The D.C. Fair Elections bill empowers city residents by providing a match of $5 for every $1 they contribute to qualified candidates who forgo large private donations from special interests in lieu of small contributions of $100 or less. As a result, candidates in Washington, D.C. can focus on their constituents, rather than those of lobbyists and wealthy donors. The high cost of campaigns keep good candidates from running, and shapes the policy agenda of those who get elected. Demos research shows the mostly white, older donor class is against hugely popular proposals to raise the minimum wage, enact debt-free college, and ensure all eligible citizens have the chance to vote. Public financing systems—like the one proposed in the D.C. Fair Elections bill—are exactly what’s needed to empower voters and good candidates alike.

My entire life, I've stood alongside people of different faith and ethnic backgrounds in the fight for justice, because I know that solidarity is the only way we'll all win. That's why I was appalled to learn about a Christian professor's suspension from Wheaton College for speaking out in support of Muslims. Dr. Larycia Hawkins is a political scientist who has taught at Wheaton College in Illinois since 2007. She wore a headscarf to class to show solidarity with Muslim-American women, who have faced increased hate crimes as Islamophobia has spiked this election season. Shortly thereafter, she was placed on leave. Dr. Hawkins had also posted on Facebook that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, which the college said failed to "faithfully represent the college's evangelical Statement of Faith." The college is entitled to stand by its theology, but Dr. Hawkins' was showing us the best of character. Her action was rooted in a concern for the people around her--even people with different beliefs--and a concern for justice. These aren't principles to be suspended for.

My friends, family and I have all lost loved ones to gun violence in the last 20 years. The experience is brutal and tragic for the victims, and emotionally devastating for the survivors. Currently our Congress restricts research of the causes of gun violence through specious language in the Dickey amendment. If Congress won't remove that rider, the only recourse we have is being brave enough to risk more funds being cut out of unconscionably cynical support of the gun lobby by our legislators. We say the risk is worth it. And if legislators cut funding, we will protest with new allies like cancer researchers and others who are being unnecessarily punished.

This petition is to give any and all Rhode Islanders the ability to state their support for getting this situation corrected - bullying in the workplace - in all types of workplaces, involving every race, gender, sexual orientation and state of ability. I and many friends, colleagues and people who know I support this issue have reported alarming instances of abuse in the workplace. The Healthy Workplace Bill would be a great step in the right direction since there is no law against bullying.

The Confederate Naval Jack flag hangs in Summerall Chapel-- a church-- on the campus of The Citadel. We, the members of the Take It Down Now Campaign are calling for its immediate removal. It has no business in a house of worship-- a sacred space. Further, we are also calling for the establishment of a Commission on Racial Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity to address the ideology of the flag and the way that it negatively influences the campus experience for African American cadets, others at the school, graduates, and the larger Charleston, S.C. community. #TakeItDownNow!

Honorable Senator and Congressman: As a constituent, I am writing to you about the troubling events unfolding in Haiti following the series of elections this year that have triggered waves of demonstrations and violence. Specifically, I write to ask your office to request that the Obama Administration communicate to Haitian President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Evans Paul to permit independent observers (Haitians and International) to recount the votes and to stop the violence directed at peaceful protesters. Historically, the United States has always been the strongest supporter of Haiti as evidenced by the $33 million of taxpayers’ money elections spent by the U.S. State Department on Haiti’s election. Despite that expenditure, Catholic Bishops, Protestant pastors, human rights groups, thirty Haitian presidential candidates, Vodou organizations, and the private sectors have reported on the fraud and irregularities by the current Haitian Administration in this year’s elections. Notwithstanding Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Haiti in October and Under Secretary Kenneth Merten's visit in December Haitian elections officials rejected requests from the majority of Haitians to form an independent commission to verify the preliminary presidential and legislative election results. There are three critical examples of fraudulent activities that have been documented by national and international media. 1) An exit poll conducted by an independent Brazilian firm published on November 19 reported that Jovnel Moise, candidate backed by the current Haitian administration, came in fourth, not first, with 6 percent of the vote, not 34 percent as reported by the Provisional Electoral Council. 2) On November 24, officials announced that an audit of a sample of 78 tally sheets found fraud or irregularities in all 78 sheets. The Electoral Council discarded the 78 sheets, but refused further investigations. Meanwhile in note number 101, The Provisional Electoral Council admitted fraud and irregularities by stating in that note staff members involved in fraud and irregularities will be turned over to the Justice Department. 3) On November 30, 2015, a popular independent radio station, Radio Kiskeya, was fired upon overnight. To date, President Martelly’s Administration has not condemned that act of aggression on free speech and there have been no arrests. As a result of the irregularities and impunities, pro-democracy activists have engaged frequent and large demonstrations, shutting down major cities in Haiti almost daily. The police have responded with arrests, rubber bullets and even live ammunition fired at peaceful protestors. Meanwhile, regime supporters attacked peaceful protesters with rocks and machetes. During one of these protests, current Senator Stephen Benoit and former Senator Moise Jean-Charles, both opponents of the current administration, were shot with rubber bullets while participating in a peaceful protest. As a result of the escalating violence and unrests, there are increased concerns that there will be an influx of refugees to the USA. I look forward to your reply expressing your opinions, and your current stance on the issue. Thank you for your consideration of my opinion on this matter. I believe it is an important issue, and would like to see quick actions to this urgent matter. Sincerely,

