Healthcare workers have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have worked extra hours, taken assignments across the country to care for everyone during these unpredictable times. Many of us have worked so much that our tax rate will be higher. We were asked by the Government to step up and we have. Now we are asking for FEDERAL TAX exemption in return that will span from 2020-2022.

We must ensure that ever member of Congress is held responsible when they willingly share false information to the public to compell them to implement a coup. If we do not stand firm now, they will do it again and our democracy will fail. Keep in mind, the refusal of the United States government to initiate swift and harsh punishments for those who engaged in sedition and open rebellion after the Civil War allowed for the failure of Reconstruction, the Compromise of 1877, the creation of the KKK and domestic terror, and ultimately Jim Crow legislation, ie state sanctioned apartheid. Never can we allow this to happen again, else risk plunging the nation into another uncivil war. Under Article I, Section 5, clause 2, of the Constitution, a Member of Congress may be removed from office before the normal expiration of his or her constitutional term by an “expulsion” from the Senate (if a Senator) or from the House of Representatives (if a Representative) upon a formal vote on a resolution agreed to by two-thirds of the Members of that body present and voting.

Why is keeping the Art Program at SIC important? SIC has a mission and vision. Southeastern Illinois College enhances lifelong learning by providing quality accessible educational programs, cultural enrichment opportunities, and support for economic development. Our Vision is to be the catalyst for academic excellence, community service, and economic growth in the communities we serve. I’ve heard SIC referred to as a Beacon on the hill. I think that is an excellent example of what SIC is to the communities that are in the SIC district. That beacon is composed of the classes and educational programs we offer. I’ve watched the economic downturn and low enrollment numbers cause the cutting or reduction of multiple programs and classes. The institutional goals of SIC call for a “general education program that creates a foundation for further study and enlightened citizenship.” Art doesn't just teach art; it teaches problem-solving skills, visual literacy, and creativity. It gives them skills to survive in an unpredictable world. With the itinerant nature of employment, the predominance of digital interfaces, and demands of a shifting and unknown work environment, imagination is needed more than ever. You might argue that SIC students will be able to find other classes to satisfy their humanities requirements for associate degrees. While that might be true of some students, there will be many who will find another school or will simply forego college altogether if they do not have access to art classes here at home. The hands-on skills are vital to those seeking vocational paths. If the SIC board votes to cut the SIC Art program the entire southeastern portion of Illinois is affected. It is a rural area but these students deserve access to visual art education here at SIC. For many, SIC is their ONLY option right out of high school especially in this economically depressed region of the state. The administration has cited the financial impact of COVID and low enrollment. I understand this pandemic has caused distress in everyone's lives. This is exactly why we should be committed to providing access to the skills that are essential for thriving and driving growth here in the SIC district. You might be under the impression that a college without an art program will save money by cutting the expense of a faculty salary and the additional expenses related to an art program. This is absolutely untrue and was proven by research conducted by Sauk Valley Community College (SVCC), in Dixon, Illinois, in 2016. This research demonstrated that the drop in enrollment due to the termination of their art program caused an even greater loss in tuition and fees that was financially detrimental to the institution and much higher than a faculty salary and related art department expenses. This research initiated their search for a new art instructor who was hired in the fall of 2016. We need to express to the administration and board that cutting more programs for students is only going to lead to even less enrollment. The amount of cost-saving now IS detrimental to the future of the students and communities we serve and the mission of the institution. SIC needs a Visual Art program.

The United Nations Resolution 194 states: "Resolves that, in view of its association with three world religions, the Jerusalem area, including the present municipality of Jerusalem plus the surrounding villages and towns, the most Eastern of which shall be Abu Dis; the most Southern, Bethlehem; the most Western, Ein Karim (including also the built-up area of Motsa); and the most Northern, Shu'fat, should be accorded special and separate treatment from the rest of Palestine and should be placed under effective United Nations control." The location of the US embassy in the vicinity of Jerusalem, violates UN mandate of special and separate treatment of Jerusalem and is a cause of distress to local people of Palestinian origin.

This is important to me because these individuals do a lot of work for our patients, they are required to obtain a certification and pass a state exam and they are making minimum wages. CNAs are making less than someone who works at a burger stand and isn’t required to take no educational class to obtain their employment.

With the advancement of patents and and increased desire for both non profit and for profit companies to create changes to the weather for desires in wanting more tourism, more water for both need and recreation such as golfing and water sports including fishing and boating events. To be advanced in our modern technology we need to look at the future of this incredible state not just for now but generations of our families here in the future. Also providing guests who visit a sense of additional health concerns from our great state.

