floor. 100 Con­ from the Northeast to the Sun Belt will continue to move stitution Plaza, Hartford. CN 06103. •«sources from the central cities to the suburbs. In both cases, pew public policies are required to cc nteract this We are‘ :ected or appointed < .' ficials, policy planners, economic logic. representatives of unions and community organizations. We Let us emphasize ha; federal bailouts are no i the issue, live and work in cities that are struggling for their social ■ or will more dollars spent in support of business as usual and economic survival. Unemployment of Hack an4 Puerto "■set our heeds. The new administration takes office at s Rican youths in our cities runs at an annual level of over time of economic scarcity and disillusionment with cen­ 40%. Property tax rates are past the breaking point yet tralized bureaucratic solutions. It thus has a unique op­ there are still no resources for the basic services our citizens portunity tb help the cities by promoting structural reform. need. Many of out public employees labor for salaries thar The cities do need assistance from Washington in the forth lag behind inflation. The gap between what is being done of federalized welfare, federal assumption of health and and what should be done grows iargeT'every day. education Expenditures, and general revenue sharing. But The major problem facing the Northeast and the rest of more than these, we need changes in the way wealth is our country is an inequitable distribution of economic and produced, distributed and controlled pohtkfcl power. This imbalance reflects itself Ln;$fe racism, Specifically; we propose the following measures: poverty and environmental degradation yrhich characterize the jppij&j! crisis facing pur cities. At! programmatic 1.) That economic suppô ts and incentives be targeted to incitatives must be measured against the extent to which areas o f highest unemployment. they add-ess this imbalance a) Any regional development corporation, for exam­ Too often, the resp onse to these problems has been at ple, must provide specific criteria fdr directing in­ best an unfortunate and at worst a destructive policy of vestments to these areas. reducing public services, providing ill-conceived subsidies V) Any supports to business created through the tax to the private sector, and forcing the adoption of virtually system must be designed to bring private investment* confiscatory property tax measures. Current policies ignore back to urban areas. the real causes of the Northeast's difficulties, which lie in the way our economic system works and in the misplaced That all public expenditures in support of economic priorities of the federal government. They make the development be measured against an explicit set of situation worse, not better. criteria that ensures adequate returns to the public in­ The 430 of us who have gathered in Hartford this vestor,, tiarnely the taxpayers. weekend at the Conference on Alternative Public Policies a) Whenever possible, public money should be used for Northeastern Cities propose flew forms of governmental in support of publicly controlled instruments. Too of­ response to urban needs. Our proposals center on ways by ten, public funds have subsidized private interests

3 itrProgram for Northeast Cities

without adequate publie benéïit. That regional decision-making bodies include urban b) Policies should be designed to provide priority communities in then- membership, and that whenever support to new instruments such as the Community ossible government policy and implementation should Development Finance Corporation in Massachusetts be controfled by locally based entities. and the numerous locally based community develop­ a) Programs designed to ensure decentralized ment corporations operating in our coreurban areas decision malting such as thoss underway in New York City and Buffalo should l; incorporated and supported 3 } That financial institutions be required, as a con­ by any regional initiatives. dition of their charters, to give priority to the credit b) The Conference of Northea. * Governors Task needs of the communities they are chartered to serve. Forces and other dedsion-makiiig bodies must fr dude a) In allocating charters and branches, priority uifcnn representatives at all levels should he given to banks that emphasize community credit and economic development needs. That all proposals specifically address racism and b) License renewal should be contingent upon other forms of discrimination, especially ir the areas of regular demonstration of service to communities. housing, education, and employment. a) No proposals should be considered without an ex­ plicit affirmative action plan and a clear monitoring capacity b| Manpower training programs must be designed so as to reduce die unacceptable income level disparities between whites and other ethnic and racial groups, and between men and women.

6 ) That the stales and ctoes immediately join in a policy of cooperation for economic development and end our current pattem of predatory compétition. à) We should immediately enact legislation establishing common regional policy with respect to tax, revenue bond, and other incentives. b) No atateor other jurisdiction allow any ex- penditures for programs designed to for business from one part of the Northeast to another. c) A federal policy should discourage other regions from raiding Our industry.

tax burdens of urban communi­

al Tax measures should be developed to equalize property tax burdens throughout each state and thereby to ensure evenhanded fv ding for human ser­ vice and education programs. b) The governors should immediately pledge to target new revenues resulting from federal welfare reform to urban and other chronically depressed com­ munities.

