Last night, an Amtrak train tragically derailed, leaving at least seven people dead. The very next day, Congress took an initial vote to cut $262 million from Amtrak’s budget [1]. This is a devastating cut to an agency that is already radically underfunded. The exact cause of last night's accident is yet unknown, but safe trains don't pay for themselves. Is this risk worth the consequences? Tell Congress: Stop the Amtrak funding cuts. [1] Hours after deadly crash, House panel votes to cut Amtrak budget, Politico: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/amtrak-budget-house-panel-crash-117904.html

I have personally used this service for school and work. I do not have the luxury of a personal vehicle to travel in, and I do not make much money. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express has been there for me to use when I had no other transportation. To hear state officials say it may not be worth the money is sad. Discontinuing service would hurt not only me but all of the current 4,500 riders who use it daily.(1) If you have ever used this service or know someone—whether it be a friend or family member—who uses it, please sign your name and let New Mexico's lawmakers know we want this train to stay!

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is a front for corporations to gain access to legislators that claims it's a charity. That lets ALEC's backers claim their funding for ALEC as a charitable gift and deduct it from their taxes, leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab for ALEC’s influence scheme. That's not fair, which is why we've filed a whistleblower complaint with the IRS demanding that they revoke ALEC’s charitable tax-exempt status, fine them for any violations, and make its corporate backers pay the back taxes they owe. Join us!

President Obama wants Fast Track authority to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a sweeping trade deal that hundreds of corporate interests have been given special access to. If the President wants our support, he needs to tell us who is influencing the final deal. Tell President Obama -- we deserve an open and transparent process!

A lack of education has many long-term effects for the state of Arizona. We have too many low wage workers and do not attract industries that bring high-paying jobs. Many of our most promising college graduates probably leave Arizona and relocate to cities with better-paying careers. More funding for education can change this trend and improve the well-being of our citizens.

Congress has raised their pay every year for 10 years to keep up with inflation. Yet, the common man of America is still being paid an unfit wage--one that cannot be lived on. Trickle down economics does not work. It just makes the rich richer and the poor stay poor. Enough is enough!

I am a local entrepreneur trying to gain approval from Borough Council to amend Ordinance No. 1111 to allow for the opening of a craft distillery and tasting room in Emmaus, to create new jobs and to provide a unique attraction and destination bringing valuable dollars into the Borough.

I'm trying to save Logan Summerlin's life and prevent his sons from becoming orphans because of the arrogance of Bay Pines Regional Offices and the VA's St. Pete Medical Center campus. A decade is a long enough time to have resolved matters; still not, and he cannot afford a decade delay with his lung issues . Denying access to care and records abusing the words "classified" and "national security " has impeded a timely treatment plan. Send him to Walter Reed and USF for testing now. Time is not his friend. Urgent! Have the VA call and give his Pulmonologist five minutes of their time!

I am inspired every time I hear them speak. I don't feel that way when I hear the declared candidates speak. I don't think I'm the only one.

Did you know that a single tube of face wash can contain over 330,000 microbeads and well over 1,000 personal cleansing products contain microbeads? Several studies have shown that microbeads absorb pesticides and other toxic chemicals as they go down the drain. Most treatment plants do not have filters that are fine enough to filter and capture these 0.5mm beads, causing them to slip through and into our waterways. This is causing fish, birds, and other animals to mistake these beads for food, which leads to them ingest these plastics–bringing these microbeads to our plates. This is an extremely dangerous matter that is allegedly good for the skin, but is an extremely alarming issue that is and will continue to impact our oceans and environment. We do not have the technology, manpower or equipment to easily remove these 0.5mm beads from our oceans and as of right now, the problem is just continuing to grow. The State of California and New York recently passed legislation prohibiting the production, manufacture, distribution, and sale of products containing plastic beads fewer than 5 millimeters in size. The Wisconsin Legislature and several members of Congress have also introduced similar bills this year. I need your help in making sure we keep our water ways clean and healthy!

We are a group of MSW students who have taken on a cause to reverse policies that penalize the poor instead of helping them. Student's Aid to Children Project wants to bring awareness and gather support for Senate Bill 23.

Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Parents with families need this increase to lift them out of poverty. Corporate profits have risen over the years and only the top 5% are better off. It's time for government in New Jersey to respect working class families.