TAM LAWRENCE, LOBBYIST For several years, I trusted a home health care provider to care for my mom after a series of strokes my mother needed 24hr care. For the first 5yrs we received cares; as the business owner continued to open up more homes- the service declined and her staff went along with it. Unfortunately, my mom has for too long endured the abuse and neglect provided by Willowcrest Turner's Point Community Residential Facility located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On March 31, 2019 when I found my mother in a closed room sitting in a pool of urine, she had been in this condition for at least several hours. When I confronted the caretaker she agreed my mom was in this condition for over 2 hours [i have video] of her statement. Thereafter, I called the owner of the Community Residential Based Facility she stated, " I can not control what those people do over there. You have to do, what you got to do! We've been going through this for sometime and the state will not define this as abuse, your mother does not have any skin breakdowns nor does she have skin issues." - stated Kim Turner the owner of Willowcrest ll Turner's Point On one too many occasions the owner of WILLOWCREST TURNER'S POINT has played the victim and rather than fix what's wrong with her business's model- she'd rather complain about there not being suitable caregivers in MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN for her to hire. In efforts, to derail me from contacting the governing bodies or removing my mom she stated - it's a problem for basically everyone in the business in MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN so my mom in most cases would be treated the same or even worse if relocated. Her candid remarks, would normally make me feel a sense of hopelessness in which case I'd freeze up in fear. However, on April 1st 2019 I refused to be treated like a FOOL any longer and found assistance from the staff at St. Anne Day Service. I got my mom out! Let's make sure our seniors are protected - In closing, there needs to be tough laws, jail time, fines and the termination of licensing for those who abuse and neglect our seniors

The city's Mission Canyon Bridge Project is very flawed. This is being driven by one more ambitious grant project. The Council only voted to look at options, they are not obligated to continue beyond the bridge team's proposals. This Bridge does not have to be replaced. The most recent structural inspection by the Ca Dept of Transportation completed 3/15/2021 determined the Bridge remains safe and strong. Only one recomendation noted the scour in the cement needed maintenance which was also noted back in 2015. Stucturally obsolete simply means, they don't make them like this anymore, to expensive and they don't have the craftsmen of over 100 years ago. Traffic moving at 25 mph on the bridge is not slowed at either end of the Bridge, the Rose Garden on one end of it or Rocky Nook park on the other in this "share the road" corridor. Already a "Vision Zero " corridor, there are no accident statistics that support the need for a new wider bridge which would result in widening the roadway and increase traffic speed . Further, this is a “share the road” Corridor which means “one after the other.” this includes the bridge area where bicyclists have the the same traffic rules and are on the same level as motorists. We are pleased that the City finally did the suggested maintenance repairs to the road surface and foot bridge this past summer of 2020 that had been recommended as far back as the 2011 inspections. This bridge was completely refurbished in 2008 by Santa Barbara Public Works Department was found it to be structurally sound, in good condition and may be left in place. Taxpayer's dollars could be better spent by both the City and County by better maintaining the existing footpaths and pedestrian crossings near Rocky Nook Park. This proposed 11 million dollar project threatens the special historic landscape in the surrounding area that goes back to the Chumash era and the Mission Creek endangered Steelhead Trout Restoration Program. The bridge has withstood the test of time. Not even a crack, with the 1925 earthquake of 6.8 magnitude that heavily damaged the Historic Mission and demolished most of downtown. Fire evacuations thru the Mission Canyon Corridor over the years have all gone smoothly with no problems. Further background. How did we get here? The opposition, a small neighborhood group effort known as “Safe Passage”, years ago had a public workshop to give ideas to the City to discuss possible improvements for the Mission Canyon Corridor. Adding new pedestrian path and bike lanes were some ideas. The unanimous consensus on record, however, was not to alter the Historic Bridge over Mission Creek. In 2016, the City and County Public Works Department’s joint application to fund new pedestrian and bike lanes was rejected by the State Active Transportation Program (ATP) for funding in this designated “share the road” corridor where bicyclists have the same rights and rules as vehicles. With no safety justification, the City of Santa Barbara was not willing to fund the project. The Santa Barbara Police and Sheriff’s Department’s records showed no deaths or reoccurring accidents on record through the corridor, compliant with the City’s Vision Zero Policy. The City discovered, however, they could qualify for 11 million dollars of federal funding under the Federal Highway Administration if they replaced/rehabilitated the Historic Mission Creek Bridge. The bridge project qualifies for funding only because the bridge is classified as “structurally obsolete”. This simply means that they do not build bridges this way anymore. The whole plan was drastically changed to qualify for this new tax payer’s source of funding. The City Council on 5/22/18 directed transportation with a new plan and moved ahead with this pork barrel project against Transportation’s recommendation to secure bridge funds even though it was not consistent with the majority of feedback staff had received at public outreach efforts.

