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| Annual Session - Resolutions and Results |
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Resolutions are available for download in PDF form on the downloads page. |
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| 1. |
RE: POMONA GRANGE NAMES
WHEREAS Subordinate Granges are now commonly referred to as Community Granges, and
WHEREAS just the addition of the word “Community” makes local Granges more inviting to the community as a whole, and
WHEREAS the word “Pomona” was taken from ancient Roman mythology by the Seven Founders of the Grange, and
WHEREAS few citizens are even aware today that Pomona was the Roman Goddess of fruit, trees, gardens, and orchards, and
WHEREAS the Grange is trying to modernize its appeal.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Pomona Granges not already having the word “County” in their name be encouraged to add “District” or “County”, where applicable, as not all Pomonas are within one county, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the 2012 National Grange Session in Boisie, ID for favorable action.
Ekonk Community Grange No. 89; Quinebaug Pomona Grange No. |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 2. |
RE: POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
WHEREAS we have been listening to presidential candidates for months now, and
WHEREAS there are still months before the election will be held, and
WHEREAS people have become very tired of hearing all the campaign rhetoric and all the talking badly about the other candidates that are campaigning, and
WHEREAS we feel the mount of money that is being spent in this process is outrageous while people are going hungry in this country.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Grange urge the passage of legislation mandating that anyone interested in running for Federal political office be limited to a period of nine months for campaigning, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grange urge the passage of legislation mandating that anyone interested in running for Federal political office be limited to spending no more than a total of two million ($2,000,000) dollars in their effort, including contributions from outside interests and other organizations, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Connecticut State Grange together with a request for their support and action, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the National Grange together with a request for favorable action therein.
HISTORY: Adopted by Glastonbury Grange No. 26 - 4/5/12; Presented to E. Central Pomona Grange No. 3- 4/14/12; Referred to Pomona Legislative Committee- 4/14/12; Reviewed by State Grange Legislative Committee- 5/6/12, Reported out of Pomona Legislative Committee- 6/2/12.
Glastonbury Grange No. 26; East Central Pomona Grange No. |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 3. |
RE: 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE
WHEREAS the National Grange is fast approaching 150 years of existence, and
WHEREAS this is a significant milestone.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange form a "Celebration Committee" to involve the members of Granges in Connecticut with this anniversary.
Ekonk Community Grange No. 89; Quinebaug Pomona Grange No. 2 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 4. |
RE: INCREASING DRUNKEN DRIVING PENALTIES
WHEREAS the current drunken driving laws in the State of Connecticut lack sufficient provisions to prevent drivers convicted of DUI from continuing to operate motor vehicles so as to continue to cause injury, suffering, and even death of innocent victims in a disturbing number of cases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Bethlehem Grange #121 and Excelsior Pomona #7 encourage the Connecticut State Grange Legislative Committee (CSGLC) to adopt official policy regarding drunken driving laws, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the CSGLC will lobby the General Assembly to change the current laws on drunken driving to include at least the following provisions:
1. Ignition interlock systems shall be required on vehicles accessible to convicted offenders for greater periods of time than currently specified in laws, with safeguards to prevent tamering with said systems.
2. That the judicial system count offenses within the driver's lifetime as in the State of Vermont.
3. After the second conviction, any additional conviction shall be cause for lifetime suspension of driving privileges.
4. Driver's licenses of those convicted of DUI shall be marked with an easily seen symbol.
5. Do away with the erasure from the records of first offenses, as well as dismissals and crimes not reaching conviction as in the State of Massachusetts.
6. Institute mandatory prison sentences after the second conviction.
7. Improve system of reciprocity between states for sharing information on these offenses.
Bethlehem Grange No. 121; Excelsior Pomona Grange No. 7 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 5. |
RE: CONNECTICUT STATE CANDY
WHEREAS using the idea of putting hard candy on a stick to make it easier to eat, and
WHEREAS George Smith of New Haven, Connecticut was the first to invent the modern style lollipop in 1908 and trademarked it in 1931.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the lollipop be named the CONNECTICUT STATE CANDY, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, if passed, be forwarded to the Connecticut State Legislature for their approval along with the enthusiastic support of the Grange members of Connecticut.
