WAND organizes letter to Congress about federal budget priorities - 2009
“What does it mean for individuals and families to feel secure? Is it several new F-22 aircraft that cost $351 million each, and do little or nothing to help against the real threats of today? Or is it feeling safe in a real home: fed, educated, healthy, warm? Because we’re paying for more military toys while our folks at home are increasingly worried about everyday security needs. We are asking Congress to consider these trade-offs when they make the federal budget for FY10.”

WAND celebrates successful effort to cut out $1 billion in Senate stimulus package for nuke weapons complex
“We need to make the best possible use of every dollar. How can the Senate justify sending a billion new dollars to an agency that has a bad track record, lacks oversight, and does little or nothing to advance the new administration’s agenda for nuclear weapons?”

Recent op eds that have appeared in dozens of publications across the country

• Susan Shaer: Military spending not best way to create new jobs | Capitol Times, Madison, WI
• Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss: It's time to speak out against rush to war in Iran | Capitol Times, Madison, WI
• Any mother’s best gift: An end to war | by Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, WAND Faith Communities Coordinator | Asheville Citizen-Times, May 2008

WiLL president draws dozens to forum at Colorado capitol on the costs of war and the effects on states
From the Colorado Daily Camera: "Georgia state Sen. Nan Grogan Orrock, who spoke to Colorado lawmakers today at Borodkin’s invitation, estimated that Colorado taxpayers have paid about $7 billion toward the nearly $500 billion the federal government has spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

WAND participates in Diverse Coalition in Campaign to Stop U.S. Nuclear Deal with India
WAND joins others in saying proposed agreement would dangerously undermine national security, global stability. More here.

Media coverage from the WAND/WiLL national conference, October 2007

PINK magazine reports from the conference:

Op ed from Sandy Pappas in Minnesota: "Ensuring a safer, healthier state" | Bemidji Pioneer - Bemidji, MN | December 23, 2007

"Women should run for more seats at tables of power"
By SUE DICKENSON, Great Falls Tribune | This fall, I joined hundreds of women state legislators from across the country in Washington, D.C., to say, "We can change our national priorities. And women will set the course in a new direction."

Op ed from State Sen. Carolyn Nelson in North Dakota: "Dorgan can help find new direction on nukes" | November 04, 2007
The long-term question centers on the role nuclear weapons should play in U.S. security. Our massive arsenal clearly is not a deterrent against terrorists nor does it prevent other countries from getting nuclear weapons. In fact, it would be far more difficult to dissuade other countries from developing nuclear weapons if the U.S. chooses to build new warheads of its own.

Op ed from Marilyn Canavan in Maine: "Extravagances of war, at what cost?"
If you believe that every military dollar spent is justified, stop reading here. But if there is a scintilla of doubt in your mind, hear me out.

Local female legislators say women vital to next election (Georgia)
"Some things are on party lines, but when you get to women, no one wants to see a child without health care, Republican or Democrat," said Davenport. "I think that we can really change our national priorities, and women will set that course." "We need more female leadership in Congress," said Abdul-Salaam.

Blogger at the conference on Congresswoman Laura Richardson

Canavan named ‘Pacesetter’ by Women Legislators’ Lobby
Term-limited legislator leaves her mark in Augusta
The Women Legislators’ Lobby recently invited Rep. Marilyn Canavan, D-Waterville, to Washington, D.C. to honor her for her “contributions to enlightened public policy.”

Halvorson to run for Congress
Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) said today she will run next year for the 11th Congressional District seat left open by U.S. Rep Jerry Weller's impending retirement.
Halvorson's decision came after a weekend in Washington, D.C., where she attended a Women's Action for New Directions conference and joined U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for a private meeting at Pelosi's home.
"The more I listened to these groups, the more I talked to other people in Congress, the more I realized this was not about me, it's not about titles. It's about what I can do for the people and the country," she told the Daily Southtown this afternoon from Springfield.

Sen. Feldman's Blog/Release about the Pacesetter Award

Ad in ND features a woman legislator attending the conference
UCS ran a paid ad in three North Dakota papers Sunday, September 30, asking Sen. Dorgan to deny funding for the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW) program. It was signed by five North Dakotans, including State Sen. Carolyn Nelson, who was at the conference at the time.

Lifton in D.C. for conference on women and leadership
Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, D/WFP-125th District, said she is going to Washington this week to join hundreds of state legislators and women leaders at a national conference about how women can help change national priorities.
“Today, we are more isolated in the world; our poorest are more at risk than ever; our economy grows weaker each day. We have to head in a new direction. And women are the ones to lead the way.”