I would like to extend the following challenge to all members of the US Senate and Congress who are courageous enough to accept: Live for one month on the minimum wage -- no cheating. Keep a daily diary during this month. A little history: in 1964 Lydon B Johnson challenged congress to try to live for one month on the same budget as they proposed to be the poverty level for a family. When they found out how difficult -- nearly impossible -- it was to do, they were convinced that they had to act.

Most Americans are taxed at between 4.2 and 6.2 percent on all of their earnings, and do not realize that these taxes only apply to the first $110,100 of earnings. This means that anyone who makes over $110,100 pays $0 in taxes on all income above that cap. Eliminating this cap would allow the Social Security Administration to completely balance their budget over one generation, or 75 years, while making sure that wealthy Americans pay their fair share into the program..

What does it say about the state of our water supplies and local political power structures when the public is compelled to accept water fluoridation amid persistent controversy? Are you ingesting fluoridated water – or do you live in the areas of Portland where residents may soon be railroaded by city government into having toxic fluoride added to your water supply? You might care to be informed beyond hype, propaganda, “science”, conspiracy theory or special interests. As is so often the case; follow the money. And you will also follow controversy. But the upshot is becoming; do our public servants have the right to compel the public to ingest fluoride – or any other such controversial ingredient dumped wholesale into your water supply? Some articles of opposition to water fluoridation have already been removed from the web. Other of those whose opposition squares off directly with those who seem to feel they have the right to impose their own propaganda or “science” have vilified documented research proving that fluoride is indeed a toxin.

My petition is about all the homeless in America and the empty houses not being used. All the people who go to bed hungry each night.

There are indications a "grand deal" on Social Security will take place after the election whereby payment amounts will be figured a different way, based on "chaining CPI (consumer price index), which would reduce the amount of money people would receive. Social Security has such a huge surplus of money it is funded until about 2033. It is not a part of the current fiscal deficit and should be left alone. It does not need entitlement reform.

Introduced.Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress on policy issues associated with the recruitment for, and retention, research, and reinvestment in, the profession of social work. Directs the Commission to study and report to Congress on issues facing the social work profession, including: (1) fair market compensation, high social work educational debt, social work workforce trends, translating social work research to practice, and social work safety; and (2) state-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements for providing services across state lines. Requires such study to assess the professional capacity of the social work workforce to serve and respond successfully to the increasing biopsychosocial needs of individuals, groups, and communities in certain areas, including aging and child welfare. Terminates the Commission 30 days after it submits such report within 18 months of its first meeting. Authorizes the Secretary to award: (1) workplace improvement grants to eligible entities and individuals to address workplace concerns for the social work profession, including caseloads, compensation, social work safety, supervision, and working conditions; and (2) research grants, education and training grants, and community-based programs of excellence grants. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract with a national social work entity to serve as a coordinating center and clearinghouse for information on activities funded under the grants, and (2) develop a multi-media outreach campaign and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession.

Politicians must pledge NOT to cut benefits that are vital to the poor and elderly to give more tax cuts to the rich in order to get our votes.

I recently read a story about millionaires collecting unemployment. Being self-employed, I've never had that luxury. When work is slow, the bank account drops, sometimes to nothing. Last year I was looking into getting a job during school hours when the public school suspended my five year old son. After months of testing, he was diagnosed with Asperger's and a mood disorder. Over the summer, I confided to a friend how hard it is as a single mom caring for a special needs child while keeping up with all the expenses. She understood. She also cared for a child on the spectrum. She told me about the respite their family received through Social Services because their child, with a similar diagnosis, received Disability. She urged me to apply to get help. When I did, I was told that he would not qualify because of his $3,800 college savings account. It was a slap in the face that it was the educational savings account they found objectionable. What message does that send? Disabled people don't belong in college? Do we want to keep them uneducated, sequestered in group homes, out of the public eye? Are we ashamed of our disabled children? If a disabled child can make it through college, they're much more likely to become a productive, tax paying citizen! I'm proud of my son. He's now back in public school, excelling in a smaller, quieter classroom setting. He's a brilliant little boy, and might someday make a fine engineer - IF I can ever afford to send him to college! Low-income families with disabled children should not be punished for saving to send their children to college. The rules need to change. Please join me with this petition to give 529 college savings accounts the same exemption status as 401ks!

I whole heartedly disagree with Romney that 47% of the people in this country are moochers. Romney is dangerous for the country. I was a teacher, and worry about the Republican attitudes regarding public servants. When dd they work with the future leaders of this country? (muchless remain unbiased in the way they choose to present politcs in the classroom. I am not a moocher.

I have three children , twin girls doing their second year of High School and a young girl in middle school.Now the whole familly in few months we'll be homeles because of HSBC made us signed some fraudulent documents,when we were making the deal.

I have a 28 year old who also has severe Autism and Down Syndrome. He was not eligible for any form of Medicaid until he was 18 years old due to the household income of 2 working parents. Today he is dependent on Ohio Medicaid for his multiple health issues and his private program he attends Monday through Friday. Do not hurt our people who need to keep their Medicaid entitlements and have no voice for themselves. My son is non verbal and cannot speak for himself. We, as registered voters in Ohio must uphold his and many others rights a citizens to have health care and other rights and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.

Cardenas Gas Safety Act Mr. John I Cardenas an Air Force retired Civil Servant (GS17), the first Mexican American who attained the privilege of PE and was Patriarch of a fine family and an outstanding human being, was killed inside his home on Set.15th, 1:30AM by a driver who's car went out of control, struck the gas meter and killed her self along with Mr. Cardenas who suffocated while his son and Grand son watched helplessly. Thus depriving his family and friends from his generous smile, keen humor and amazing kindness. Many have have lost their lives due to unsafe exposed gas meters.