Local governance is a time honored American tradition.  Local governments know what is needed and what is best for their communities.  HB 2127 is extreme government overreach and should be repealed.

As you join this effort by spreading awareness of hate groups in CT and working towards engagement of state leadership, we will improve our chances of dismantling hate and racism!

Project 2025 is a dangerous 900-page proposal by the Heritage Foundation that would harm communities across the U.S.  It is a blueprint for rolling back all of the important roles that our governments can play in supporting and affirming healthy and prosperous communities. Project 2025 would slash government funding for numerous programs. It would dramatically cut funding for environmental protection and give a future White House unchecked power to hurt working people, cut Social Security by raising the retirement age, fire civil servants and replace them with presidential loyalists, eliminate abortion, and roll back our rights.  Project 2025 would also block many of the programs that help fight discrimination in our communities. City and county officials across the U.S. can take immediate action to unmask the threats posed by Project 2025 to our communities. Read the Freedom Forward Action Plan and Draft Resolution for city councils and county boards of supervisors:  https://freedomforward.org/2024/08/01/stopproject2025signup/

Deepfakes pose a significant threat to democracy as we know it. It's the FEC’s job to make sure our democracy and elections remain untainted from exactly these kinds of threats and the FCC’s job to ensure that the way people are engaged with is clear and accurate on digital and radio platforms.  There are massive elections year this year, House races, Senate races and the Presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. A deceptive, AI-generated deepfake could swing these pivotal races in 2024. Or an onslaught of deepfakes could leave voters completely at a loss as to what’s real and what’s not. For the public to continue to trust and believe in institutions, this cannot happen.  The integrity of our elections is at stake. It's clear that we cannot assume people will try to speak to the American people authentically and honestly, because we've already been at the mercy of Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans who refuse to accept election results that are not in their favor. The FEC needs to take substantial action and ban deepfakes on social media to counteract bad actors before our nation's consequential elections in 2024.

The United States does not have a king. Yet the Supreme Court's recent unprecedented and outrageous ruling, affirmed by six conservative justices, has given American presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution—granting presidents the kind of extraordinary power that no one should have in a democracy. Now Democrats are fighting back. House Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court’s ruling that grants presidential immunity. Senate Democrats introduced the "No Kings Act," legislation that would make it clear that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions. And in a sweeping set of recommendations to address Supreme Court corruption, President Biden has proposed the No One Is Above the Law amendment, that states that the Constitution does not confer any immunity from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing by virtue of having previously served as President.  When the Supreme Court has made disastrous rulings throughout history, it has fallen to the people and our elected representatives to correct the course of our nation—as we have with ending slavery, expanding voting rights, imposing term limits on the presidency, and so much more. Now it is incumbent upon leaders of both parties to right this wrong by pursuing an amendment to our Constitution to reaffirm that no one is above the law. The consequences of this ruling are grave. First, it halted the remaining three trials against Trump, denying the American people verdicts ahead of November’s election, and interfered with the sentencing after being convicted on 34 felony counts in New York. It also sets a dangerous precedent and opens the door for authoritarian rule, setting Trump up for consolidating power to do whatever he wants without any repercussions should he be reelected.  Reversing the court's ruling will require a strong majority of support in both the House and the Senate that we don’t currently have. But while we are working to elect Democrats up and down the ballot to make this possible, it's imperative that we show our lawmakers that there is a groundswell of support for them to reverse the court's dangerous ruling. It's a critical step toward preserving our democracy and freedoms.  Trump wants one set of rules for himself and another for the rest of us. We must demand that Congress come together to pass a constitutional amendment that affirms equal justice for all and that no one is above the law.  Photograph: Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images

The proposed zoning ordinance would make changes to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens and fees for home-based providers, align Detroit zoning regulations for child care to similar business entities, and facilitate greater community collaboration for child care options to expand in a given community.  High-quality child care is crucial to ensure healthy, thriving families, children, and communities: • Early childhood education sets kids up for successful futures with lasting academic benefits well beyond high school; • Child care enables parents to remain in the labor force, increasing household income, boosting economic productivity, and benefiting their community, while ensuring that infants and toddlers are in a safe and nurturing environment; and; • Availability of child care facilities and services helps communities grow by attracting new residents – especially young families – and businesses whose employees need child care options.

