---Pew Center releases national survey of state legislators---
The first-ever comprehensive national survey of state legislators reveals large numbers who predict the next two years will continue to be a period of major belt tightening across the 50 states. The new survey of more than 770 state legislators -- sponsored by Stateline.org and the Pew Center on the States -- shows that states still are struggling to find money to achieve their top priorities, and are facing the prospects of spending cuts and tax increases in a variety of areas to balance their budgets. Where would they cut first and what tax is most likely to go up? More than eight in 10 (85%) legislators say cuts in social services are at least somewhat likely, and close to half (45%) say they are very likely. Other likely targets of the budget-cutting axe include health care (71% very/somewhat likely); prisons and correction (62%); and transportation (61%).On the tax side, most legislators are only willing to consider the least painful kinds of tax increases. The most popular options include raising "sin" taxes on alcohol and tobacco (71%) and increasing tolls or user fees (66%). Various broad-based tax hikes are deemed acceptable by fewer than half of state legislators, including raising state taxes on gasoline (43%); higher state corporate income taxes (40%); and increasing state sales taxes (39%). Lawmakers in the nation's largest states -- those with populations above 6 million -- paint the darkest picture of recent economic conditions and budget shortfalls. Seventy-five percent of large state legislators say their state has lost ground on the economy and jobs in the past two years, compared with 66 percent of those in medium-sized states and 52 percent of those in small states.

---FORTUNE partners with UnityFirst.com and African American Newswire to distribute special diversity section, "The Diversity Factor"---FORTUNE magazine and UnityFirst.com/African American Newswire will partner to distribute FORTUNE's Special Diversity section, "The Diversity Factor," found in the magazine's October 13, 2003 issue (deadline: August 25, 2003). This special section, produced in cooperation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), is invaluable to people of all backgrounds and professions, from diversity practitioners to community-based organizations, who want to more fully understand the ever- increasing multicultural world that we live and work in. The "Diversity Factor" will explore best practices in the field including diverse hiring practices, management training, mentoring programs, and incentive compensation tied to diversity achievements. Through company profiles, it will feature the strategies many U.S. companies are using to run successful diversity programs in their organizations. Also, it will share the methods many forward-thinking executives have implemented to ensure a successful diversity process - i.e. involving middle managers in training, integrating diversity into the corporate mission statement, and CEO involvement. Over the past decade, diversity initiatives have been implemented at various levels in corporations. Still, companies are struggling with rising numbers of discrimination lawsuits and complaints citing unfair treatment in the workplace. Also considering today's economic and political climate -- protecting diversity initiatives has never been more vital. Now, more than ever, diversity programs and initiatives are still a critical component in helping to sustain a competitive business advantage. Companies are now re-evaluating their diversity policies and programs and implementing new ways of addressing an ever-changing and more inclusive work environment, with Latinos/Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, Africans, Caribbeans, and others from various religions, geographies and ethnicities. CEOS realize that to survive and prosper, corporations must meet multicultural challenges by implementing innovative diversity programs within their organizations. For more detail about the section and special opportunities for corporations to participate, contact Gloria Lerner via email: glerner@bellatlantic.net or by phone (212) 831-7068. Contact Janine Fondon via email: jfondon@unityfirst.com or phone: 1-800-286-3659 if you are interested in getting more information on a seminar that will be held in New York City this Fall to discuss the section and/or participating in an online, diversity-focused information sharing and review of the section.

--- Amnesty International releases 2003 survey of human rights in 151 countries---Amnesty International has released its 311-page 2003 Annual Report on the status of human rights in 151 countries - the largest number of countries reported on by any human rights organization. The report presents data on key human rights indicators, including the death penalty, a category in which the U.S. is a leading violator. China, Iran and the United States - a so-called "axis of executioners" - accounted for 81 percent of all known executions in 2002, with recorded executions in each country numbering 1,060, 113 and 71, respectively. Amnesty International research shows that over the last decade, an average of three countries annually have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. In 2002, Cyprus and the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia and Montenegro) abolished the death penalty for all offenses, and Turkey abolished the death penalty except in times of war. By the end of the year, 112 countries - more than half the world - had abolished the death penalty in law or practice. For a copy of the report, call 202-544-0200 x 302.