Old Lyme Grange No. 162; New Haven County Pomona Grange No. 5 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 6. |
RE: SECRETARY’S CHARGES IN THE 5TH DEGREE
WHEREAS in the Grange's 4th Degree work, Patrons are charged by the Subordinate Grange Secretary to pay their dues promptly and in advance to assure that their Grange stays financially sound, and
WHEREAS during the 5th Degree work there is no charge noted in the Pomona Grange manual, and
WHEREAS each Pomona Grange Secretary presently does charge the new 5th Degree Patron with paying their dues somewhere, but not consistently, during the 5th Degree work, and
WHEREAS because there is no standard charge given, there is confusion as to who is responsible to collect the Pomona Grange dues and whom/how the dues are paid, and
WHEREAS it is the Pomona Secretary's duties to document who is a paid Pomona member and who's dues are in arrears, and
WHEREAS it is confusing as to who is to collect Pomona dues and who is responsible to send reminders of dues to those in arrears.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we request the Assembly of Demeter make a change in the Pomona Grange Manual to reflect the charge given, by the Subordinate Grange's Secretary in the 4th Degree work, to be the same charge given to the new 5th Degree Patron, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Pomona Secretary also be charged with the duties of reminding and collecting Pomona Members whose dues are in arrears, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the next session of the National Grange and the Assembly of Demeter together with a recommendation for favorable action therein.
Central Pomona Grange No. 1 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 7. |
RE: 28TH AMENDMENT
Purpose: To amend the Constitution of the United States of America, in order to make certain that corporations cannot be treated as possessing the same inherent human rights as citizens.
WHEREAS there was a time during the 19th Century when corporations, including railroads, tried to claim they were "persons" under the Fourteenth Amendment, and this was successfully opposed by Grangers and other civic groups in a nationwide movement that culminated in the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, and
WHEREAS for nearly two hundred years, the Supreme Court rejected the argument that corporations were entitled to the rights of citizens under the Constitution's "privileges and immunities" clause, and
WHEREAS in 1889, the Court said that the term "citizens" in the Constitution "applies only to natural persons, members of the body public owing allegiance to the state, not to artificial persons created by the legislature, and possessing only such attributes as the legislature has prescribed, " and
WHEREAS in modern times, Justice Rehnquist was able to maintain the position that corporations are not people with inherent rights, but are entities defined and created by state legislatures upon incorporation and therefore possess only such privileges as they are given by government action, until he left the Supreme Court in 2003, and
WHEREAS subsequently the five to four "Citizens United" decision, has resulted in corporate entities being able to seize the inherent rights of a private citizen, and thrust millions of dollars into the political campaigns as the Nation attempts to hold regular orderly democratic elections, and
WHEREAS the historical Grange position that corporations, including railroads, may not be treated as persons with inherent rights, should be continuously maintained and protected by passing the Resolution proposing a 28th Amendment to the Constitution, with the same wording that is being used by civic organizations throughout the United States, to wit:
PROPOSED 28TH AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
Section 1: We the people who ordain and establish this Constitution intend the rights protected by this Constitution to the rights of natural persons.
Section 2: The words people, person or citizen as used in this Constitution do not include corporations, limited liability companies or other corporate entities established by the laws of any State, the United States, or any foreign state, and such corporate entities are subject to such regulations as the people through their elected State and Federal representatives, deem reasonable and are otherwise consistent with the powers of Congress and the States under this Constitution.
Section 3: Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the people's rights of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free exercise of religion, freedom of association and all such other rights of the people, which rights are inalienable.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Grange urge the Connecticut General Assembly to pass the legislation necessary to submit this proposed amendment to the United States Congress, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the next sessions of the Connecticut State Grange and the National Grange together with a request for favorable action therein.
Taghhannuck Grange No. 100; Mountain County Pomona No. 4 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 8. |
RE: POMONA & SUBORDINATE GRANGE REPORTING IN THE JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS
WHEREAS the Connecticut State Grange publishes a yearly Journal of Proceedings; and
WHEREAS prior to the 1970s, each Subordinate Grange was included in the Journal of Proceedings by submitting an annual report; and
WHEREAS Pomona and Subordinate Granges currently do not have have a report dedicated to their annual activities published in the Connecticut State Grange Journal of Proceedings; and
WHEREAS this publication serves as an annual report and historic reference guide for the organization as a whole;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that each Pomona and Subordinate Grange in Connecticut submit a yearly report to be printed in the Connecticut State Grange Journal of Proceedings, prior to a deadline set by the CT State Grange Secretary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these reports chronicle the events, projects, activities and happenings of the past year within each Pomona and Subordinate Grange.
