My petition is about giving government back to the people by preventing big donations from rich individuals and corporations from influencing elections and government laws/policies. Funding: By federal and state governments, very small, equal percentage of gross incomes of all individuals and corporations. Ideally, such a petition would affect the next presidential election.

Kamali'i Elementary School and all of Kihei were completely smoked out by HC&S cane burning on May 27, 2015. Photos show that you could barely see a stop light a block away. HC&S claimed it was "odor" not smoke and a photo of the smoke with "This is a photo of what HC&S calls 'odor'" made its rounds on Facebook. Obviously the archaic system of calling a no-burn day (wait until after HC&S burns and the sun comes up, look at 4 peaks, if you can see at least one of them, it is ok to burn) doesn't work. We have suggested for the last 4 years that DoH revise this rule to use easily available meteorological forecasts including VOG index, wind speed and direction and predicted inversion layer to call no-burn days PRIOR to HC&S initiating a burn. However they have done nothing despite the literally thousands of complaints they have received.

Rep. Czaja introduced a measure on the Joint Finance Committee in Gov. Walker's 2015-17 budget proposal that eliminates requirements for people to obtain a college or high school degree to teach non-core academic subjects. Additionally, the proposal states that a person does not need to earn an education degree to teach grades 6-12. This measure dramatically lowers Wisconsin's teaching standards and exploits our children's futures by placing people who are untrained and unprepared at the front of the classroom. Stand up for our children, communities, and the future of education, and say no to the proposal to lower teaching standards!

We ask that the governing bodies of ASCAP, BMI and SESAC reevaluate their fee structure and collection tactics in regard to small venues, cafes and concert series. We assert that their current methods do not reflect the wishes of the majority of their members, nor do they serve their best interests. We ask that they open a dialogue and act in good faith to create a system that is truly fair and affordable, and takes into account the following facts: All three organizations typically collect fees from each venue; the sum each PRO asks for should take this fact into consideration so that the total between all three is actually within the budget of the venue. Small venues typically pay independent songwriters who own the copyrights to their material to perform it; this could be considered a direct payment from the venue to the owner of the copyright. The fees that these PRO's collect do not typically end up in the bank account of the songwriters that play small venues. While this is a bigger issue between the artists and the PROs we feel that this fact illustrates the unfair burden placed upon small venues to essentially subsidize the royalty payments of larger artists who do not play their venues. The fees taken from small venues should never threaten the venue's ability to subsidize the careers of local independent songwriters by paying them directly for the performance of their material. In closing, as a member of ASCAP for over 20 years I believe that the role of the PRO is an important one and this petition is in no way intended to reduce the importance of organizations that protect and advocate for songwriters, artists etc. However, in order for this system to thrive there must be symbiosis between the venues, the artists and the PRO. When the fees charged by PROs are truly prohibitive and cause small venues to reduce or eliminate their music programs it hurts the very members that each Pro seeks to support. We petition you to consider these facts and further offer to arrange a conversation with representatives of both the independent music and small business community if you would be willing to work towards a solution together. We believe that a compromise exists that would allow small venues to feature a sustainable and thriving music program while still complying with Federal law and doing their part to support songwriters and the organizations that advocate for them. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. ezra

-According to the 2014 Annual Homeless Assessment Report 1-2.9% of Tennessee's population is chronically homeless. -It costs the state $30,000-50,000 per chronically homeless person annually due to incarcerations, mental institute visits, and shelter accommodations. -Utah has reduced its homeless population by 91% through a free housing initiative called "Housing First."

As college costs rose, and Federal and state support as well as parents' incomes failed to keep up, it was easy to shift University, state, Federal, and family budget deficits onto students in the form of loans. Student debt has been placed upon this generation without a national debate. We need a fair plan that all can endorse for how to return to funding higher education without student debt.

Areas of Rosebank, Fort Wadsworth, Clifton and Shore Acres have zoning that does not reflect the character of the existing homes. Single family homes, large properties can be bulldozed, and be replaced with multiple homes or massive townhouse developments. Our infrastructure ( sewer system, schools, emergency services and traffic) is already over-capacity. Overdevelopment can be prevented with contextual zoning, which has been done successfully throughout New York City. CB1 must begin this process by submitting a rezoning application immediately.

San Francisco voters and concerned citizens demand that drastic actions be taken to protect our historical heritage and the cultural diversity that makes San Francisco unique. Artists and cultural institutions are being phased out by high rents and illegal conversions of PDR spaces and taking the heart and soul of San Francisco with them. We need to take time out from non-stop development to resolve the affordability issues, traffic and infrastructure problems, and plan for a brighter, more just and equitable future. This moratorium will allow us to rest and resolve some of these problems that were brought on by building too much too fast. Planning Commissioners and other government administrators are overwhelmed and asking for tools that they can use to help resolve the problems. It is up to our elected officials to give them those tools, starting with this action.

A piece of ground known as Oak Flats just a little east of Phoenix, close to the town of Superior, Arizona has been a spiritual sanctuary for the Apache tribe for several centuries. However, underneath this sacred land is - to some - some of the most valuable copper in North America, if not the world. And so, in February, the U.S. Senate allowed that sacred land to be traded to a foreign company for mining rights. Learn more by reading these articles: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/opinion/selling-off-apache-holy-land.html?_r=0 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/12/defense-bill-passes-rio-tinto_n_6317946.html "The deal is an impressive new low in congressional corruption, unworthy of our country’s ideals no matter what side of the aisle you’re on. It’s exactly the kind of cynical maneuvering that has taught the electorate to disrespect politicians — a disdain for government that hurts everyone. If ever there was a time for Congress to prove its moral mettle to the public, this is that time. The rider should be repealed. " Lydia Millet

In 1995 there were 2852 students in our district, 8 principals and 11 administrators. In 2015 we have 3331 students, 10 principals and 44 administrators. In a district that spends three times as much per student as the Idaho average, we are told that in two years our district will not be solvent. If there’s a hope in heaven that Blaine County citizens will agree to fund a new levy, we need to see seriously responsible cost-cutting efforts underway at BCSD immediately. And, among other things, that certainly means NO NEW ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS, starting now.

I am a faculty member in a state school in Texas. My lectures hold up to 250 students. The thought of teaching a lecture in front of loaded guns frightens me. It should frighten parents, friends, and loved ones as well. School is challenging enough without this stress! On top of that, there is no requirement for a mental health screening to own a gun, and this bill could lead to dire consequences. Let your voice be heard. Protect our teachers and students. SAY NO to Texas Campus Carry!!! (This opinion reflects my own and not that of the campus I work for)

I am a survivor of severe domestic violence and sexual assaults. Fortunately, I have moved forward and have my B.S.W. and soon my M.S.W. All individuals need to be provided with the same opportunities to move forward in life in a positive direction. Children are becoming orphans at a staggering rate due to fatalities related to domestic violence and sexual assaults.