O f And, finally, that you join jn supporting a re­ direction of national priorities away from a swollen defense budget and toward the programs that guarantee needed social and hiiman services to all of cur citizens.

9 IN THE CONFERENCE What's Happening? By Barbara Bi<5r Sam Brown To the Feds Colorado Stats Treasurer, Sam Brown, one of the "stars" of the National Conference, ha : gone federal, On February 19, President Carte- confirmed thaï he Will nominate Sate to head ACTION, an agency created »y Nixofi drat puts the various federal Volunteer progr&tes such is the Peac. Corps and Vista, jnder one oof. One pf 'bt most quoted emarks by Sam, ? girding hjfe devotion . is thé work of the National Conference, was 'A few years ago 1 was out a -. ive the world Then 1 became interest« in the :ountry and then the state I Ive in, five year ,-oi now I may be trying to >ave my- neighborhood- and holding that up- as- the nodel for the world." WÇ'ÎÎ give you a new quote from our good friend, $ :tn Brown, next mo ,th — from Washington

You are my grass roots.

Soglin in Mayority Runoff Another good friend and one of the Conference The Four Seas Carp, bought the hotel in 1975 and »und» s, Paul joglin, ti o rm Mayor of Madison, WI, ha* bee- trying to evict the tenant» so that ft Can de­ finished second to Aldermai Anthciny Amato in thé molish th building With the support of San Francisco nonpartisan single fg tarif - hat are required for all community activist», the tenants have held hut, They Wiscor^ri teiirüdpal elections. Amato, who is a former appeared to -fu, .' won their ïght when the San Fran­ :tide to the conservative William )yke whom Soglin le- cisco Board of Supervisors decided to have the housing feated for Mayor four year» ago will face Paul in thé authority use its rawer of eminent domain to buy the runoff election April 5. Ithough Amato railed 16,557 buikhng and sol it bach tq the tenants. But the cor- v-otes to L2,94Î: for Soglin Soglin is still considered as P oration would not sell and the courte upheld them. having the greater potential. Pau : said he hope, to draw ThgSan Francisco police have again been asked to evict support from vote's whe sided with Alderman Michael the- tenants. Sack, a socialist, who finished third in the primary with So, I guess it's good news to know that the people's 6,961 votes. sheriff was arrested m the good fight. He is presently teat of jail on appeal.

Hongisto Sentenced Is it good news or bad news for oui friends in the California Conference Conference this month! How does California get the talent? Henry Fonda read All those who attended the Austin national conference from "The Grapes Of Wrath" at the second regional svill loftg remember the fantastic .riminpt justice workshop conference's cultural program. Quick report from the which combined the outrageously witty and articulate San gathering held February 18-20 in Santa Barbara, is that Francisco Sheriff Richard Hongisto, and Detroit Judge Jus­ it was very successful, with around 800 people, and tin Ravitz. Latest word from the West is that the Sheriff much interesting work. Copies of the "Working Papers" was sentenced to five days in jail for not carrying out an prepared for the conference are available. Write to Fred eviction notice against elderly Chinese and Filipino tenants Branfman, California Public Policy Center, #224, 304 S. of the International Hotel. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

