According to the Washington Post, the president is considering announcing a "Good Jobs" executive order in his State of the Union Address next week. It is critical that we call on the White House to take this important step forward. Demos' research has found that the federal government is the nation's leading low-wage employer, with nearly two million private sector employees paid through federal contracts, grants, loans, concession agreements and property leases were paid $12 or less per hour. Meanwhile, taxpayers spend an estimated $20.8 to $23.9 billion a year to compensate top executives of federal contractors. Despite a proud history of efforts to ensure that employees working on behalf of America are treated fairly on the job, and that companies that have the privilege of doing business with the United States are upholding high standards of employment practices, many federally funded jobs today have been subject to the same race to the bottom that has lowered standards for other work. By signing such an order, President Obama would not only improve conditions for low-paid contract workers, but would also give greater momentum to the fight for a federal minimum wage increase that would benefit everyone. Tell President Obama to announce the "Good Jobs" Executive Order during the State of the Union on Tuesday night.

Our hugely successful solar installation at the Tesuque Fire Station slashed the fire station's monthly utility bill from $115 to $8.65 and effectively diverted savings to the purchase of safety equipment and resources for the station. Now the County wants to bring the benefits of solar energy to all of its fire stations. Santa Fe County can set an example for the rest of the state. Legislators in Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties have already expressed interest in expanding the effort to their communities next year.

The Voting Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation Congress has ever passed. Last year's Supreme Court decision weakened critical provisions of it. Right now, Congress can restore those protections by passing this important bill. Rep. Smith should support this effort by cosponsoring and fighting for a strong bill.

The gay choir director at an Indiana church can't get his job back because the new pastor 'doesn't want to work with someone like [that]' -- so the congregation is voting with their feet. The newly appointed pastor of Alexandria United Methodist Church won't allow Adam Fraley, a beloved former choir director who served for six years, to return. What's more, when the church's elected lay leader stood up for Fraley, the pastor removed him from his leadership position. Local Methodist officials admit that there's nothing in church rules preventing a church from having gay staff members, but so far they haven't intervened, even as lifelong members of this small-town congregation have left in disgust and the story has made national news. Let's show the Indiana Methodist bishop that people across the country are standing with the pro-equality congregants who 'want their church back.'

Dog cruelty is not fair. I think dogs should have as much respect as mankind.

The Voting Rights Act is one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation Congress has ever passed. Last year's Supreme Court decision weakened critical provisions of it. Right now, Congress can AND MUST restore those protections.

Justin Bieber has been making headlines lately, but facing deportation shouldn't be one of them. His latest arrests should be dealt with like anyone else, with a day in court, not a threat of detention and deportation. We all deserve equality under the law. All of his fans and everyone else, let's get Bieb's back. Tell the Department of Homeland Security to stop these out-of-control deportations, beginning with Justin Bieber. #dontdeportbieber

If we diminish the rights of any one person to vote we diminish the fabric of our constitution. Many people put their lives on the line to give everyone the right to vote and that right should continue to be protected. Rep. Denham should support this effort by consponsoring and fighting for the right of all people in this country to be able to exercise this right.

Justin Bieber has been making headlines lately, but facing deportation shouldn't be one of them. His latest arrests should be dealt with like anyone else, with a day in court, not a threat of detention and deportation. We all deserve equality under the law. All of his fans and everyone else, let's get his back.

Politicians have used the Supreme Court decision to restrict voting for people who might not vote for them. We want as many people voting as possible, without any obstacles.

Last year, the Supreme Court gutted the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965. Since then, Republicans across the country have raced to implement new restrictive laws that would do exactly what the Voting Rights Act was meant to protect. Late last week, Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and John Conyers (D-MI) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced new legislation—the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014—that would strengthen the Voting Rights Act. This bill isn't perfect but is the best vehicle we have for restoring the rights struck down by the Supreme Court last year.

An awareness of and opposition to private prisons is growing. States and companies previously invested are recognizing the uniquely devastating impacts of private prisons and choosing to disassociate completely. But The Principal Financial Group — a company that leverages its brand as one of the "most ethical companies in the world," committed to the well-being of the employees and communities it serves — continues to support an industry that profits from confining mostly Black and brown people in some of the most dangerous and abusive conditions in the country.