North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
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~NDHRC PAUR Report~ Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
May 19, 2003
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
1) Save the Date! NDHRC North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Fall Conference 2) North Dakota Department of Labor, Public Perception Study of Discrimination in North Dakota 3) Fargo Forum Article, County’s definition of family at issue 4) Fargo Forum Article, John M. Andrist letter: A moral compass must point right 5) Fargo Forum Article, Rights group hears man’s complaint 6) Fargo Forum Article, Other views: Support youth concerns about conduct of police 7) Fargo Forum Article, James Ferragut column: A conflict as old as kids, cops 8) Fargo Forum Article, Donna Wood letter: Discipline must be a part of growing up 9) Fargo Forum Article, Cheryl Beyer letter: Parents often more a problem than kids 10) Fargo Forum Article, LeRoy Rucinski letter: Complaining kids should do what they’re told 11) Fargo Forum Article, Ron Bushaw letter: Thankful for police who did their jobs 12) Jamestown Sun Article, Legislature did an injustice to SPED program 13) Bismarck Tribune Article, SPED taken care of 14) Dickinson Press Article, Lawmakers clarify bill they passed for the elderly 15) Grand Forks Herald, Medicaid: Get a Job, New law makes work affordable for North Dakota’s disabled 16) (Reminder) Peace Rallies for the Near Future 17) (Reminder) 2003 Four Bears Pow Wow, May 29-31, New Town, ND 18) (Reminder) Sisters of the Presentation at Sacred Heart Convent Presents “Peace Studies” (Various Locations in ND and MN)
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1.) Save the Date! NDHRC North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Fall Conference
NDHRC Fall Conference Saturday, October 25, 2003 Fargo
Ideas & suggestions for topics are welcome, contact Andrea at andreadeegan@ndhrc.org
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2.) North Dakota Department of Labor, Public Perception Study of Discrimination in North Dakota Public Perception Study of Discrimination in North Dakota
The Human Rights Division of the Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing the North Dakota Human Rights Act and the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act. This responsibility includes investigating complaints alleging discriminatory practices and educating the public about rights and responsibilities under North Dakota anti-discrimination laws.
In late 2001, the department contracted with DH Research to conduct a study of North Dakotans' awareness of human rights protections and perceptions of discrimination in the state. We are pleased to present the results of that study. We believe the data collected during the project will be invaluable to our continuing efforts to provide effective enforcement of human rights laws and targeted, effective education and awareness activities for North Dakota citizens.
The report is available via the North Dakota Department of Labor web site.
View the report here
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3.) Fargo Forum Article, County’s definition of family at issue
County’s definition of
family at issue
A Cass County sergeant recently challenged the county’s definition of a family after being denied time off to attend the funeral of her partner’s sister.
Sgt. Gail Wischmann asked county officials to include same-sex couples in the county’s funeral leave policy.
After some discussion, officials voted against changing the policy.
As is, county employees are allowed two days of funeral leave after the death of their spouse’s parents, grandparents or siblings, Wischmann said.
Earlier this year Wischmann was forced to use vacation days to help organize and attend the funeral of her partner’s sister, she said.
She and her partner have been together for five years but are not considered a family by the county, she said.
<snip>
View full article here
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4.) Fargo Forum Article, John M. Andrist letter: A moral compass must point right
John M. Andrist
letter: A moral compass must point right
I’m one of those narrow minded legislators, to whom Forum Editor Lou Ziegler referred (April 27), scorned for opposing repeal of an old law that prohibits cohabitation of unmarried persons.
I would not have voted for a bill to make cohabitation illegal. But I do not agree that I have a responsibility to ignore my own moral compass to change standards adopted by someone else, because of the conventional wisdom of The Forum and others. There is a difference.
Someday perhaps all of us old narrow-minded guys will be gone, replaced by enlightened folks who are capable of the new morality that says what is fashionable is right.
By then we will probably have eliminated all gambling restraints, all abortion covenants, all liquor controls, any purpose for marriage, and most of our drug use controls.
Be patient. A perfect society is just around the corner.
John M. Andrist
R-Crosby, N.D.
View full article here
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5.) Fargo Forum Article, Rights group hears man’s complaint
Rights group
hears man’s complaint
Fargo’s Human Relations Commission will push for hate crime laws after hearing pleas from a local man who says he was terrorized for being gay.
Robert Wetsch, who made his second appearance before the group Wednesday, said he was discriminated against by co-workers at Fargo’s MeritCare Hospital.
Wetsch claims he was threatened -- verbally and through e-mail -- while working in a medical supplies warehouse.
“To have this going on in a health-care setting is upsetting,” he told the nine-member panel Wednesday.
Wetsch has filed complaints with the state Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Wetsch’s co-worker, Randall Huseby, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct -- a Class B misdemeanor -- after being investigated by West Fargo police.