10 Womens Legislation New Candidates {Continued from Back Page) Some of the happies'. news coming our way are all the fighting activists who have recently called to an- surer, or perso;-, which in­ and work that problems are bounce that they are running for office and head strong corporates the terms "man" encountered. The year old and innovative programs to flourish before the voters. Ore or "men" be modified to sub­ National Equal Credit Op­ such is 21 year old Nick Martin who is running for Mayor stitut*. the term® "person" or portunity Act needs to be re­ of Lexington, KY Nick was the state coordinator for the "persons" after the present enacted at every state and supply of such forms and municipal branch. All states Gene McCarthy presidential campaign last year. He is earn- materials is exhausted." except Havvaii, no longer paigning oh the issue mat the number one priority is to When a problem needs to compel a woman to use hec insure thut the city budget is directed toward human be confronted on a more husband's name, but other needs, Nick says, "We have to guarantee that the people specific basis, it needs the restrictions exist and varv m in this city who are without basic necessities are going concentrated support of difficulty to get those necessities." He also support! decriminaliza­ women’s groups and partisan The National Conference legislators. It is this effort has up-dated its Legislative tion of marijuana. "I would Instruct the Metro Police to that has caused the revisions Handboàk on Women 's deal with hcse who smoke marijuana as they would of well over 50% of state Issues. While primarily con­ deal with those who jaywalk: if they create a hazard rape codes in only four years. cerned with economic issues arrest them." Proposed bills for 1977 would affecting women, it covers Michael Hildt walked into the office the other day. eliminate corroboration and education, family law, work. the need to review the vic­ eqUf»L rights and child care, He is running for the Seattle City Council after doing tim’s past sex Itfe. Ap­ ThetoSodel legislation which Unusually effective work as City Council stafL Hildt was pointment of women officers the H an dbook contains can one of those most responsible for developing Seattle as those responsable for the help both individuals and City Light, a municipal utility which drew up a 19-point rape details would be man­ groups make an impact in energy conservation program for the city. datory. The newest legislation their area. It should be to aid the victim will hold the pushed as required materia the More about others next month . . . state responsible for the ?cr every legislator at the required medical bills. city, county and state level Whae it is essential to have o large decisions on the federal A'ona Hochb urg is an intern level, it is the county, city pt the National Conference and state where women live from Sarah Lawrence College

Alternative Legislation Continued ...

their employees. It flatly re­ get "A State L md Trust Act ’ jected inclusion of a no- : .:;d $2.50 to the Harvard strike rale in public bar­ Legislative Research bureau gaining legislation. langdell Hall, Harvard I. • w Opposition to the new la­ School, Cambridge. MÂ bor legislation' will come D2138. from, among others, the National Right to Work Nuclear Waste Storage Committee which is attempt tag to raise $5 million this More than 50 members of year, with $1 million ear­ the Vermont House oi marked for the right-to-work Representatives have co- fight sponsoreo a bill that would prohibit the creation of any nuclear waste storage State Land Trust facilities in Vermont by any private utility or by the A model statute to preserve federal government without farmland and open space and the éxpress pernt&sicm pf the promote orderly and efficient Vermont Legislature The bill growth is detailed in an ar­ is modelled on the Vermont ticle by lohn McClaughry in nuclear moratorium bill that the lune 1975 issue of the became law two years ago Harvard Journal on Copies of H26I can be ob­ Legislation. The article also tained from the Vermont 'Great! Bid where doeshe stand on environmental protectionF" discusses the approaches Public Interest Research taken by several states and Group. 26 State St., Mont­ the Canadian provinces To pelier, VT