CT State Grange Public Relations Comm; Winchester Grange No. 74 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 9. |
RE: PERMANENT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
WHEREAS the majority of the country is currently participating in changing clocks in both spring and fall; in the spring we change ahead and in the fall we turn them back; but not ALL areas are participating; and
WHEREAS the original intent of changing the clocks was to provide more daylight for the farming community to be able to be more productive with a longer daylight period, and
WHEREAS (being green) the whole world is being encouraged to conserve energy, and
WHEREAS it has been proven it is more beneficial for most people to take advantage of the sunlight/daylight hours, and
WHEREAS since some sections of the United States do not change time, it would be to the advantage of everyone to be consistent in having one time, and
WHEREAS many individuals feel better with more daylight in the evening and their health improves.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange along with the National Grange recommend that the Daylight Saving Time be the permanent time for ALL of the United States.
Whigville Grange #48 and Winchester Grange #74 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 10. |
RE: CERTIFYING RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS in the last couple of years, resolutions have been forwarded to Pomonas and the State Grange without a proper vote in a Community or Pomona Grange, and
WHEREAS the resolution process affords members the opportunity to have a voice at all levels on the passage of Grange policy, and
WHEREAS it is essential that all resolutions, when passed, have the full backing of the Grange at all levels.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all resolutions passed in a Community (Subordinate) Grange or Pomona Grange bear the seal of that Grange along with the signature of the Secretary certifying that the resolution was adopted and is being presented at the next level of the Grange with the support of the source Grange(s), and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the seal and signature be affixed only to one "official" copy submitted to the Pomona or State Grange Secretary, not to all copies provided for delegates when resolutions arrive after the printing deadline.
Winchester Grange No. 74; Mountain County Pomona No. 4 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 11. |
RE: DEATH PENALTY
WHEREAS during the 2012 session off the General Assembly the Death Penalty for certain serious crimes was abolished and the new penalty of life imprisonment without parole was established for crimes committed after the effective date of the act; and
WHEREAS there is already a court case from the criminals currently serving on Death Row stating that there penalty should be changed to life imprisonment; and
WHEREAS the old death penalty was limited and only applied to certain heinous crimes of Murder.
Therefore be it resolved that the Grange support the repeal of the current "Life imprisonment without parole" and to reinstate the sentence of the Death for those heinous crimes previously covered under the old Death Penalty Statue; and
Be it further resolved that as part of the measure the Grange support the streamlining of the process of carrying out the penalty.
Riverton Grange #169; Mt County Pomona #4 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 12. |
RE: CIGARETTE LITTER
WHEREAS Connecticut and states across the country have continued to pass laws restricting the ability to smoke in public spaces, and
WHEREAS many smokers end up smoking outdoors, leaving discarded cigarette butts cast into the environment as litter, and
WHEREAS the remainder of the 1 billion cigarette butts (176 million pounds yearly) thrown out each day nationwide go through trash/recycling systems, and
WHEREAS these butts contain a toxic blend of chemicals which include arsenic, vinyl chloride, acetone, mercury, lead, and hydrogen cyanide that become a hazard to wildlife and leaches into soil and streams, and
WHEREAS the filters themselves are made up of cellulose acetate, a plastic product that does not easily biodegrade, and
WHEREAS if collected and properly recycled, these filters can be re-processed like many other plastics into new products.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Grange push for legislation requiring cigarette manufacturers to develop biodegradable filters, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED these same companies develop public awareness programs on proper disposal and recycling of cigarette butts, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED this resolution be forwarded to the next session of the National Grange for action thereon.
Winchester Grange No. 74; Mountain County Pomona No. 4 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 13. |
RE: CT STATE GRANGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Whereas; for a number of years the State Grange has acted with both a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee; and
Whereas the knowledge and insight brought by the additional members has proven to be the benefit many felt it would be when setting up the board.