<snip>
View full article here
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6.) Fargo Forum Article, Other views: Support youth concerns about conduct of police
Other views: Support youth concerns about conduct of
police
Over the course of America’s history the fight against discrimination has been waged on many fronts. A new one has now been opened, with the leaders represented by Fargo’s elite youth. The discrimination of our youngsters by the Fargo Police Department has reached unacceptable levels, and someone has finally decided to take up arms.
The issues most prominent with our cause are police brutality, the quota system, targeting of our youth and police harassment in all forms. We have witnesses and many stories proving each of our claims.
Parents: do you know that youth, as young as 16, have had the Fargo police pull guns on them for no wrongdoing? Young adults charged with minor offenses have been subjected to police beating and abuse, and then charged with resisting arrest to cover police actions. Police taunt youth with “Who are they going to believe, the police or you?” Ask your child about his personal experiences with the police, and those of his friends. Then become outraged.
The people of Fargo need to be educated to the extent of fear that their children live in day by day. Fear from being targeted for persecution at any time, for any reason. We know that the Fargo police invent reasons for searches. We know that even if we are stopped for a broken taillight in the broad daylight that we will be subjected to a Breathalyzer and body search.
People need to know that these things happen. Everyone needs to know -- from mothers with children that have experienced this to anyone who cares about American rights and peace of mind. We need our youth to stand up with their stories to fight the discrimination and say with a firm voice, “Protect and not persecute.”
<snip>
View full article here
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7.) Fargo Forum Article, James Ferragut column: A conflict as old as kids, cops
James Ferragut column: A conflict as old as kids,
cops
Cheese it ... the fuzz!” “I’m sick and tired of being hassled by the man!” “Pigs!”
All of these declarations, expressions of frustration or epithets are from different generations, but they all have one thing in common: They rise from the guts of youth expressing anger and outrage at the way they were being treated by the police.
A petition was recently presented to Mayor Bruce Furness that implies the Fargo Police Department is unfairly targeting a segment of our community. The charge is that people aged 18-24 are regularly being stopped, harassed and in some cases manhandled for just being what they are, kids.
I don’t know if the accusations are true. But I do know that if they’re perceived to be true then there is reason enough to investigate, because as the old marketing adage goes ... perception is reality. Until reality changes, perception remains and perception wins.
I support the petition and commend the students for having the courage and determination to present it to the mayor. This simple act of confrontation, a willingness to face the beast and force the issue into the open is already a win for them.
<snip>
View full article here
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8.) Fargo Forum Article, Donna Wood letter: Discipline must be a part of growing up
Donna Wood letter: Discipline must be a part of
growing up
I think the kids who are making complaint against the Police Department are doing the right thing exercising their rights. However, on the other hand I have to disagree with them that they are being singled out by the Police Department.
They feel they should not be disciplined for their actions? As a citizen of Fargo, I see the way the some of these kids race around, weaving in and out of traffic with no regard to the rules. We spend years of our lives teaching the kids there are rules in the real world. You have to follow the rules or you’re going to get busted. Simple as that.
The rules are the same for this 34-year-old Mom, as they are for my 15-year-old daughter, and everyone in between. The rules are the same for my 60-something mother.
The difference is we had real discipline when we were kids. We knew what consequences were and understood the ramifications of our behavior. I agree with officer Brad Berg in how parenting has changed since Ward and June Cleaver. Some parents just don’t care and some parents stick their heads in the sand.
Don’t blame the Police Department for your behavior. Just remember, driving is NOT a right. It’s a privilege.
<snip>
View full article here
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9.) Fargo Forum Article, Cheryl Beyer letter: Parents often more a problem than kids
Cheryl Beyer letter:
Parents often more of a problem than kids
I don’t know firsthand about the kids in Fargo and the police, but I have been an elementary teacher for 21 years, and I can tell you a lot about how parenting has changed in that time.
It used to be that when a kid was in trouble at school, that kid was in triple trouble when he got home, but that isn’t the case anymore. Now, when a kid gets in trouble at school, many parents scurry to the school or to the phone, trying to find a way to blame someone else. Most times, it’s the teacher or supervisor or coach, or even, another student. The child learns that he doesn’t have to take responsibility for his actions, and that he can lie about what happened, and his parents will take up the fight for him.
I asked my 6th grade class to tell me, truthfully, if they had ever lied about anything. Every single one admitted lying. Every kid lies, so don’t say “My child said he didn’t do it, and my child doesn’t lie to me.” That’s ridiculous!
The result of all this is a trend toward a lack of personal responsibility in every part of life. “I’m fat because McDonald’s serves fattening food.” “I burned myself because they didn’t warn me that coffee was hot.” “I didn’t grab the dog by the fur on its neck, it just bit me for no reason.” “I wasn’t driving drunk, Officer, I just had one beer.” And so on, until we all suffer.