n Making Sense Out of the System

By Joseph Marfuggî digging out from under bills other living expenses. session of fee T mend Assem­ for back-taxes. After loud anti vigorous bly feat would ; amove credits "We were :.ymg to aèike Thai tjhe Stats of Con­ complaints from Hartford’s granted, far in-kind service sense out of the system/’ says necticut heard about the City Council, fee State from any limitations carried iartford City Councilman program modified its position. All by fee Unemployment Com­ Nicholas R. Cafbone, as he People who are credited right, the State said, people pel. ration statutes. explains why Connect : at's with dollars for doing wink can participate in fee In-Kind If that bill passes and is capitol .ity developed a are earning wage the State Service Program without signed Into law by the Gover­ program that allows the aii I, and would no longer be losing fea r full unem­ nor, fee Hartford In-Kind working poor and unem­ ligible for unemployment ployment benefits,, But they Service Program wäi be ployed rtnidentr to work off benefits. mast give up from feeir workable. And fee city1 Will local taxes, That ruling meant trial unemployment cheeks tw o be one step closer fe its goal "The State of Connections unemployed people could hot feteefe of any money ’"earned’ pf making Sense Out of fee ranks 49th out of 50 states in afford To par spate in the In- in fee program. system. the amount of aid it provides Kind trvi Program. The With feat kind of- restric- cities and towns," Carbone Hartford program gave uon imposed pa feemi Unem­ Joseph Mcrfuggt k )ire#tor saps. "The local communities people credits towards their ployed people are still ex­ p/ Program Development for îwve to rüisc' properly taxes taxes oh homes or motor cluded from fee program the City Institute of the to: keep :pa«|.with'i(ifIafion vehicles. It did not provide Hartford legislators are University of. Hartford and ah nareosed tfefsiainct lot funds to buy food: or meet pushih.' a bill in feecn r'sn service». "But people who are unem­ ployed or or. welfai or / ,■ - to ma... ; èn îet A MANUAL... i Soc i £ • ty check, car iffo - Ib y higl et »roperty taxes * t! t cou “Uew Directbns in State tar says. "So i- a v s forced to cut services— at thi .■ *ry ,.r* : at , : :ox 1-1 gl & Local Tax Reform” unemployr : ras creatin ; a heed for additional humai» here are people going in new directions »er deés." People like . louston City Controller Leone! Cssaüo, O.C. City C , jn , • : tf ; i City Conned -iimemherT Marian . any Mon ans Stan: Roprer: «'stive Ora tfaivorson, took notion to deal with that kiortfi Dakota State Tax Corrav ssioner By-on Dorgan, ~.r.i many others Catch-22 situation last May when it set up a falot program to allow unem­ hey are rewriting fee tax laws so mat ordinär/ taxpayers a ployed or low-income Tbetter deal. They ere auditing targe cop :tionswith the result efeadmts fo pay their tasses by ihm millions of dollars in unpaid taxés are recove wf for the public. More working for city or nOn-psfoßt hd more elected officials are getting tough with energy «onopolies, real agendas. estate speculators, and other interests that traditional i - get much but pay linder the In-Kind Service little in taxes. PkograhrC 'people am "eôrn" up to $1,000 to be applied to. n April 15th .hrough 17th, 1977, hundreds erf elected officials, their tax bilk More than. 200 community activists, and tax reformers will m set in Washuigmn. D.C. types o| Jobs weft- listed by Oco snare ideas and lopk t ; the future. À movement has started. This manual the city, ranging from ac- countants ,o elevator ere,. Ted especially for (his conference, teils the story. operators to mainte:lance Work, The hourly "pay" i(h Is ew Directions in State and Local Tax Reform" -»pells out ehe issues ranged from $2.50 to $4, N«fee conference will address It incit-des originel articles, reprints* depending on the joh, ■and resource guides. It tells what tax reformers have done and what they ft seemed to be a good hope re do. ft is a mus; for everyone who cares about better and more idea. The city was getting progressive state and local taxes. work done that it could not afford to hire people to do ‘Tb order "New Directions in State and Local Tax Reform" see coo And the people in the pon on page 15. program preser ved their dignity and self-respect—and avoided the prospect of having to worry about J