UPDATE: This Petition was started a few years ago after a fatal accident on Highway M in Barnhart, Missouri. That particular accident involved a mother of a student killed after dropping her son off for the day. At that time, the petition was setup, news channels were contacted and many communications were had over the following months with MoDot official, Judy Wagner. The request was submitted to Install traffic lights at Hwy M /St Lukes Church Rd and Hwy M / Moss Hollow Road AND DENIED AT THE TIME WITH MANY REASONS WHY THEY WOULD NOT DO THIS, the main reason given was that the install of traffic lights would cost too much at around $1 million. NOW THE J-TURN project is estimated to cost $1 million. Also stated that stop lights do not work. ROCKPORT School has a stoplight in front of their school as do many other emergency houses in the area that just have flashing lights during the day and become operational during PRIME HOURS needed such as morning and evening rush hours for school and those leaving for and coming home from work. The emergency houses would also have access to have the lights operate when they are in need to leave for emergencies. There are First Responder Houses (Antonia Fire Protection District and Rock Township Ambulance District House 4) as well as Antonia Middle School at those intersections. This results in a large number of school buses and families with children being forced to pull out onto Hwy M, crossing multiple lanes of traffic. These intersections absent of traffic lights with the factor of high speeds by drivers has proven to be hazardous AND CONTINUES TO BE HAZARDOUS TWO YEARS LATER WITH NO CHANGES BY LEGISLATURE AND MODOT. The amount of accidents due to high-speed and excessive traffic on Hwy M is becoming more frequent at both of these intersections, resulting in fatalities and injuries. First Responders were involved while attempting to respond to a call, resulting in injuries and delay for those needing the fire department. There are a number of families in both of these areas that send their children on school buses that are given no other option than to merge across a four-lane highway to transport the children to and from school. At Moss Hollow and Highway M, the traffic coming and going has increased now that the new Estates at Moss Hollow is complete and close to 100 new families moved into the area. (ADDING MINIMUM 100 NEW DRIVERS DAILY). There are MANY kids approaching the driving age so new drivers will be embarking on those intersections as well. Let's take safety into consideration and push Jefferson County to install traffic lights and NOT the proposed J turns AT BOTH INTERSECTIONS for the residents of Barnhart AND SLOW DOWN THE SPEED LIMIT IN A SCHOOL ZONE. As of June 2019 I was informed by Judy Wagner that the proposed construction review was being added to the “ Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan for review.” She informed me that in December 2019 they had met with families in Williamsburg to address this issue and I wa stood other affected subdivisions, including Fountains would be contacted in Spring 2020 to have community forum... I can only assume due to COVID that didn’t happen. CONSIDERATION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FOR ADDITIONAL RESIDENTS AT MOSS HOLLOW AND THE CONTINUED POSSIBILITY OF GROWTH ON THE ANTONIA CAMPUS, FUTURE ADDITION OF NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, INCREASING TRAFFIC ON ST LUKES CHURCH ROAD SIGNIFICANTLY SO THIS WARRANTS MAKING CHANGES TO INTERSECTIONS AND LOWERING SPEEDS ALONG HIGHWAY M FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE AND OUR CHILDREN. J turns will greatly affect emergency crews, residents and school bus transportation. THIS PETITION WILL ONCE AGAIN BE SHARED WHEN SIGNED AFTER A FEW WEEKS IN HOPES OF EXPRESSING CONCERN AS A COMMUNITY AND GETTING SOMETHING DONE SOONER THAN TWO YEARS FROM NOW. I HAVE UPDATED TO INCLUDE NEW MODOT AND COMMITTEE CONTACTS.