Lawyers make a lot of money because nobody wants to take personal responsibility for what they do. Where are we going with this?
Cheryl Beyer
Hawley, Minn.
View full article here
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10.) Fargo Forum Article, LeRoy Rucinski letter: Complaining kids should do what they’re told
LeRoy Rucinski letter:
Complaining kids should do what they’re told
I feel so foolish. My high school /college years when someone did something wrong and the police were involved, we called it getting caught. Now, I see it’s called harassment.
Doggonnit! If I had only known. I could have got on the TV and made a fool of myself that way too, complaining how unfair it was to get busted for doing something wrong.
Back in MY day, one cop at the door to a loud party would have been given the respect to the uniform they were wearing and it would have been over. The only things found would have been alcohol too. My advice would be to give respect to that officer in uniform. It just might make a world of difference to your experience with them.
Just stop, listen to what you’re being told to do. Do it, now. Any confusion will get figured out. Argue, disobey, and then you can cry about harassment.
LeRoy Rucinski
Moorhead
View full article here
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11.) Fargo Forum Article, Ron Bushaw letter: Thankful for police who did their jobs
Ron Bushaw letter:
Thankful for police who did their jobs
Regarding the Fargo Police ... or any police for that matter, I’m damn thankful for them.
When I think back on my previous life as a stupid teenager and young adult, I have to thank the police for stopping just in time from doing some stupid thing. Many the time they just stopped me and chewed my butt out and sent me home. And I was glad my Dad did not find out about it.
And now as I think back, maybe I should have been jailed, but the police gave me a break. I was thankful then and I really am now.
So if your little honey gets stopped late at night because he or she has a broken taillight lens, don’t get your underwear in bunch.
Ron Bushaw
West Fargo
View full article here
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12.) Jamestown Sun Article, Legislature did an injustice to SPED program
Legislature did an
injustice to SPED program
Much has been written
in the press, quoted in the media, and e-mailed to our constituents which
conveys some unfortunate misinformation regarding SPED (Service Payments for the
Elderly and Disabled) and how it’s positioned following the 2003 Legislative
Session. SPED is the support system that enables people to remain in their homes
as they age. AARP North Dakota has been focusing on the issue of SPED during
this session and feels it must respond. Significant changes were made to SPED:
Many concessions were
made to tighten up eligibility, realign the sliding fees and collect new asset
information. Most of these changes were in Senate Bill 2083. However, none of
these changes will necessarily limit the number of people who are eligible for
services. Client numbers could still reach the level projected in the Gov. John
Hoeven’s original budget proposal. Any additional monies collected from clients
due to the new sliding fee schedule will be minimal.
Senate Bill 2194 will
allow Medicaid-eligible recipients to receive personal care through Medicaid
rather than SPED. However, it’s impossible to know how many people will be
Medicaid-eligible. All estimates made by the Legislature on savings due to SB
2194 are just that, estimates. Until clients are actually reassessed, the impact
this change will have on SPED can’t be foreseen.
The Senate cut $4.6
million from the SPED budget, as proposed by the governor. The House reinstated
$1.75. Although other dollars were added to the Human Services budget, e.g.
medical assistance and case management, no additional dollars were put back into
SPED. Another $850,000 was added to program and policy but with the
qualification that it be used to leverage federal dollars. SPED has no federal
matching funds and will be left out. That leaves SPED at $2.8 million below the
governor’s proposal.
<snip>
View full article here
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13.) Bismarck Tribune Article, SPED taken care of
SPED taken care of By JEFF DELZER, Underwood - Bismarck Tribune 5/8/03
This responds to Betty Keegan's May 7 letter, "SPED limps out of session":
While it is true that the final version of the SPED program (Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled) is not what the governor requested, there are some facts that need to be clarified. First, the $1.75 million restored by the House is in addition to $800,000 in new money provided by the Senate in the first half of the session. Altogether, the new money comes to $2.55 million, a 20-percent increase for SPED from the present biennium.
This will allow an average of 300 additional individuals per month to receive services. When you add extra federal dollars in HB2194, there is actually more money than the governor recommended.
In the budget presentation from the Department of Human Services, it was reported that there are 1,386 people receiving SPED services, as well as 79 on a waiting list and 144 "possibles." The budget is built to fund an average of 1,670 individuals at a cost of $400.89 per month. Last biennium, the executive recommendation was for funding for 1,360 individuals.
The Legislature has always made home- and community-based services a priority, and will continue to do so.