As Governor Rauner continues to hold the state budget hostage to push his obsessive anti-union agenda, young people and their families are suffering. As a candidate, Rauner ran as the “Education Governor”, while Rauner the governor will allow more than 100,000 low-income students to fall through the cracks unless he takes action to pass a budget. In 2014, the Monetary Award Program (MAP) provided tuition assistance to 136,000 students attending Illinois colleges and universities. Without a budget to fund this essential program, these students’ educations are in jeopardy. More information ---> http://ow.ly/VZAJF

The proposed change in hours will force pedestrians and joggers off the safe zoo paths onto the streets. The change in hours will have a direct negative impact on working professionals, women, senior citizens, and school-age children. It is now possible to enjoy the zoo before and after work. With new hours most professionals will be unable to enjoy the zoo at any time during the week. Women are primary users of the zoo as a safe and secure place to exercise. Changing zoo hours will force women to choose between unsafe paths in Rock Creek or not exercising at all. Senior Citizens are able to walk in a pedestrian-friendly environment. School-age children are able to enjoy the zoo after school hours. The change in open hours would make all these activities impossible.

Trump's xenophobic remarks about Muslims and his campaign to bar all Muslims from entering America.

Wheaton College in Illinois put political science professor Dr. Larycia Hawkins on leave for wearing a hijab, WGN News reports. [1] Dr. Hawkins, who is Christian and has taught at Wheaton College since 2007, was wearing the headscarf to show solidarity for Muslim women in America. Wheaton College has claimed that it is not punishing Dr. Hawkins for wearing the hijab, but for failure to "faithfully represent the college’s evangelical Statement of Faith,” [2] because she wrote on her Facebook page that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Regardless of what one thinks of this theological question, it's obvious that Dr. Hawkins' intentions were humane and that punishing her for this act of solidarity is unjust. Urge President Ryken to reflect on and rethink the college's position by signing our petition. 1. http://wgntv.com/2015/12/16/wheaton-college-professor-put-on-leave-for-wearing-hijab/ 2. http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2015/december/wheaton-college-hijab-professor-same-god-larycia-hawkins.html

El Super managers unsuccessfully encouraged workers to decertify their union in 2014. A year after El Super workers voted to remain united as union members, they still do not have a contract from El Super. Following a federal court injunction—requiring El Super to rehire an unfairly fired union activist—the company promised to return to negotiations, but still has not done so. Members of the community have been boycotting El Super until they agree to negotiate with their employees. El Super’s practices not only hurt the company’s employees and their communities but also the industry. Please demand that El Super negotiate a fair union contract for workers.

The rising tide of hateful rhetoric and violence aimed at our Muslim and Arab community members, at refugees fleeing violence, at immigrants, and at people of color in our communities is dangerous. We believe this inflammatory fear mongering must be met head-on with clear statements of principle from lawmakers in Washington, D.C.