Therefore be it resolved that the second paragraph of Article IX Section 1 of the Connecticut State Grange By-Laws which refers to the Executive Committee be rewritten from "The Master and Secretary shall be ex-officio members with full power." to read "The Master, Overseer, Secretary and Treasurer shall be ex-officio members with full power."; and
Be it further resolved; that any reference to the Board of Directors of the State Grange either in the By-Laws or Grange Policy shall be construed to mean the State Grange Executive Committee.
Riverton Grange #169; Mt. County Pomona #4 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 14. |
RE: RISK REDUCTION EARNED CREDIT
Whereas; Public Act 11-51, an implementer bill for the annual budget, was passed that included sections 22-25 which established a "Risk Reduction Earned Credit" program that allows inmates in State Prisons to earn credit from their sentences for good conduct and/or participating in approved activities; and
Whereas; only criminals convicted of 1) Capital murder, 2) Capital Felony, 3) Felony Murder, 4) Arson Murder, 5)Aggravated Sexual Assault in the 1st degree, and 6) Home Invasion are excluded from this program; thus not covering many other serious crimes and repeat offenders; and
Whereas; this program as written did not have a hearing and was hidden and only passed as part of the budget implementer; and
Whereas; this program applies to criminals convicted since 1994; and
Whereas; since the passage of this bill crimes have been committed by so called habitual criminals that have been released from prison under this program.
Therefore be it resolved; that the Grange takes a position asking for the repeal of this program; and
Be it further resolved; that if repeal of this legislation does not pass that the Granges position should be; that the program should exclude not to not only those currently excluded but also any person convicted of a Class A Felony or any person who has a record of 3 or more felony convictions.
Riverton Grange #169; Mt. County Pomona #4 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 15. |
RE: OPTIONAL PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION OF OFFICERS
WHEREAS the National Grange has offered an Alternative Manual (Rev. Oct. 2007) for the agenda of a meeting in an effort to streamline proceedings, and
WHEREAS many Granges are in a re-growth or revitalization phase, with new members being unfamiliar with the traditional Grange election process, and
WHEREAS when the traditional process occurs, many members express concern about the length of time that the nomination, balloting of officers and vote count entails, and
WHEREAS many Granges have fewer than twenty active members as potential officers, thereby limiting the number of potential officers available, and
WHEREAS many Granges need to use meeting time efficiently in order to conduct business in order to preserve that Grange's ability to continue to operate (including issues of membership, fundraising, and building maintenance), and find that the traditional means for Grange election of officers would take the bulk of an entire meeting, and
WHEREAS current members are often members of other organizations which utilize more time efficient methods for election of officers, and would like to see the Grange adopt or permit use of other current standard procedures.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Grange develop and promote and optional procedure for Election of Officers. This method would follow Robert's Rules of Order and include a Nominating Committee, and procedures for devising a slate of officers, a voting and counting system, and a format for announcement of results. If adopted, communication and instruction would need to be offered to facilitate the implementation of the new optional procedure for Election of Officers.
Redding Grange No. 15 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 16. |
RE: COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT
WHEREAS the goal of the Grange Community Service program is to aid people in the community by encouraging and facilitating members and friends, and
WHEREAS new "major" community service projects often continue after the first year,and
WHEREAS in many communities the continuation of annual "major projects" has resulted in ongoing programs to aid most people and/or organizations that require assistance- children, the elderly, veterans, the homeless and the hungry, libraries, historical societies, etc., and
WHEREAS Grange members, either individually or as a group, regularly participate in these programs in a variety of ways, and
WHEREAS new requests for assistance are acted upon when received.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the requirement for a "major" project be eliminated from the annual Subordinate goal sheet, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange Community Service Report Form and the Community Service Judging Score Card be revised to reflect the change.