Citizens of Vallejo have a right to be safe from fires. Not all of our problems can be solved but this one can be. There is money available in Measure P so there is no excuse for not clearing dry brush.

Signing the petition to get our congressman to advocate for us with FEMA is crucial for several reasons: 1. Amplify Our Voice: A petition demonstrates that a significant number of constituents are concerned about an issue. This collective voice is more likely to get the attention of our congressman and prompt action. 2. Urgent Needs: FEMA assistance is often needed to address urgent needs following disasters, such as providing temporary housing, financial aid, and recovery resources. Our congressman's advocacy can expedite this process. 3. Accountability: By signing the petition, we hold our elected representative accountable to the community. It reminds them of their responsibility to represent and support our interests. 4. Resource Allocation: Effective advocacy can ensure that our community receives a fair share of resources and support from FEMA, which can be crucial for rebuilding and recovery efforts. 5. Highlighting Issues: A petition can bring to light specific issues or challenges our community faces that might not be widely known. This can help tailor FEMA's response to better meet our needs. 6. Building Support: A strong show of support through a petition can encourage other elected officials and organizations to join our cause, creating a broader coalition for effective action. By signing the petition, you help ensure our community's needs are heard and addressed promptly and effectively.

A dedicated and hardworking transgender woman was unjustly terminated from Braum’s in Weatherford, OK on July 13, 2024 due to her use of the restroom that aligns with her gender identity, following the implementation of harmful and discriminatory bathroom policies by the management.   Despite local management's support and efforts to advocate for fair and inclusive policies, higher management succumbed to transphobic pressures by the public and enforced rules that violate the rights and dignity of transgender employees. These new policies require transgender employees to use restrooms that do not align with their gender identity, creating uncomfortable and unsafe situations for them.   Such actions not only perpetuate discrimination and intolerance but also contradict the values of equality and respect that our community and state strive to uphold. No one should face termination or any form of discrimination for living their authentic selves and using the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. While it is true there are federal protections in place such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which requires transgender employees be given access to the common restrooms used by the other employees of their same gender identity, it is important to have state protections for vulnerable communities.  States revoking rights of citizens and standing by discrimination opens a gateway for precedent to be challenged federally. We have seen this happen and result in success in recent Supreme Court cases under the current conservative-leaning Court (for example, the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council in recent years).   In a time where efforts are being made to criminalize trans existence, we need compassionate legislators standing beside us fighting for our equal rights to live and occupy public spaces. Trans people deserve basic human rights just like everyone else. They deserve to use the restroom in peace and safety.  By denying an employee the use of common restrooms used by employees who share their same gender identity, Braum's is in direct violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Oklahoma should guarantee its citizens protections from discrimination regardless of gender identity instead of allowing Braum's to get away with this without consequence.  

It takes a strong large community to request change. We believe people in Indiana are not aware of this voter suppression tactic which comes from fear. Why should we not be allowed to vote in every location, even federal buildings in Indiana? It can be done in a fair and legal manner which has been seen in so many states nationwide. Indiana has poor voter turnout and deserves to have better access and advantage as all states. 

Transparency is the foundation of any functioning Democracy, but we still know very little about JD Vance, Donald Trump’s new running mate. JD Vance claims to be a “rags-to-riches” story, growing up poor with Hillbillies in Appalachia. Yet he has refused to release any real details about the source of his wealth in his relatively short career. No one knows where JD Vance's money came from. He grew up in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science in 2009. He then received a law degree in 2013, but just three years later, in 2016, Vance published a book claiming to be a venture capitalist after only having a few months of relative experience and no education in the field. The media has only recently started to expose the major holes in JD Vance's resume. For example, they have discovered that JD Vance was a lawyer for a lobbying firm hired by Purdue Pharma in the months prior to the release of his book, blaming a hillbilly ”culture in crisis” for the opioid crisis. Vance never disclosed his connections to the makers of Oxycontin. Later, he started a fake opioid nonprofit that hired a spokesperson for the opioid industry. At the same time, media reports have also exposed Vance's connections to Peter Thiel, an Artificial Intelligence Billionaire who appears to be responsible for every major development in JD Vance's career. Not only did this billionaire support JD Vance while he wrote his book, but he also gave JD Vance his first “venture capitalist” job and donated a historic $15 million to get JD elected to the Senate in 2022. The fact is, JD Vance’s story seems to be a lie–or at least greatly exaggerated. JD Vance must now release the last ten years of his tax returns so American voters know the real source of his income. Of course, Donald Trump never released his tax returns because they are “under audit.” But every other candidate has. Mike Pence did when he was named Trump’s VP in 2016, with the “full support of Mr. Trump.” In fact, President Joe Biden released his tax returns while he was VP and then three years after when he became a candidate.  Kamala Harris released 10 years of their tax returns back in 2019. We need to see J.D. Vance’s tax returns. 