12 Alternative T echnology Plan More Notes to Note Plans to asc alternative technology to revitalize a Continued from page ? tfczobtU inner city sectiöh of volve nanona.' policies as New i'irk encompass a pro­ technology, and massive will pla? and what they will gram of receding 'egetabk food & id, and will discuss pirn for. The struggle ever well. For example, federal . ; ste fron the finge Hurts the feasibility c; labor-jnten- those questions will dominate employment program i c. r Point Product Ma feet into sive, subsistence farming. the .-oUtical agenda fo r th e be used to promote he do .ompos* with which to cov­ CSPI is a Washington next 25 yean. rdo; nt of local coopéra» er p barren land s .. based non-profit public |PEA's jurpost is to ive ; mnomk enterprises. ere' e urb* rmt parks tares! group hefei ed by ■ develop actical alterna es National |>olicies to stabilize • d gardens t the pi ■ it • :ntiits 1 fhife i Sf*I • pansa '< to the inc easingly centralized the consul ter prie; ",f neees- " mi du fe i n i c • Day all part c /• tins econon j plan « ij .;■» i ut • • odd ■ d elict b I of So ■ t] are on dont mated bÿ 1 ; : - al can en« can I are reminiscent of pendi i er information and Federal bureaucracy. be used to build loed and war-tom Berlin; The “Com­ op. Food Day and a lis of EPBA stresses that efforts tc regional capacity effieO- prehensive Plan of Action local coordinators are avail­ bad: to a time live p'. ç fo r the Redevelopment of able from FOOD DAY, of competitive rit’n stabilize local economies. the South Bronx" provides a »757 S St. N.W., Wadi no ' government in­ National irograms to allo­ blueprint for a self-container D C. 20Ô09: (202) 332-4250. tervention notrealistie A cate capital to public priori­ community. With other re- o ere pmctical Strategy cen­ ties can be transformed owe cyding, rehabilitation and Barbota Gpftiieb iathe ters oft the creation of strong time to a form of capita’ self-help programs that ate national coordinator for State and local economic in­ revenue-sharing. Such efforts unttpK in their application Food Dos stitutions — governments, can build an economic foun­ to an urban c^ntuniiy. public corporations, dation for the ronvigoratior The ] coukt fie repli­ cooperatives, locally con­ of community in America cated in other parts of the Econom ic trolled businesses, community These and other proposals country. For more informer corporations and citizen plar- as well as pc ' Strategies don, write to Irma L. 'H«rfe, Alternatives rânj • hese in­ for their imptementatiosn, are stitutions should then be< nw discussed in the reports. The The Bronx Frontier Dfevelôp- The BrSit report , jssued.by the bas» for economic plans foQowhig are available now Çorp., J?77 Grand !l»e Êxplàiruforj and policies that begin rather at $5 each. ($10 for in- Concourse, The Bronx, N.Y- titeraait re than and with local jx io n lte stitutions) from *: 1odet] fejïninaied Food Policy, has received by national and multi­ EPEA widespread media attention, national economic interests, 1519 Q tient Ave NW it is part of •« « . ■ D ef fee t i vc strategie must i n - Wash., D.C. "• PBC reports Un àîtetfhatiVe in­ stitutions, and such topies as Toward a .Vflfto root- The People ' Bicentfrtnia! local and national resource Policy. Ho. re price of food Commission is now the conservation, cbmiriunlty may be stabilized and the People's Business Com­ economic planning g; Job Opportunity food industry deceibralized mission. Along with the name and for C pit f an. Community. change, PBC has «rt up two employee an< The v School for An analytei of altemmive new organizations : of rr en­ programs for Ä : contend The Center Pbf JUterpattve terprises. ov<-r capital Economic Education, which ‘ w u# -»iae is Public Trusts for Bn-- plaits to déydop educàtionsfl that;mfe virait i fVptertib«; 1 materials that challenge crises of the new ecanoniic itddnffng, ! the concept of pubtfc era lies with . v. ac­ , fa . ■. sOtive tresteadhip oyer the m - our present eeomni : system tion. . ie corporate business of <«snocn.cj » *> virematent can . actehded, and that explore modds and community has already -m* workplace; writ« case Strengthening Gifizen Ac i .rategies for democrat».- - derstoi d jj$$a. In one form or studies of woïi: et ; nd ces; H.- V ir:dividual rights lion. another, corporate solutions community conti »V i car br reinforced against The Center far .Politic.ai to his coil nbry's pressing businesses; ; : d to heLp b'i"«a '-rati'' abuse, (iff, $8 to Alternatives which will fccus économie problems involve with otha first year - on education far tafet "d substdi* g business. So m je 'fiyities v f h e sd >. of. C s opérai . ;’es . The politics o. the ass roots l usine? 5 I - Side-- £ - -. like Henry Write David Olsen, New : robleor : a. ;l potcntial of level Ford aind Felix Rphatyn School foif Democrà tic Several prvtotyp The PBC. newspaper, Com have even prop oted formal Management, 25' at! • cooperatives, m on Sense will now bf .ailed national eçmtomi planning i .. S n Francisco, (. i Extending Pto^tefurg The People's Business. The i- fo mainta » long run cor­ 94108. ur erf divestiture as a device dress is still the same: PBC porate profitability. The ■ tr-mmub.' ;• ,tnd 134s Conn. Awe., N.W.. question is not will there be employee ownership over in- Wash. DC economic planning, but who dustry.

13 Tax Conference CONFER! ICE LTST After months of preparation, making changes, and coding more than 4000 names, the Conference mailing list has firtally been put on the computer. There are Set for April still a lot of errors and duplications in the list, and we hope you wilt bear with fe -while we are in the process of getting # cleaned up. You can help us. If The National Conference, President; Democratic Vic­ you have received'your Newsletter incorrectly ad­ in conjunction with a group tory Group Associates dressed. please give the correct information on the of public officiais, is spon* Three general sessions will coupon below. Be sure to fiB out the space provided soring a conference on New discuss: Building a movement Directions in State and Lo- for tax reform; The impact of for indicating yaw title 0 area of interest, so we can sal Tax Reform In Wash­ federal policies on state and ■ issign you the proper code. And let us know if you ington, D.C;,April 15 local tax reform, and The Po - have received more than one op ; of the Newsletter. ih > South Dakota, North Dakota; leonel Castil­ the order of an App-, .achian Elected officials, com­ Wisconsin and Wyoming. lo, City Controller, Houston. devastationis hot merely a munity organizers and others TX; Ralph Nader, Citizen possibility but a likelihood A interested in the preservation ilI vocai.-; Barney Frank, goal of the conference plan­ of a vital Great Plains are in­ Kandra Hahn■ is the elected Massachusetts State Repre­ ners is to bring together the vited to attend. Agenda and Clerk of the District Court of sentative. and Vic Fingerhut, isolated groups which have planning details are still Lancaster County. NE.

