Hardworking people should not be forced to choose between their income and their families. All workers in Connecticut deserve paid time off to help care for their children and their families.

I'm running for office and I live here in the region. I have been outspoken on the issue, including having written an op-ed that was published. https://www.columbian.com/news/2017/oct/15/local-view-washington-oregon-need-compact-for-transportation/

We will stand together to block attacks to Food Stamps! The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that feeds over 43 million Americans. Harsher work requirements and proposed cuts to the 2018 Farm Bill will put food assistance at risk for millions of working and unemployed households. Food is a human right and not just meant for the privileged few! We will deliver this petition to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, the US Congress, and the Michigan state legislature.

The State of California very recently reported that our County experienced a 40% increase in Hate Crimes in 2017 as compared to 2016! The Commission on Human Rights for Sonoma County, California is a strong advocate for the most basic rights of our most marginalized and needy residents. The Commissioners are appointed and volunteer. The most likely county residents who need their help are......all people of color, the Homeless, disabled, LGBT, Indigenous Peoples, etc. etc.. Our County Government Budget for 2018-2019 eliminated the measly 12 hours a week, of staff support, the meeting room for the Commission to meet residents, and the emergency phone line which needy residents use in an emergency to contact the Commission when they are desperate! The County Government says that the issue is "money." The total cost to the County is only $26,432.60, including benefits, for the measly twelve hours a week of staff support!...out of a 2018-2019 Budget of more than $1.8 billion! No way.... the county's motives are 100% political!! A move right out of the Trump-Playbook. I am a white male. I am a "Senior Citizen." I am not in the demographics which so desperately need our Commission on Human Rights.... but, I do have morality and I care deeply. Please help. Thank you very much.

The Berkeley Flea Market is the living legacy of historic South Berkeley's greatest strengths: the ethnic diversity, cultural creativity, and economic entrepreneurialism that has made it a distinctive and vital community since World War II. It continues the legacy of the South Berkeley Square district, beginning at Adeline and Woolsey, which was long the throbbing heart of non-white businesses before the BART station destroyed and scattered them. It is the cultural hub of South Berkeley for African Americans and others who come from around the region to shop, sell, and socialize. This location may be threatened by the city’s plans for development of the Adeline corridor. The loss of this site would spell the loss of a unique multicultural community, the livelihoods it supports, and the legacy it continues – gone forever. Please sign the petition to show your support of the Berkeley Flea Market in the Adeline corridor plan and any plans involving the Ashby BART station. We will also keep you informed of community meetings and gatherings.

The anticipated sweep that will move the Waimanalo Beach Park houseless residents out of the area will not resolve the situation and will only make matters worse, pushing them into the residential areas or further out in the restricted beach areas. As community outreach providers in Waimanalo have seen – the displacement of houseless individuals and families leads to further stress and chaotic responses that may result in more serious consequences. We are asking that the state and county hold off on any sweep of the area as the community works toward solutions to identify a more permanent solution. The Waimanalo community supports the Ohana Zones concept and it is a project we would like to see started in Waimanalo. A safe area designated for residents that understand rules and oversight will allow a place where houseless residents of our community can stay without being "swept." Now with Act 209 (2018) becoming law, Waimanalo would like to be the first community to pilot a program that allows a safe area for our Waimanalo ohana to thrive towards independence and eventually permanent housing.

My husband died recently and his social security income was cut off immediately, reducing my household income in half and leaving me with a 3,000 a month mortgage. I was informed that I am not eligible for his social security survivor's benefits because I receive teacher's retirement. Others who receive retirement benefits from other sources are entitled to social security, but not public servants. The rules should apply to everyone. State, County, Federal, and railroad retirees deserve better. Sign up to change this pernicious policy implemented by Pres. Reagan.

My friend is disabled and has to deal with this problem.

Cape Ann Community Boating is a non-profit working closely with the City of Gloucester and private donors to create a public boating center on Cape Ann. The plan is to provide small watercraft, such as sailboats and rowboats, so that residents of our area can have affordable access. Membership is designed to be available to anyone who is interested. It is our belief that through working with individuals and families in Cape Ann, we can promote environmental stewardship and healthy living by helping people stay active and connected with their community and surroundings. Cape Ann is known for its heritage, vibrant communities and devotion to the sea. Cape Ann Community Boating will help preserve this great tradition. Contact [email protected]

I am tired of trying to work from home with an unstable signal while rates keep increasing. 90 days ago, I paid $10 to increase the speed on internet service and 60 days ago Suddenlink decided to implement a rate increase of $8.25 per line. The signal jumps in and out; technicians have been to our home and say everything is fine at the pole; it took 2 weeks for a service call in June so I was without broadband for those 2 weeks. I do not receive a paper statement so was unaware of the latest increase until it took place. Funny, they could send me an email to increase the overall speed of my internet but when it came to a rate increase it was my responsibility to read my statement online since it was on page 3 of the paper billing. I know from Facebook postings in my community that this is not just "my" issue.

I have lived on Ellis Place for nearly five years in a house built during the 1860s. This old house is not energy efficient and requires ongoing expensive maintenance and repairs, therefore costs are higher than more modern houses. Now the Historical Preservation Committee wants to designate this as a historic district which would impose additional expense and time burdens which would slow my ability to make improvements. Ellis Place is not inhabited by wealthy owners. We will be harder pressed to maintain much less improve our holdings.

We are concerned the City of Decatur and Atlanta are not aware of the people of Winter Avenues concern regarding making Winter Avenue a through street to College Avenue. We are seeking to stop this action by getting everybody on the block to sign.