State representative and candidate for Congress Carl Sciortino supports the Grayson-Takano letter, pledging to vote against all cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Please sign onto this important letter today! You can meet Congressman Takano at a house party for Carl Sciortino in Jamaica Plain on May 28 https://www.facebook.com/events/586632114703175/

As can be seen by examples in Saratoga, Arkville, the Adirondacks, and many other areas of New York, a scenic railroad can be successful. We want the rail to be saved for a scenic railroad. The Catskill Mountain Railroad has the ability to maintain its own line and has NOT been a burden on the county or taxpayer. We believe that a fully developed scenic railroad will provide added variety to the area for tourism. It can provide additional unique entertainment and linkages to other merchants and recreation, boosting the local economy.

I want to team up with CT’s movie theaters to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Ju-Ji’s Sensory Friendly Films” program. My son Julian “JuJi” has his difficult moments at times when my family takes him to the movie theaters because it is too loud and dark. I have to bring his headphones and at times take him out of the theater if it is overwhelming for him and therefore misses parts or most of the movie. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing-in other words; the silence policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

I want to team up with CT’s movie theaters to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the “Ju-Ji’s Sensory Friendly Films” program. My son Julian “JuJi” has his difficult moments at times when my family takes him to the movie theaters because it is too loud and dark. I have to bring his headphones and at times take him out of the theater if it is overwhelming for him and therefore misses parts or most of the movie. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing-in other words; the silence policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

The state of Connecticut is building a polluting, expensive and totally unnecessary busway, right on top of the rail line! Light rail or high speed electric rail are less polluting and faster, and in view of worsening global warming and climate change, this plan is wrong. It will cost our state nearly $2 billion to build both the busway and the re-built railway in the exact same corridor, and it is duplicative and wasteful.

The reform of AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), which later became known as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), is approaching Two decades and the outcome and statistics illustrates the cycle of poverty remains, or worsen. The primary basis to the Welfare Reform in 1996 was to get individuals off of governmental assistance through low-wage, part-time employment; not aimed at reducing poverty.

Calling all citizens, visitors and Key West enthusiasts. The most cherished peak in Key West is under threat of demolition. The Top of La Concha hotel, an icon since the 20s and modern day sunset Mecca, is scheduled to become a customer only spa!

Currently, Social Security contributions are only assessed on earnings up to $100, 000. This petition seeks to end the $100, 000 cap salary cap on social security contributions.

Over 90% of all Americans are unfairly taxed on 100% of their income. The very wealthy often pay 1% or less. FICA caps out at $113,700 annual income. If the wealthy were taxed like the rest of us, Social Security would be solvent.

I have to support myself, am 61 yrs. old, was laid off my job 9/28/12 & still can't get a job because it seems that no one wants to hire anyone past the age of 40, even though I have been working 40 years. Also, it seems that no one wants to interview people if they don't have at least one certificate or degree. They don't seem to want to train, just "jump in", but we have to know their procedures, etc. & at least some training. June 1, 2013 my unemployment will be cut by 16.8%. The original 6 months of unemployment was bad enough, meaning I still couldn't pay all bills on time, and now it will be even harder.

Divorced couples who share custody equally do not get the same equality from DCF when it comes to food stamps. DCF is not progressive in keeping up the new trend of courts assigning split custodial rights. I have three children and been divorced for two and half years. Our split custody is 50/50 so why he gets 100% of our childrens food stamps is illogical. I have repeatedly applied for half the food stamps that my ex husband has been receiving since October 2010. As he was "head of household" when we applied years prior during our marriage DCF says they recognize that and cannot split food stamps. I have done the math and I Ihave missed out on approximately $8,000 since the divorce. Unfortunately there is not a law requiring DCF to split the food stamps in situations of 50/50 custody. Signing this petition demonstrates your belief that equality in divorce needs to be extended to food stamps.

Medicare and Medicaid should be made available to everyone in this country and in the state of Iowa.