The Economic Development Agency had planned to pay Porter Novelli up to $750,000 to help develop a plan to rebuild the state's image after widespread criticism over the religious objections law that Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed into law in March. Critics contended the law would allow religious beliefs as a legal defense for discrimination against lesbians, gays and others. Lawmakers later revised the language of the bill, but convention and tourism officials across the state say they are still being questioned about that law and that its true effects might not be known for years. The relationship with the PR firm was terminated when the Pence administration and the global PR firm expressed different opinions on gay rights. Pence needs to be held accountable for the wasting of taxpayer money.

The Marion County, Florida, Board of Commissioners continue to hold discussions and votes on items that are not listed on the day's Agenda. It Is Time For Marion County, FL to join the 21st Century and stop flying a 19th Century antiquated Flag that holds negative emotions for many. I have many African-American friends who become emotionally distressed when they see this flag flying. The negativity toward the black race needs to stop and one way to do this is to take down the flag of hate that the Confederate flag has become.

The Confederate flag is not a symbol of southern pride but rather a symbol of rebellion and racism. On the heels of the brutal killing of nine Black people in a South Carolina church by a racist terrorist, it's time to put that symbol of rebellion and racism behind us and move toward healing and a better United States of America!

NJ State Senators Ray Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg are planning to introduce legislation that would require Governor Christie, and any future Governor, to resign from office in order to run for president. This is common sense. Christie has been out of the state for more than half of this year. He's making decisions based on what super conservative voters in Iowa and South Carolina want to hear, not what is in the best interests of New Jersey's families. And New Jersey taxpayers are going to continue to be on the hook for the cost of Christie's state trooper protection as he travels around the country running for president. Sign the petition to the NJ State Legislature asking them to pass a bill that would force Christie to resign if he wants to continue to run for president!

I have written and criticized the policy of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). I am a psychologist. I feel a sense of urgency. I understand the Pentagon is in psychological denial, reluctant to admit they are wrong. They claim they are protecting us, yet a trigger alert multiplies the danger to our families and our world. The generals are proud. But soon, before it is too late, they must change course.

It is obvious that most of the fear and terrorism in the world is state sponsored, created and guided by the system in which we all play a role. It is also obvious what must be done to reduce this activity.

A third or more of the southerners who fought in the Civil War did so for the Union, but their stories are forgotten. Remembering those stories and honoring those men will show people that southern heritage is more than just hostility to the rest of the nation, and that minority groups not only deserve a place at the table, but have earned it by shedding blood to save the Republic. We can help heal the nation by reminding future generations that we were never as sharply divided as some would have us believe. Honoring southern Union veterans does justice to our forbearers and service to those who will come after us.

Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, the only African-American member of the Mississippi delegation to the U.S. House, has introduced a resolution to remove any state flag from the House side of the Capitol containing a portion of the Confederate flag. [1] Such a flag would then be donated to the Library of Congress. The flag of Mississippi would be taken down under those guidelines, since it is the only state flag which includes the X-shaped symbol of the Confederacy. Most lawmaker offices on Capitol Hill display their state flags, but Thompson’s does not, because of the Confederate symbol. Urge the House and Senate to pass Rep. Thompson's resolution and companion legislation in the Senate and remove the Confederate flag from the U.S. Capitol by signing and sharing our petition. Reference: 1. http://thehill.com/homenews/house/246826-gop-punts-on-removing-confederate-symbolism-from-capitol

Governor Walker has been delaying his official presidential candidacy until after his budget is approved. Could this be why? After the Joint Finance Committee passed the budget, details of this non-fiscal item is taking the media and social media by storm. You are denying our right to know how you all are governing our state. Take this item out of the budget, explain this action, take responsibility for its insertion and apologize to your constituents.

Many laws are written in whole or in part by lobbyists for the express benefit of their clients, often with misleading titles that suggest a purpose other than the bill's true end. When this happens, legislators, their constituents and the press should be made aware of the legislation's true author and presumed beneficiary.

As we celebrate our nation's independence, our freedom of information is about to be lost in Wisconsin where the Joint Finance Committee voted along party lines (12-4) in an 11th hour addition to the state budget to drastically change the Open Records Law. This law keeps legislators accountable and citizens informed. The budget now moves to Wisconsin's state Senate and Assembly where they will vote this week. Legislators have an opportunity to amend the budget and restore their constituents' ability to access information. This is not a partisan issue. Transparency in government protects us all.

We feel that legislation such as this is necessary to bridge the gap of mistrust that has been growing in light of incidents of force used by officers in the recent past and the public outcry that has ensued. Based on the statistics gathered from studies on law enforcement agencies currently implementing body cameras, this would greatly reduce use of force and public complaints against law enforcement. This would not only serve to protect civilians, but would also protect officers from undue public scrutiny when acts of force are justified. With this kind of transparency, law enforcement's actions would no longer be subject to speculation and the public would again be able to trust in its integrity, as it should be. Thank you for your time and consideration, -We The People