North Stonington Community Grange No. 138; New London County Pomona Grange No. 6 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 17. |
RE: BANNING THE SALE OF CFL LIGHT BULBS IN CONNECTICUT
WHEREAS: Mercury is a poisonous element, known to contribute to migraines, disorientation, imbalances and other health problems when inhaled or handled, and
WHEREAS compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) contain mercury vapor, and
WHEREAS it is normal for CFL bulbs to physically burn up at the end of their natural life, emitting carcinogenic gases from the burnt plastic creating a fire risk, and
WHEREAS US authorities do not recommend the use of CFL's in children's rooms or over carpeted areas because of toxic hazard since the latest scientific tests prove the mercury in one broken CFL bulb can irreparably contaminate a carpet as the use of a vacuum cleaner will only spread the contamination to other rooms, and
WHEREAS there has so far been a recall of 317,000 energy saving light bulbs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange support legislation to ban the sale of compact fluorescent light bulbs in Connecticut and discourage their use.
Stonington Grange No. 168; New London County Pomona No. 6 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 18. |
RE: SALES CIRCULARS
WHEREAS sales circulars, sales flyers, small sale papers, etc. are delivered each week with the daily newspaper, and
WHEREAS the effective dates are not in the same location on each circular, and
WHEREAS the effective dates are generally printed in small print, and
WHEREAS the reader must scan the entire circular to find the effective dates.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the State Legislative Committee add to its policy that the Connecticut General Assembly require the publishers of these circulars to print the effective dates on the top of the first page, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Legislative Committee add to its policy that the Connecticut General Assembly require the publishers of these circulars to make the print size of the effective dates be comparative with the print size used to describe the sale items.
Harmony Grange No. 92; Fairfield County Pomona Grange No. 9 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 19. |
RE: LOCAL GRANGE IRS STATUS
WHEREAS the National Grange was supported by an act of Congress before the income tax laws were established, and
WHEREAS in time the IRS has come to realize that the local separately owned chapters are primarily educational organizations, and
WHEREAS recent laws have established a Fraternal status in the 501-C10 category which permits the Fraternal organization to create local chapters with a 501-C3 educational IRS status.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Grange is in favor of the National and/or State Granges seeking a grandfather status as 501-C10 organizations so that Local and County (Pomona) Granges may be recognized as 501-C3 organizations under the IRS rules.
Granby Grange No. 5 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 20. |
RE: INVESTING CT STATE GRANGE FUNDS
WHEREAS the number one problem facing the Grange today is declining membership, and
WHEREAS National Grange tells us that all our dues dollars should be used for programs that contribute to membership growth, and
WHEREAS the majority of our money is in programs to enhance the majority of our money.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $100,000 dollars be allocated to the Connecticut Membership Committee, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee be directed to employ professionals to make the public aware of who we are, and what we do.
Granby Grange #5 |
Adopted:
Rejected: X |
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| 21. |
RE: FUNDING AGRISCIENCE HIGH SCHOOLS
WHEREAS agriculture is expanding in the State generating over $3.5 billion in annual economic impact, and
WHEREAS agricultural farms and businesses can't find sufficient numbers of in-state workers to fulfill their needs and growth needs, and
WHEREAS Agriscience Schools, also known as Vo-Ag schools, function as magnet schools but are not recognized as magnet schools, and
WHEREAS Agriscience schools portray public education at its best involving the community, parents and industry involvement while the students acquire a quality education in agricultural programs as well as learning the leadership and public speaking skills through their FFA associations, and
WHEREAS none of the State's Agriscience schools are filled to capacity due to lack of funding for teachers, equipment, and facilities with students being turned away, placed on a waiting list or discouraged from attending, and
WHEREAS State funding for the Agriscience schools have been reduced while funding for magnet and technical schools have increased with the technical schools getting over $143 million while Agriscience schools only received $5 million and the cost of sending students to Agriscience schools is $7,992 per student while the state reimbursement to the sending towns has been reduced to zero, and
WHEREAS while the hosting schools do receive the $7,992 per student as well as a small State grant, this falls short of what it actually costs the host town to educate the student.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange encourages the General Assembly to acknowledge the success of the Agriscience School programs and adopt sufficient support at all levels, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly be encouraged to restore to 95% the State reimbursement grants given to host school districts for construction, renovations, equipment, staffing and reduce the gap between what the State pays for technical schools and the Agriscience schools with a suggested target of 50% of the tuition paid by the sending towns, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the State of Connecticut assists in adequate teacher training and recruitment of new ag-science teachers so the optimum numbers of students can attend the Agriscience schools.