Empowering the Future - A Call to Lower the Age to Run for President Dear Fellow Citizens, Our nation stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In this moment, we must harness the full potential of every citizen, regardless of age. I am writing to you today to advocate for a cause that is not just about me, but about empowering an entire generation of young Americans who are ready to lead, innovate, and create a brighter future for us all. It is time to lower the age requirement to run for president and give young voices the platform they deserve. Why It Matters 1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovative Solutions The younger generation brings fresh ideas and a keen understanding of modern challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and social justice. Our nation needs leaders who can think outside the box, who are not bound by outdated paradigms but are eager to explore new solutions. By lowering the age requirement, we open the door to innovative policies that address today’s most pressing issues with the urgency and creativity they demand. 2. Representation for All Generations Youth make up a significant portion of our population, yet their voices are often underrepresented in the highest levels of government. This imbalance means that the concerns and aspirations of young people are not fully reflected in national policies. By allowing younger candidates to run for president, we ensure that our leadership is truly representative of all generations, leading to a more inclusive and balanced approach to governance. 3. Energy and Determination Young leaders are driven by passion and determination to make a difference. They are not yet jaded by the status quo and are often more willing to challenge existing systems to create meaningful change. This energy is essential for tackling long-standing issues that previous generations have struggled to resolve. It is time to infuse our political system with the vigor and ambition of youth. Why You Should Support This Movement 1. A New Era of Leadership Supporting the movement to lower the age requirement for presidential candidates is about more than just changing a number. It is about ushering in a new era of leadership that is responsive, dynamic, and attuned to the needs of a rapidly changing world. It is about believing in the potential of our youth to rise to the occasion and lead with integrity and vision. 2. Bridging Generational Divides Lowering the age requirement fosters greater understanding and collaboration between generations. It encourages mentorship and the sharing of wisdom between older and younger leaders, creating a more cohesive and united society. By bridging these divides, we can work together more effectively to build a prosperous future for all. 3. Fixing What Past Generations Couldn't There are persistent issues that have been passed down from generation to generation, unresolved and festering. It is time to give the younger generation the chance to tackle these problems with fresh eyes and new approaches. By supporting this movement, you are empowering young leaders to address and fix the challenges that past generations have struggled to overcome. Why Choose Me I stand before you as a representative of this movement, ready to champion the cause of youth empowerment and lead with dedication and purpose. My commitment to this cause is unwavering, and I am prepared to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard. Here is why you should choose me to spearhead this movement: 1. Passionate Advocate for Change I have always been driven by a deep passion for making a positive impact in our society. My experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and determination to advocate effectively for this cause. I am committed to fighting for the rights and representation of young people in the political arena. 2. Proven Leadership Throughout my life, I have demonstrated leadership in various capacities, whether it be in community organizations, educational institutions, or advocacy groups. I have a track record of bringing people together, building consensus, and driving meaningful change. I am ready to bring this experience to the national stage. 3. Vision for the Future I envision a future where age is not a barrier to leadership, where young people are empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of national policy. I am committed to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking government that truly reflects the diversity and potential of our nation. Join the Movement This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Together, we can create a future where every voice is heard, and every citizen has the opportunity to lead. I ask for your support in this movement to lower the age requirement to run for president. Let us stand together, empower our youth, and fix what past generations couldn't. Thank you for believing in the power of young leadership. Together, we can make history. Sincerely, West Abadie