My mother is a resident of the Care Center at Sunset Lake, which has an overall 4-star rating from Medicare.gov and a 4-star rating for their staffing levels. My mother has dementia and has received very good care over the last 4 years. I am extremely concerned she will not continue to receive such wonderful care if The Grand Healthcare Systems is chosen to lease this facility. The Grand owns and operates 16 facilities throughout NYS and most are poorly rated. - 7 out of 16 facilities have a 1-star overall rating from Medicare.gov (The lowest available score for an operating facility.) - 4 out of 16 facilities have a 2-star overall rating from Medicare.gov - 8 out of 16 facilities have 1-star ratings for health inspections from Medicare.gov - 10 out of 14 facilities have only 2-star ratings for staffing levels (Medicare.gov did not have staffing info available for 2 facilities.) Please tell the Sullivan County Legislature that The Grand Healthcare Systems isn't who we want caring for our elderly. Please sign our petition to advocate for those who can not advocate for themselves!

The attack on the U.S. Capitol was an instance of white supremacist violence upheld by police. Our town leaders must stand not only against the attack itself but against racist policing as a larger issue and one that we face within our town. In an effort to reconsider public safety in Amherst in a democratic way, our town established a Community Safety Working Group. However, due to slow movement from town officials, the group was not formed until November and has had a very limited amount of time to produce a report that was intended, among other things, to help the town decide what to do about the officer positions. A continuation of the freeze would honor the initial intention behind freezing the positions, giving our town more time to look into issues with policing before deciding what to do next.

African American people deserve better.

In Jamira’s own words (12/10/2020): Governor Ned Lamont, Hello, How are you? My name is Jamira Myers #278506 Inmate Number, and I am currently an inmate at York Correctional Institution. My reason for reaching out to you is because I really need your help. I’ve written to counselors, captains, social workers, the warden, the commissioner, Action 8 News, ACLU, American Disabilities Act. I’ve tried speaking with different attorneys, reporters, and now I’m writing to you because all those people I named I either never got any response or was threatened with a disability ticket if I kept writing them. I’m a 37-year-old black female with 4 children, single mother who has a lot of health problems. I have high blood pressure, chronic asthma, sleep apnea, legally disabled at home due to my chronic back problems and my mental health issues. I’ve had my attorney put in for a (sentence) modification on my behalf which was denied. I filed a Habeas petition to attack the conditions of my confinement, no luck. After a full year I just got a wheelchair and put in a handicapped room so I can be transported back and forth to Medline so I can get my medication because for a while I was off my meds due to me being immobile and the doctor made it seem like I was just refusing when that wasn’t the case - I literally had to push a big trash bin around the compound filled with trash to get around and when I couldn’t do that anymore they would call codes on me and 7 or 8 CO’s had to pick me up off the ground because my legs and my back kept giving out on me. I got laughed at and called Black Bitch and Trash Pusher by CO’s. Please can you help me? I would never have written to you if I didn’t really need your help. 50% of my time will be January, and I will be eligible for a Halfway House two months after that. I’m not asking to be let out in the street but at least put in a hospital or a rehabilitation center so I can get my surgery. I don’t want to die from being obese because I’m immobile due to my back issue. I can’t go to a halfway house like this. I know you receive tons of letters from inmates asking for freedom. I’m willing to be in a locked facility in my hometown so staff can at least get me back and forth to the doctors so I can get some type of pain management and get my surgery scheduled, then go to a halfway house as soon as they have a bed for me. I’m begging you from the bottom of my heart, I don’t want to die here. I’m only 37-years-old, and my kids need their mom. Please can you respond to my letter even if you refuse to help me as well? I’m so desperate and it took me a lot of courage to write you, but I decided to give it a shot and see if there really is a God out there because I’m literally suffering. You got to see it to believe it. Anyways, I’ll end the letter in good faith and hope I receive a response back. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my letter. God bless you and have a wonderful day. Sincerely, Jamira Myers

Cincinnati has increasingly become known as a destination for its variety of restaurants and bars, but the pandemic has caused dozens of incredible local establishments to close their doors permanently. Those that have been able to weather the storm have done so at significant cost: reducing capacity, focusing on curbside pickup and delivery as well as the mandated curfews have resulted in significant revenue losses for our city’s establishments. The reduced capacity has hit hourly waged workers the hardest since we are dependent on tips, as we are paid well below the federal minimum wage. In addition, exposure to the virus among staff forces many businesses to close for weeks at a time, further hurting workers by preventing them from making any income in the interim. Ohio and Cincinnati leadership must step up now and act in the best interests of the working class service industry by allowing us to protect ourselves. A safer service industry is a safer Cincinnati.

With Michael Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, showing up at the White House in January with written notes to give to Donald Trump that were instructions to overturn the election by way of martial law. I no longer think a great company like Costco should allow MyPillow a place to set up and sell their products. MyPillow should be banned from ALL Costco facilities, as Mr Lindell has engaged in treasonous behavior.