14 Publications Available From the National Conference

Utemative Legislation Series ($1 each) Public Policy Series

Q State Sank. Draft legislation from Oregon and New York. [~1 PubHc Policy Reader, Second Edition. Prepared for the I Metropolitan Planning Law, Minnesota legislation establishing Austin Conference The Reader is a unique collection of integrated metropolitan system of land use planning within the model legislation and ordir.ance, article, analyses, and seven-county St. Paul-Minneapolis Metropolitan Area. proposals on stich issues as energy, tax reform, controlling corporations, and long range program development. Over Q Nuclear Safeguards Packtet A compendium of nuclear safe­ 650 pages. NEW 1977 PRICE: $5; $10 to institutions. guards moratorium initiative measures from seven states. Q Disclosure Legislation. The Chicago municipal ordinance plus Q l^gisIatwe Harîiibc' ck on Women's Issues by Kathy Rhodes and Illinois and Alaska state legislation for financial disclosure by Ann Beaudry. A .. ollection of le g a tio n on economic issues af­ banks. Analysis by David Smith; fecting women, including the best, most innovative proposals. ■•-it detailed bibliography. Price: $2.50, $S to institutions. Q Displaced Homemakers. Bill to establish .rultipurpose centers to provide counseling, training, skills and referral services to >■ Ities’ We th: Programs f t . Community Economic Control displaced homemakers in Berkeley California, compiled by the Community Ownership Organizing Project Iras report outlines ir< detail the progn . n Citizen Bill of Rights relating to iaw enfort emerst intelligenc ir>- at i organizing strategi of the Berkeley Coalition over the seven formation. te* its political work With the Berkeley City Coundl Pride: C J& sath Dakota Hantigste« bill ; Model legislation for establishment $2.50, $5 to insîiîuiïuns. of a ibmeatead lands eomhussten designed to renethiui family J farm aysttem of agriculture GLAB0R-PAC #l. From C ed o g n 'lihw Task Force. Towani a 'Public Employees Bill qf Rights and Model Contract": G A compendium of public au Si» marv and materials on legal framework; data: resources; analysis by Lee Webb. etters o: oral " pmenfcs Price : Ç J Neighborhood Government. A'ai ington. C Act to Establish $2.50, $5 to institutions. Advisory, Neighborhood Commi ssi ons, G The Political and Ec< smmic Crists of the Northeast Cities, edited Q ’StejjMüte bill p26®,:'the National ConsumçrCooperative pà bill. by Leonard Rodberg. Proceedings of a Seminar on alternative tu­ Proposes a bank that will make • directly tc consumer coons ba» • . held April 23-27, 1976 Include c y Hart­ QiModei State Public litility Comtnisgion Act Includes recom­ ford, CT ty loundlman Nick Caihone, Washington DC City mendations in all areas of electric utility regulation: commission Councflma Marios Barry, and others. $14 , $3 to institutions structure, proG^ure:;^iirisdk:bbfe.tfilircerri'ent, etc.-.,By Lée Webb G State Banjk for Co-Opt, by Lee Webb. A proposal to establish a & Jack Chesson state bank for cooperatives and a state Cooperative development J .M • StateEneygy Apt. A draft BUl for a democratically con- agency. The bill was prepared for the Department of Employment trollsd, publicly owned stale energy .systtefR. By Lee W ei» « left Cvelopment, State of California. $2,50, $5 to institutions, G Public Control of Public Money: Should States and Cities lia c G Ntettenal Ounnritmity Health Service bilLiV'öde! legislationJp r a Their Own Banks?, by Derek Shearer Analyzes the advantages community-based, nationally funded health service. By the IPS and disadvantages of state and dtyrOwned banks, Includes Community Health Alternatives project. descriptions of the state-owned Bank of North 1 - and rerrr • Q Lifeline Padeet. The most innovative 'lifeline" e k a m utifey rate tly proposed state banjos in New Ÿotk, Washington., Oregotî, tand structure proposals introdu<^ iu -yarious iÿtate legislature* California. Price: $1.50 - $3 to institutions G LôiiWsgaa Automobile Insurance Corporation Mctdel G The Manitoba Auto insurance Plan, by Sherman t- n.ard. A legislation establishing a universal, çompul^ry-fluto bSijiranee report on the operation, costs, and sdriai and economic cOp- plan, with the state corporation the exclusive underwriter derations of providing auto i « through a public tor- I I Community Development Finance Corporation. The legislation -oration. Price $1, $2 to institutions provides equity and venture capital to finance businesses and ew Directions in State &, L 4 Tax Reform. A handbook wrii create jobs in specifically targeted areas where economic con­ fen largelyby tax-reform praé Toners and containing original ditions are most severe articles, reprints ; s. Price $6,50. $13 to Reprints (50c? each) institutions, G Revenue SÈfategùs for D .C.; Potential lirttiatiye ;. □ “Public Control of Public Money ' by James Rowen, reprint troiri A study of polenti.il tax revenue sources tor ditier. Price: S3.50, The Progressive. February 1977 A 6-page article about the Estes $3 toJostittertidns. Park. CO banking conference, outlining a number of the G National Conference NEWSLETTER. The newsletter reports on programs and people represented there the activities and pians of the pew movement/mftwork <§f ftatf G "Campaign Surprise: Some Politicians’A, c Vyouh Voting For“ and ideal ictivfrt electee officials, and on the work of the by Alexander Cockbun^ffc Janies Ridgeway, repint from The organizers and planners who are part of the National Conference j Vp'kge Voice. May 2 4 ,1976 and The New P r o g r e s s " by j fß AfttefBattye Stato and Local Public Policies. Six. issues pgr year.! Cockburn & Ridgeway, T h e V oice, June 23, .3975. Öfßdiuls $5. Institutions associated With the h Conference and their innovative ow* gränis arte described In the , i articles