Connecticut State Grange Legislative Committee |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 22. |
RE: BASIS AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
WHEREAS the declind in the number of people who make a living from agriculture relative to the total population of the U.S. has contributed to lessened understanding of the sources of our food supply among the general population, and
WHEREAS current Vo-Ag programs for grades 9-12 have been valuable in giving students insights into our production of food in the U.S., but are limited to students accepted into these programs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange support the establishment of programs regarding the agricultural production of plant and animal foods to be aimed at the elementary and middle school grades, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these programs which might consist of classes and/or field trips could be incorporated into existing elementary and middle school curricula and would be separate from existing Vo-Ag programs.
Excelsior Pomona No. 7 |
Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 23. |
RE: DENTAL CARE
WHEREAS teeth are a natural part of the body and an important part of the digestive system, and
WHEREAS dental problems and diseases affect other parts of the body which require a physician’s care, and
WHEREAS insurance companies will try to avoid anything that will raise their costs by any means possible, and
WHEREAS a comprehensive healthcare law is being reconsidered by Congress.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the teeth should be declared a legitimate part of the body requiring the same comprehensive level of care and coverage as any other part of the body by health insurers, and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all prosthetics, including dentures, implants, crowns, and bridge work be covered at the same rate as all other medical procedures, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that dentists be treated as any other medical specialists by both the government and the insurance carriers, and reimbursed at comparable rates.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 28. |
RE: DRUG TESTING IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
WHEREAS, people who are employed in the health care system have a responsibility to others; and
WHEREAS, individuals relying on the health care system have a right to expect proper care; and
WHEREAS, without testing there is no way of knowing if these individuals may be using illegal substances or misusing legal substances.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Connecticut State Grange urge the passage of legislation requiring pre-employment screening for illegal drugs and misuse of legal drugs within the healthcare system, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that people already employed in the healthcare system be tested within 6 months, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the employer continue with random drug testing.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 30. |
RE: CONN. STATE GRANGE INCOME
WHEREAS: Income for the Conn. State Grange has declined over the years, and
WHEREAS: Much of the income for the Conn. State Grange comes from Subordinate Grange Members, and
WHEREAS: Subordinate Granges are also having difficulty with expenses, and
WHEREAS: State Grange expenses keep increasing each year,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Conn. State Master appoint a Fundraising Committee to investigate and implement new ideas for fund raisers for the CT. State Grange.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 31. |
RE: MASTER’S ADDRESS
WHEREAS: the Master’s Address details challenges, Grange building activities and successes during the past year, and
WHEREAS: a clear vision was presented for all aspects of the CT State Grange, and
WHEREAS: the Master of the Connecticut State Grange has shown a commitment to the growth of the Community Granges; and to the Officers, the members, and the delegate body of this 2012 State Session
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: that the Master of the Connecticut State Grange be commended not only for this report but for his dedication and perseverance during his past year of Grange work, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: that this report be accepted with thanks and printed in the Journal of Proceedings.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 32. |
RE: ELECTION DAY VOTER REGISTRATION
WHEREAS the right to vote is guaranteed in the United States Constitution, and
WHEREAS in Connecticut citizens must register at least seven days before the election, which is necessary to avoid Election Day confusion and to allow the Registrars of Voters to prepare an official list of eligible voters, and
WHEREAS history shows that there have been documented voter fraud in Connecticut, and
WHEREAS same-day voter registration and voting would open the door to even more abuse and make it more difficult to detect fraud as many voting sites do not have computer access available to validate the applicant, and
WHEREAS once a vote is cast there is no way to undo the vote that was cast if determined to be fraudulent.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange urge Connecticut Legislators to reject any legislation that would allow Election Day voter registration in the State of Connecticut.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 34. |
RE: STATE GRANGE SCOUT
WHEREAS the Connecticut State Grange has committed resources and time into the reorganization of struggling Community Granges in Connecticut, and
WHEREAS the Reorganization Committee has returned Wolcott and Simsbury Granges back into our fold with their efforts, and
WHEREAS in the State Master’s address it was stated that the next step is for a “scout” to evaluate communities to determine if it is feasible to bring or reorganize a Grange into that area, saving time and money, and
WHEREAS a “scout” can be hired for a six or eight week period of work at an estimated cost of $2,500 to $4,000 for a one time “scouting” position.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Connecticut State Grange Board of Directors be authorized to contract a “scout” to evaluate communities for a potential Grange growth program.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 35. |
