The biggest effect is that we would have a well informed electorate; which is what we should strive for in America

Graduates from Iowa's public universities already face an alarming amount of debt at current tuition levels.  For example, in the 2014 school year the average graduate from Iowa State University faced a whopping $28,880 of student debt according to the Des Moines Register and The Institute for College Access & Success. The Board of Regents has announced that they are planning to raise tuition even higher forcing students to face higher levels of debt and further disenfranchising those without the resources to attend college. It is time to find other solutions to the budget issue, and stop forcing students to bear the cost while our institutions of learning are transformed into 5-star resorts.

When I visited the purple martins that come every summer to Highland Mall, I realized at one time it was their habitat on the former creek. I envisioned a beautiful water system with these birds, native plants and trees. Right now this creek is under Highland Mall in a drainage ditch. http://travisaudubon.org/purple-martin-parties As it is being redeveloped, we really need more green space in this area and the creek; the life it would provide to the creatures, fish, habitat and humans living there would be invaluable! As we work with the city and ACC to imagine a new future for Airport Boulevard and Highland Mall, I hope we can also be respectful of the past. A creek that once flowed should flow again. Fields where children played should become park space again. While Austin needs more density and mixed-use development, I think we should also set aside a small parcel of land next to Tannehill Branch Creek for a public green space — I propose we call it Orphan Park. From the article https://northfieldna.com/2016/03/18/long-before-there-was-a-highland-acc-or-even-a-highland-mall/

I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore. The madness must stop.

We are calling on DHS Director Johnson and ICE director Saldaña to release Henry Sanchez immediately and to offer TPS protection to Central American mothers and children fleeing violence. DHS wants to deport Henry, but with your support, we can ensure they will release him ASAP.

The Oklahoma Legislature just passed a bill that would make a doctor who performs an abortion guilty of a felony and subject to a prison sentence of up to three years. The legislation would prevent any physician who performs abortions from securing or renewing a license to practice medicine in the state. The bill would undermine the right to abortion in Oklahoma and punish women's health care providers. It's on its way to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who has a reputation for being an anti-abortion Republican. But the governor, who's also acknowledged to be a potential running mate for the presumed GOP nominee for president, Donald Trump, has not yet said publicly if she will sign the bill into law. This is the first such bill in the nation. We absolutely cannot allow it to become law. That's why we need to reach Gov. Fallin immediately with a clear call for her to veto this reckless and dangerous bill.

To demonstrate that an understanding of the need to hold those responsible for funding terrorism accountable. Without accountability, there can be no justice. Ultimately, we hope to see this important legislation on the desk of President Obama for his swift signature.

The Oklahoma state legislature just passed a bill that proposes to charge doctors who perform abortions with felonies which could come with associated prison sentences of up to three years. The bill also also denies any physician who performs abortions from securing or renewing a license to practice medicine in the state. It's on its way to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin who has a reputation of being an anti-abortion Republican. But the governor has not yet decided if she will sign the bill into law. This is the first such bill in the nation. We can't allow it to pass, which is why we need reach Governor Fallin immediately with a clear call for her to veto this reckless bill, which restricts women's rightful access to necessary health care.

We have been lied to about the causes of all these wars since 2008. Our men and women in arms have been injured and/or died, in great numbers, as a result of this endless warfare. Obama refuses to declassify the 28 Pages, even though he promised, the families of the victims, that he would. He threatens to not sign the JASTA Bill when it is sent to his office.

The media bias particularly the 2016 presidential primary has been a disservice to the people of United States of America. The media is, in many cases, providing unbalanced coverage of controversial issues without objectivity or integrity. The general public has a right to know facts and truth of real issues and the pros and cons of such controversial issues. "Equal Time" should include newscasts.

Sucely is a DACA beneficiary who was not allowed to travel back to the United States after the airlines wrongfully denied her valid advance parole permit. Sucely is a loving mother and wife, and her husband is doing everything he can to bring her back home ASAP. However, Sucely needs our support TODAY! Please sign this petition and share it with others to sign.

Experts suggest that the U.S. economy loses more than $71 Billion per year due to the tax exempt status of religious organizations leaving everyone else to pick up the tab whether we exercise a religion or not. Churches are the only organizations that receive this automatic exemption without proof of compliance. The major stipulation required of this exemption is to maintain abstinence from political endeavors which is regularly violated in every region of the Nation. Tax exemption is a government subsidy and cash rich churches are influencing legislation. Under this recommendation, churches may still claim tax deductions in the same manner as other charitable organizations while being held liable to the same scrutiny as said organizations in order to curtail corruption. This shift in policy will allow religious organizations to refrain from the forfeiture of their rights to free speech under the first amendment. This influx in revenue should be utilized to lower the average household tax burden and fund other much needed social programs. Tell Harry Reid and and the rest of congress to enforce the U.S. Constitution and keep religion out of social policy by taking away the world's greatest weapon, money.