• Issue an Executive Order to Provide Immediate Relief for those Crippled by Federal Student Loan Debt
    With student loan debt exceeding $1.2 trillion, more and more students find themselves graduating college with six-figure student loan debts--often either unable to find employment or only able to find low-wage jobs. Since 1982, student loan debt has grown at a rate twice that of healthcare debt--400%, compared to healthcare's 200%. Yet, healthcare debt can be discharged in bankruptcy, whereas student loan debt cannot under federal law. Many students enter and exit college with minimal or no student loan counseling, failing to receive any or adequate explanation of their financial responsibilities. Even with the Obama Administration's new student loan provisions, such as income-based repayment, millions of students find themselves unable to afford payments and are forced to keep their loans in forbearance, where they continue to accrue interest. Immediate loan forgiveness for all student loan borrowers would provide instant stimulus to the economy, creating job growth, reducing dependence on federal welfare programs, and providing a greater incentive for the nation's students to achieve academically. Currently, graduates find themselves unable to afford a mortgage, unable to start a family, and unable to return to school for a higher degree because of burdensome loan obligations, which they will never be able to repay. Respectfully, we urge the President to take immediate action for millions of Americans and protect them where Congress has failed for years to do so: Issue an Executive Order, providing for immediate loan forgiveness for the nation, so we may enjoy the American promise made by Thomas Jefferson--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We refuse to remain slaves to the student lending crisis.
    536 of 600 Signatures
    Created by Brian L Sharp
  • Extract Peter Kassig from ISIS
    I have heard Peter Kassig recount tales of his aid given to Syrian refugees in Lebanon and I know his dedication to the cause to be above and beyond basic volunteering. Kassig has dedicated his life to helping devise peace and community in the world and we would all be incredibly remiss to see his life cut so short by these oppressors.
    29 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Abigail Robison
  • Stop the Common Core Learning Standards in Illinois
    The landscape of teaching is changing. I wish I could say that is for the betterment of our students, but in my heart of hearts, I know it is not. Due to the mandate to teach to the Common Core Learning Standards, the pure joy of learning is disappearing across the educational landscape in classrooms in the United States. We as educators honor diversity and the needs of the whole child. We as educators and parents realize that each child learns differently. As educators, the decisions we make about our students should be evidence and research based. The Common Core Learning Standards are not internationally benchmarked. Nor are they research and evidence based. Children are starting to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders in states who implemented these standards early. We the undersigned believe that a one size fits all educational approach is wrong for students. Educators and the public at large have not had a chance to voice their concerns, nor have public hearings been held. It may take years to know the devastating effects that these policies may have on a generation of children. Have we learned nothing from failed policies such as No Child Left Behind? Children are our most precious resource. These standards have the potential to do great harm to children. We ask that the Common Core Learning Standards also known as the Illinois Learning Standards be abolished in Illinois.
    6,793 of 7,000 Signatures
    Created by Marsha Griffin
  • Senator Merkley and Vice President Biden
    We have an epidemic of drug addiction and it's only going to grow if we don't make some major changes. We need to stop the revolving doors to our prisons and jails. It's been proven that sentencing people with addiction issues to jail/prison and releasing them over and over isn't working and it's costing taxpayers millions of dollars. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, it costs approximately $32,700 of taxpayer money every year for each inmate as opposed to $2000 to $7000 for treatment. We need rehabilitation not incarceration. We need more treatment centers that people can afford without lengthy waiting lists so when a loved one says they want/need treatment they can get in somewhere ASAP. Waiting could mean more jail or possible death due to an overdose. Let's wake up!!
    12 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Terri Finzel
  • No guns at the North Carolina State Fair please!
    There has been a ban on firearms at the North Carolina State Fair for decades. Gun rights extremists are threatening to sue the state to force Fair officials to allow concealed carry on the fairgrounds. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is holding firm on the no-guns ban, saying he “believes that guns would be detrimental to the Fair’s family-friendly environment,” and Governor Pat McCrory is backing him up. Please thank Commissioner Troxler and Governor McCrory for upholding the no-guns ban at the State Fair in the face of legal threats from gun rights extremists. Let’s make sure they know we back them up as they try to keep families safe at the Fair. Sign our thank you message now!
    66 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Beth Messersmith Picture
  • Protect the People's Voice!
    Nearly 70% of Ben Sasse's campaign financing has come from outside of Nebraska, with another $1.5 million coming from PACs who don't have to disclose their donors. Hardworking Nebraskans deserve honest representation in Congress. We need a Senator who will work in the interest of Nebraskans, not out-of-state donors.
    207 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Dave Gottschalk
  • Save the Newport Rescue Helicopter
    It seems ludicrous to endanger the lives of so many people by lengthening the response time. If Newport has the highest concentration of people going to sea, it only makes sense for Newport to have the rescue capability at hand. Please sign to protect the lives of our sea going community.
    17,252 of 20,000 Signatures
    Created by Carol DeMuth
  • Judge John Nesbitt : Grant me rightful custody of my son.
    This Judge has been deemed Unethical and publicly admonished by his peers for attempting to intimidate a public college in an effort to further his own son's career while trampling on the rights of other Father's who want to see their children.. John Nesbitt has refused to allow me to have custody of my child. He refuses to enforce his own order which allows me visitation rights with my son! Tell this unethical Judge to enforce his own visitation order or grant me full custody of my 16 year old son who wants to live with me or show one single reason why it shouldn't be allowed. Put up or shut up Nesbitt!
    56 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Joseph Amico
  • Restore Clean Water Act Protections!
    The EPA's proposed rule to restore protections to waters of the United States would clarify and establish protections for OVER HALF of the country's rivers, streams, and wetlands. Clean water is critical to public health, recreation, and the economy!
    7 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Environment Illinois
  • Against variations to 838 West Erie Street
    Dominus Holdings, LLC is trying to change their plans for 838 W Erie Street. They want to remove/reduce the set backs and make the buildings taller. Residents have already met, discussed and approved an architectural plan. We did not approve these changes!
    24 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Lisa Tjioe
  • Stop the building of a rail freight interchange at Park Street
    To prevent the destruction of green belt land and nuisance caused by large goods vehicles using roads already at capacity.
    115 of 200 Signatures
  • Extending trail hours beyond dawn-to-dusk policy
    As daylight shortens, commuters and trail users have to find alternative routes that do not include Delaware State Parks in the fall, winter, and spring. The affordability of new lighting technologies is making it safer to commute or recreate during night time hours. My recreational opportunities are limited between September and April because I work an 8 to 5 job.
    1,166 of 2,000 Signatures
    Created by James Ireland