JUSTICE: Impartial Justice
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Presidents’ Hall
Speaker: Sarah Walker, President, Coalition for Impartial Justice
Because of the recent influx of big money in judicial elections in other states, the Coalition for Impartial Justice is seeking an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would provide a system of merit selection, public performance evaluations of judges, and retention elections. Walker will clarify the need for change and describe this system for judicial elections that will empower voters and restore accountability. -Dot Lilja
PUBLIC POLICY: Gun Violence Prevention in Minnesota
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Presidents’ Hall
Speaker: Mary Lewis Grow, Co-founder and Board Member, Protect Minnesota; Lobbyist, Minnesota League of Women Voters Action Committee (Gun Violence Prevention)
More than 7,000 Minnesotans died from gunshot wounds from 1989 to 2010, and 353 Minnesotans died from gunshot wounds in 2010. Almost 9,000 people in Minnesota have been injured by gunshot just since 1998. (Source: Protect Minnesota).
Although state law requires buyers of pistols and assault weapons from licensed sellers to pass a background check, Minnesotans can still legally buy guns without a background check at gun shows and other places. Grow will discuss how can we foster gun violence prevention in Minnesota so that we can be and feel safe in our communities. -Kathie Cerra
Announcements
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Luncheon
12:00-1:15 p.m.
Luncheon Hostess: Georgia Wiebe
Guest Hostess: Aleda Muller
- Headlines/Viewpoints – Fellowships Room
- Development – Association Room
- Technology – Minneapolis Room
HEALTH: The Risky Business of Chemicals and Our Health
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Presidents’ Hall
Speaker: Elizabeth Wattenberg, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
Chemicals are everywhere. They’re in our food, water, air, where we live, and where we work. How do we know which chemicals are harmful? Do they cause cancer, autism, obesity, diabetes, or other health issues? This talk will introduce you to how scientific research is used to investigate the toxicity of chemicals and to protect human health. -Carrie D’Andrea