1 have enclose L. tor the publi . checked above (Fleas« inquire about bulk rates for 10 ör more copie«.!

N am e...... Mc. è Street C itv______Sia'ce . Z ip Telephone. . Position /OrganisaMor, DOONESBURY by G f B. Trudeau

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WHY,. WHY.. THAT'S THE MOST AMYWNO ITS ILLEGAL, SYSTEM ÏV E EVEfi THAW YOU. 7H0U6H, RtOHT? NOT YB7. HEARD OF, NM OLE' MANX

Womens Legislation Proceeds Apace

By Mona Hochberg gahv& fo r iras « i nee,.. Pen­ separately. Recently,, the Welfare and institutions, to nsylvania and Connecticut p ractfce has been to issue insurance, labor, and the laws require benefits to vague bills outÜèyring ah Food and Agriculture Code Positive legal recognition of pregnant employees thai inequalities on the basis of Laws are now drafted as women's rights has been pain­ wi’.hstand the Courtdedsiori sex under thé State's civil he'she" "widow /widower", fully slow recently s i« And the mere recoin* code. Washington D.C ,'s or simply "spouse" in the December, the Supreme mendation in New York's legislature has been the mosi more progressive states, thus Court decision on pregnancy human relations guideline* of recent to adopt this.' Califor­ eliminating differences in new benefits, the on-going struggle the samebenefitswas tn- nie, Wisconsin, and Iowa insurance health, inheritance for th«P*der»l ËRA, and the lerpretedas law by the NY passed single, long bHls if and work bills. California is increasing pressure far< stricter state court, only a week after 1976, lYdaflng to certain moving semantically closer to abortion laws. the Washington ruling. statutory provisions affecting equality with SB 2060. direc­ There is a foundation or States; differ as to how they •he legal treatment of male ting "forms and material used strength, however; on the rectify sex discrimination In and female persons^ and by any public agenev in* state and locâî levels where some states each particular citing corrections id Ê»ss better, reflect women's grievance must be dealt with everything from elections t® Continued on page 7

National Conference Newsletter Non-Profit Org Institute for Policy Studies U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1901 Que Street, NM. Permit 45748 Washington, D.C 20009 Washington, D.C.

STAFF OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEE WEBB BARBARA BICK ANN BEAUDRY IOSIE ANDERSON