From gun violence to universal healthcare, no field of endeavor or conflict in this country is untouched by the legacy of racism manifest by our American destiny. Despite scholarly and established work to the contrary, CDC cries "No evidence-based best practices to address it" as an excuse not to do their job, so the people must demand it. I have seen the stress of loss of privilege, the minute daily drips of intangible "microaggressions" and the gaping wounds of bullets; I took an oath and DO NO HARM is not enough. We're also on Twitter and would ask folks to tweet Trevor Noah and other prominent folks who "have the mic"! @Right2healthNow

Money has become a measurement of freedom for many. I have lost many valuable, sentimental relationships and possessions as a result of the lack of. I see countless others everywhere; everyday, suffer from the same mechanics...

To urge all Alliance for Retired Americans members, their families, friends or everyone subject to the GPO/WEP to increase their efforts to make sure the Congress of the United States enacts legislation to repeal the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision from Social Security Act. New Bill filed by Representative Garret Graves, (R-LA) H. R. 82 Social Security Act of 2023 This Petition is updated periodically to reflect current legislation that seeks full repeal of the WEP/GPO.

People should join this petition because sibling bonds are some of the strongest and most important relationships a child can have, especially during difficult childhoods involving foster care, neglect, or family separation. Many older siblings step into parental roles by protecting, raising, feeding, and emotionally supporting their younger brothers and sisters when adults fail to do so. Yet after adoption, those same siblings can be completely cut off from the children they helped care for, causing heartbreak and emotional trauma on both sides. Supporting this petition means supporting children’s emotional well-being, mental health, and sense of identity. It is about giving family courts the ability to recognize when sibling relationships deserve protection and ensuring that adoption does not automatically erase the bonds between brothers and sisters who love each other. Change is needed so future families do not have to suffer the pain of losing contact with siblings simply because the system failed to keep them connected.

Increasing Atlanta's public transportation would be extremely important to help cut down on traffic throughout the city. Imagine how many people would not need a car to get to work or to the store because they could rely on a MARTA system that actually runs throughout the whole city. Many people in Atlanta may not be able to afford a car, or can barely afford a car. The service that ample bus routes or train stops could provide to those individuals would greatly improve their quality of life, allowing them to get to work, to the store, or just to a friends house, without the stress of automotive bills piling up day by day. Furthermore, individuals living in the surrounding suburbs would have an easier time getting to work everyday as traffic would be cut down on the highways and throughout the city. 

HB211 in Louisiana would criminalize homelessness, imposing penalties and mandated “homelessness courts” instead of providing access to housing or supportive services. Such measures do not address the root causes of homelessness and further destabilize vulnerable individuals. We must prioritize housing-first solutions and comprehensive support rather than punitive policies.

Others should join this campaign because this decision impacts not just individual families, but the strength and stability of our entire school community. Gryphon’s Kids Club provides a safe, trusted, and structured environment that many working parents rely on every day. Without it, families are left scrambling for childcare—often without comparable or reliable alternatives. This is also about having a voice. Decisions that directly affect our children and families should include parent input, transparency, and thoughtful planning. Supporting this campaign is an opportunity to advocate for those values and ensure that our community is heard. By coming together, we demonstrate that Gryphon’s Kids Club is not just a convenience—it is an essential service that supports our children’s well-being, our families’ stability, and the integrity of the TJCA community.

  Please sign this petition to show your support for providing free bus rides for all youths in Hawaii. Let's take a step toward a more equitable and sustainable future for our children and our communities.  

Why This Is Important To Us ​Our decision to operate a child care business within our family home is a profound commitment to our community and to the welfare of young children. This arrangement allows us to provide a unique, home-based setting that benefits children's development. We commit our professional lives, our properties, and our own family's privacy to this work. When the licensing system focuses on citing issues in our private lives—and allows those irrelevant citations to damage our public professional reputation—it feels like a complete dismissal of the quality, warmth, and dedication we pour into the child care environment every day. We seek to be partners in quality, not antagonists caught in unpredictable and invasive bureaucratic cycles.