Womenstake, NWLC's Blog

This blog was originally published on June 29, 2012. We are re-publishing it today in honor of the HERVotes blog carnival on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Author Dana Bolger is a former NWLC intern, feminist, and student activist. You can follow her on Twitter at @danabolger.

I dream of a day when men on college campuses no longer rape with impunity.

If that day comes, my safety and well-being will be valued more than my laptop’s. Students found responsible for sexual assault will receive more than slaps on the wrist.

If that day comes, the rape of an intoxicated woman, or a girlfriend, or an ex-girlfriend, or a man, will finally be considered “real” rape. There will be no such thing as “gray rape” or “acquaintance rape” or “date rape.” It will all be called by its proper name, the only name: Rape.

If that day comes, victims will no longer be blamed for the crime another person perpetrated against them. Faculty and students will be taught to recognize the signs of dating violence and domestic abuse. The officials who adjudicate disciplinary decisions will receive training appropriate to understand the complex psychology behind the cycle of abuse, rather than being told – as one disciplinary committee member was at my college – that “it’s pretty much common sense anyway.”

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has the potential to begin a journey on which each “if” will turn into a “when.”

But right now, the VAWA bill is languishing in Congress, the surprising target of an effort to turn the issue of violence against women – a problem that everyone should agree merits action – into a partisan battle. On Tuesday the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women rallied on Capitol Hill in a renewed effort to push the reauthorization bill through Congress before the end of the summer.

It’s been an exciting few weeks for advocates who are urging Governors and state legislators to say yes! Last June, the Supreme Court upheld the health care law but let states choose whether or not to take the Affordable Care Act’s funding for covering more people through the Medicaid program. Ever since then, Virginia advocates have had their work cut out for them—making phone calls, knocking on doors, and educating anyone who will listen about the important benefits to the state of Virginia, hospitals and health systems, and to the women and families who will gain the most.

Last weekend, Virginia took a big step forward. The two-year state budget includes a compromise proposal that could lead to Virginia extending coverage to approximately 350,000 Virginians who currently lack health insurance. Under this proposal, a legislative committee will ultimately determine whether the expansion will move forward. Governor McDonnell is currently reviewing this legislation.

What’s at stake by covering more people?

• Approximately 169,000 Virginian women would gain health insurance coverage
• Combined with other reforms in the Affordable Care Act, it could reduce the percentage of uninsured women in Virginia from 17 % to 4 %
• Accepting the money could save Virginia approximately $424 million in uncompensated care costs over the next ten years

This post is the second in a series of weekly posts containing tax information and filing tips. Check back next week for our next post, or click here to read past posts.

We’ve all seen it – the person on the corner dressed as some patriotic character spinning around a “HUGE TAX REFUND” sign. Since it’s the taxpayer (YOU) that is ultimately responsible for all the information on your tax return, promises of huge tax refunds are sometimes too good to be true. Here are some tips to help you avoid scams.  

1. IRS representatives do not initiate taxpayer communication by going go door-to-door or sending emails. If someone knocks on your door or sends you an email claiming to be a helpful representative from the IRS, do not give them your Social Security Number or any private financial information.  
2. You must provide proof of eligibility for any tax credits you are going to claim. Some preparers claim that if you pay them a fee, they will get you these credits without proof – they can’t.
3. The Economic Recovery Credit Program, Making Work Pay, and the Recovery Rebate Credit are EXPIRED programs – anyone that says they will get you these credits is trying to pull a fast one.