(The writer is a Republican state representatives. This letter also was signed by Reps. Clara Sue Price, R-Minot, and Bill Devlin, R-Finley. -- Editor)
View full article here
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14.) Dickinson Press Article, Lawmakers clarify bill they passed for the elderly
Lawmakers clarify bill they passed for the elderly
This letter is in response to a letter from Betty Keegan regarding the legislative actions in the funding of SPED (Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled).
While it is true that the final version for the SPED program is not what the governor originally requested, there are some facts that need to be clarified. First, the additional money in the program was $2.55 million. The $1.75 million referenced was the additional money added in the House, but neglected to mention the $800,000 that was added by the Senate in the first half of the session. This represents a 20 percent increase in funding for the 2003-2005 biennium.
This will allow an average of 300 additional individuals per month to receive services. When you add the extra federal dollars from House Bill 2194, it actually adds up to more than the governor recommended. During the budget proposal from the department, it was reported that there are currently 1,386 people receiving SPED services, as well as 79 on a waiting list and 144 “possibles” as reported by the counties.
The budget is built to fund an average of 1,670 individuals at a cost of $400.89 per month. Last biennium, the executive recommendation proposed funding for 1,360 individuals. The Legislature has always made Home and Community Based Services a priority and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future.
Second, without talking about the changes to the program and the cost savings we will realize with those changes, you are not getting an accurate representation of what will actually be spent in this program. Ms. Keegan stated “one budget optimist” estimated the savings and collection of fees, however, this is not accurate.
All numbers used in this area are derived from fiscal notes written by the departments themselves. A fiscal note is an addendum to a bill that explains the fiscal impact (ie - the cost, savings or fees generated) of that particular piece of legislation. These are not numbers that are submitted by legislators themselves, so if there are complaints about these numbers, those issues should be taken to the department that actually wrote the fiscal note.
With all that is happening with the economy of this state and the country as a whole, we can feel blessed that we are still able to increase our funding for programs that we find a priority while many states are making drastic cuts.
Rep. Jeff Delzer Rep. Clara Sue Price Rep. Bill Devlin
View full article here
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15.) Grand Forks Herald, Medicaid: Get a Job, New law makes work affordable for North Dakota’s disabled
MEDICAID: Get a job
Under North Dakota law, residents with disabilities always have had to choose between finding a job and losing Medicaid coverage. That's all about to change this August, thanks to a bill that passed the Legislature last month.
John Uppal, who lobbied lawmakers on behalf of the Medicaid Buy-In Bill, was at the Options Resource Center for Independent Living, based in East Grand Forks, Tuesday to talk about its impact.
He told an audience of disabled North Dakotans and their advocates that the disabled should start looking for jobs now to take advantage of the law, which goes into effect in less than three months.
At that time, the disabled who have found jobs will be able to earn up to $20,205 a year and have up to $10,000 in savings. For them, Medicaid would be a kind of insurance program, with premiums ranging from 2.5 percent to 7.5 percent of monthly income.
Currently, the law discourages the disabled from working, by ratcheting up what a private insurer would call the co-pay amount. The disabled also are not allowed to participate in the program if they have more than $3,000 in savings.
The effect, Uppal said, is to force disabled people to be poor. The cost of their treatment is so high that they may only survive at the mercy of the state and federal government, he said.
<snip>
View full article here
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16.) (Reminder) Peace Rallies for the Near Future
The North Dakota Peace Coalition and the Red River Anti-War Coalition (RRAWC) sponsors pro-peace demonstrations in Fargo in front of the Federal Building (657 2nd Ave N) at noon.
The RRAWC has moved the rallies to once a month during the summer to accommodate vacation schedules and avoid diluting the rallies. The rallies will respond to events as they unfold and will be on the first Saturday of the month. The next rally will be on Saturday, June 7th at noon.
The RRAWC will continue to have weekly organizational meetings, which are expected to evolve into planning/strategy meetings in preparation for the monthly rallies for the fall and for the beginning of the political season.
The RRAWC meetings will move to Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm beginning May 14th.
More information is available at the Red River Anti-War Coalition's website: www.rrawc.org
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17.) (Reminder) 2003 Four Bears Pow Wow, May 29-31, New Town, ND
The pow wow will be hosted by the Three Affiliated Tribes at the Four Bears Casino & Lodge Event Center in New Town, ND. For more information contact Paul Danks at (701) 627-4781 or email fourbearspowwow@mhanation.com.
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18.) (Reminder) Sisters of the Presentation at Sacred Heart Convent Presents “Peace Studies”(Various Locations in ND and MN)
Sr. Yvonne Nelson has begun a Peace Studies program at the Sacred Heart Convent. Lectures will take place at the Presentation Center through May 30.
View Schedule of lectures here.
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***Member Reminder*** Please keep us in mind for your group or church social action/social justice meetings! We’d be happy to provide a presentation at a meeting or provide newsletter articles for your organizations.
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