---Connecticut: Modern day abolitionists to speak in Hartford---
The Rev. Gloria White-Hammond, M.D. and husband, Pastor Ray Hammond, M.D., founding pastors of Boston's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, will address members of the Greater Hartford community at the Learning Corridor, 15 Vernon Street in Hartford, CT on June 12, 2003 at 6PM. Pastor Ray Hammond, M.D. is also Chairman and Co-Founder of the Ten Point Coalition-an ecumenical group of Christian clergy and lay leaders working to mobilize the Christian community around issues affecting Black youth, While most Americans believe that slavery ended in 1865, the reality is that an estimated 27 million people worldwide are enslaved today - more than at any other point in history. The Hammonds have made several trips to the northern African country of Sudan, where they have been instrumental in helping to free over 10,000 Sudanese, mostly women and children, who were enslaved during the two-decade long civil war that has ravaged that nation. For more information, contact Gale Nicholson at 860-953-6503 or send email to the Connecticut Anti-Slavery Network at ctantislavery@yahoo.com.

---"The Blues" kicks off PBS' Fall Season with blues television festival---
The Blues project announced that Martin Scorsese's much anticipated series, "The Blues," will lead PBS' new Fall season beginning on Sunday, September 28th. In what is being billed as a Blues Television Festival, PBS will air the entire series over seven consecutive nights at 9 p.m., beginning with Scorsese's film, "Feel Like Going Home," and concluding with Clint Eastwood's film, "Piano Blues," on Saturday, October 4. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times. The Blues series consists of seven impressionistic and iconoclastic films that capture the essence of the blues while exploring how this art form so deeply influenced people the world over. In addition to the television series, The Blues radio series will also premiere September 28 on Public Radio International (PRI). Prior to airing on both television and radio, Volkswagen of America takes The Blues "On the Road" to a national schedule of film, music and heritage events celebrating the blues throughout the year. Volkswagen, the exclusive project sponsor, hosts highlight screenings at key film festivals and presents sneak previews at major music festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival (May 29 - June 1), the Spirit Festival in Kansas City (July 3 - 5), Bumbershoot Music Festival in Seattle (August 29 - September 1), and the Monterey Jazz Festival (September 19 - 21). For more information, contact: Andrea Ferguson by phone (212) 981-5242 or Email: Andrea_Ferguson@dkcnews.com

---Boston, MA: Judge Greg Mathis to address annual men's health summit---
Whittier Street Health Center announces its third annual A Healthier You: Men's Health Summit on Saturday, June 14, 2003, 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury, 1350 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury. The keynote speaker for this year's event is Judge Greg Mathis. For the past two years, Whittier has sponsored this event -- the first men's health summit of its kind in New England. To register or for additional information, contact Dumas Lafontant at 617-989-3249.

---Atlanta, GA: National Black Arts Festival---
"That Which Feeds Our Souls", an event presented during the National Black Arts Festival, is a refreshing exploration of what fed and continues to nurture the "Souls of Black Folk", expressed through music, literature and fashion design. Featured artists include jazz vocalist Kathleen Bertrand, jazz musician and educator Joe Jennings, designer Cleah Stover, and fine milliner Aminah Omar. Set in the 1920s and continuing though the millennium, this interactive and entertaining presentation will encourage participants to learn from each other as they experience the music, literature and exquisite fashion designs of each era. The second half of the event will be a stimulating and energizing "Bohemian Party Experience" for guests to exchange their thoughts or just hang out and have fun. The event will be held on Friday, July 25, 2003, 7-11 pm at t he LeMoulin Rouge, 716 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, GA. For reserved tables and general ticket information, call (404)346-0410. or send e-mail to: newideas@bellsouth.net for all media inquires.

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