RE: STATE GRANGE COMMUNITY ACTION
WHEREAS our Community Granges are giving thousands of hours of local Community Service, and
WHEREAS all Granger’s recognize that we have many societal issues, such as bullying (both physical and through cyber sources), adolescent obesity, the homeless and hungry, single parenting, the elderly and more; and
WHEREAS all the aforementioned have a serious impact on the individual(s), organizations, and communities
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the State Grange assist in the implementation of programs that address societal issues in which it can make a positive impact, both on individuals, communities, and with local organizations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State Grange utilize its Public Relations, Community Resources, and other sources to develop and implement programs that would address the community’s social needs.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 36. |
RE: SECRETARY’S CHARGES IN THE 5TH DEGREE
WHEREAS in the Grange’s 4th Degree work, Patrons are charged by the Subordinate Grange Secretary to pay their dues promptly and in advance to assure that their Grange stays financially sound, and
WHEREAS during the 5th Degree work there is no charge noted in the Pomona Grange manual, and
WHEREAS each Pomona Grange Secretary presently does charge the new 5th Degree Patron with paying their dues somewhere, but not consistently, during the 5th Degree work.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange request the Assembly of Demeter to make a change in the Pomona Grange Manual similar to the secretary’s charge in the subordinate manual concerning the payment of dues; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the next session of the National Grange together with a recommendation for favorable action therein.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 37. |
RE: POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
WHEREAS we have been listening to presidential candidates for months now, and
WHEREAS there are still months before the election will be held, and
WHEREAS people have become very tired of hearing all the campaign rhetoric and negative focuses about the other candidates that are campaigning, and
WHEREAS we feel that the money that is being spent in this process is outrageous while people are going hungry in this country,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Grange urge the passage of legislation mandating that anyone interested in running for Federal political office be limited to a period of nine months for campaigning, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grange urges the passage of legislation mandating that the National Elections Commissions set spending caps for each level of Federal political office, which include contributions from outside interests and other organizations.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 38. |
RE: INCREASING DRUNKEN DRIVING PENALTIES
WHEREAS the current drunken driving laws in the State of Connecticut lack sufficient provisions to prevent drivers convicted of DUI from continuing to operate motor vehicles so as to continue to cause injury, suffering, and even death of innocent victims in a disturbing number of cases.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange adopt an official policy regarding drunken driving laws, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange Legislative Committee will lobby the General Assembly to change the current laws on drunken driving to include provisions such as:
1. Ignition interlock systems shall be required on vehicles accessible to convicted offenders for greater periods of time than currently specified in the laws, with safeguards to prevent tampering with said systems.
2. That the judicial system count offenses within the driver’s lifetime as in the State of Vermont.
3. After the second conviction, any additional conviction shall be cause for lifetime suspension of driving privileges.
4. Do away with the erasure from the records of first offenses, as well as dismissals and crimes not reaching conviction as in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
5. Institute mandatory prison sentences after the second conviction.
6. Improve system of reciprocity between states for sharing information on these offenses.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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| 40. |
RE: ELIMINATION OF COLLEGE PRESIDENTS
WHEREAS during the last 18 months a new state law dissolved the Connecticut community college system and the Connecticut State University system (leaving the University of Connecticut as a stand-alone school) and merged them along with Charter Oak State College into the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, and
WHEREAS in September, the presidents of Connecticut's 12 Community Colleges were offered buyouts with a year's severance in return for resignation or retirement, and
WHEREAS the College and University system has denied the buyouts or any attempts to eliminate these positions while several presidents have confirmed the buyout offers, and
WHEREAS these presidents are not under contract, rather they are appointed annually for a standard period of 12 months, and
WHEREAS there is great value in having a chief executive (College President) in place in each of Connecticut's state-run colleges and universities to provide a public face for each institution, and
WHEREAS the college and university presidents provide leadership, guidance and continuity along with the ability to react effectively to the unique needs of each school rather than applying a "one size fits all" approach that would likely result from totally centralized management of the college and university system.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut State Grange oppose any and all efforts to eliminate the position of President at each of the state's Colleges and Universities.
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Adopted: X
Rejected: |
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