This is for everyone who is forced to live mostly or entirely on their Social Security.

The Rent Control Preemption Act of 1997 has been a disastrous mistake for Illinois. This legislation was pushed by real estate lobbyists at a time when no rent control measures existed to prevent them from ever taking hold. Since that time we have seen gentrification and disinvestment from neighborhoods that continues to push more and more working families out of our state and forces too many Illinois residents to live in rent distress. These problems have been particularly acute for poor people and people of color -- we need to change this. That is why I am proud to support the efforts of the Lift the Ban Coalition and sponsor Rep. Will Guzzardi's bill in the State Senate that would repeal the ban on rent control in Illinois. It is time we take bold steps to make housing more affordable throughout Illinois and stop the displacement of people across the state. It is time we return rent control authority to the people of Illinois. Please join Rep. Litesa Wallace, Rep. Will Guzzardi and myself in building an Illinois for the rest of us by signing this petition that calls on Gov. Rauner and Illinois State Legislators to lift the rent control ban.

Jorge Garcia—a Michigan man who had lived in the U.S. for 30 years since he was 10 years old—has a story like so many immigrant stories: one filled with hard work, strong ties to his community, and love for his family. He has cooperated with the government, paid taxes, and has no criminal record. Yet, another tragic story is unfolding. On Martin Luther King Day, ICE agents escorted Jorge onto a plane bound for a country he barely knows, away from his wife and two children—who are all U.S. citizens. We have been hearing stories like Jorge's over and over again. This must stop. When immigrants arrive as children, attend our schools, and grow up as an American, they should be allowed, when adults, to make the decision to stay or return. It should be their choice! This is a humanitarian issue. Last week, congressional leaders reached a bipartisan deal to pass the Dream Act, which may have protected Jorge from deportation. But Donald Trump rejected that deal, pushing our government closer to a shutdown as our members of Congress are forced to decide if they will fall in line with Trump's racist policies or support for immigrant youth.

Animal advocates have seen too many dogs suffer in extreme weather. Yet, there aren't enough of us, despite how much time, money and effort we devote, to rescue all of the dogs, sentient beings, who are exposed and endangered day after day. As long as these long-suffering and innocent animals are considered property, many misguided or abusive owners will continue to force them to live in harsh and inhumane conditions.. Make this a felony and we can all save so many dogs.

Alabama ranks 47 in Education. In Health; Ranking 43rd overall, Alabama has the highest diabetes rate in the nation, at 13.8% of adults—a 17% increase over the last two years. Meanwhile, Colorado has the lowest rates of obesity and diabetes in the United States. It ranks eighth for the second year in a row (in Health). Colorado ranking 18 in Education. In the fiscal year that ended in June of 2015, recreational pot in Colorado brought in a total of $129 million in state taxes ($129,136,316 to be exact.) Continuing to criminalize Marijuana in 2018 is not only immoral, it is fiscally irresponsible. State-regulated Marijuana will ensure that the plant is controlled, people are not locked up for a using a plant that is safer than Alcohol, Tobacco, and prescription drugs, keep the plant out of the hands of teenagers, and fund Education, Health Programs like ALLKids, and grow a brand new industry to create jobs. There is literally no downside. Time for change!

Everyone's vote should count, the Electoral college is outdated and gerrymandering is out of control.

To support S196, which requires bicyclists over the age of 18 who are Vermont residents, to register their bikes. This would require these operators to become knowledgeable of their responsibilities and their rights when riding on Vermont public roads.

Because it's way past time.

As an American citizen, I was disheartened by the remarks recently made by President Trump as it regards Africa and Haiti. True he has used his twitter account to insult, name-call and bully others since he was elected, but enough is enough. Some punitive action should be taken by our sitting Congress. This is not a party matter; it is an American matter.

Aggressive and distracted driving is on the rise in this hectic society. Autonomous vehicles are not yet here. We need to penalize drivers who drive rashly and aggressively, as well as provide a revenue source for the state from drivers who are at-fault while helping keep our insurance premiums low. At fault drivers such as : (i) those who rear-end others, (ii) those who are at-fault drivers in an accident (e.g., as determined from in-vehicle dash-cams), should be penalized $1000 for being the source of an accident. Such accidents: (a) disrupting the schedule of other travelers (due to significant delays) resulting from a traffic jam, (b) applying stress on tax-payer system resources (ambulance, fire, police) especially when these resources would be better used elsewhere. By including this penalty, everyone benefits in terms of defensive driving, facilitates lower premiums, and provides income to the state.

Eric Greitens has proven himself to be corrupt, dishonest and possibly a sexual predator who has no business being in elected office. We the citizens of the state of Missouri deserve, and demand, good, honest people serving in office. It is time, PAST time, that we hold elected officials responsible for their actions, especially those who claim the mantle of "family values" candidates, regardless of party.

This President has made a mockery of our country and our heritage of welcoming immigrants and celebrating diversity. I'm embarrassed by this President and his remarks. Everyone in this country should be. Our U.S. representatives should show their disdain and turn their backs on him at this grave moment in history.