Congress has 5 days scheduled before the Sep. 30 budget deadline to avoid a government shutdown. But some Republicans won't even negotiate unless Obamacare is defunded — and they're using the deadline to gain leverage. We need Rep. Peter Roskam to prioritize expanding the middle class during the budget debate. Unless we act quickly, he may join with Republicans like Rep. Paul Ryan and support more cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

On June 2013, FERC issued a new 30-year license to Alabama Power Company for the continued operation of the Coosa River Hydroelectric Project. The license permits operation of seven dams spanning 225 miles of the Coosa River. Since the seven dams were built, the Coosa River has seen one of the largest extinctions in North America. Nearly 30 freshwater species have become extinct, largely due to the dams. An additional 21 freshwater species in the area are listed as endangered or threatened. The new license does little to help put these species on the road to recovery. FERC must act now to better balance energy needs with the health of the river.

I am starting this petition because there are people here in ohio who need and would love the use of medical marijuana. We are wasting our time arresting and putting people in jail for this. When there is murderers and rapist out there. It would bring money to out state because just like California they have to pay a certain about for a medical marijuana card. It would help bring money in for our streets, schools, Rehabs, and Ohio is terrible for hard drugs. Once we get medical marijuana legal, It will take it off the streets!

As home child care providers, we partner with New Jersey’s working families to care for their children while providing flexible hours and a safe & loving environment. In 2007 we won the right to organize a union and negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. Our first contract was a huge victory and now we’re negotiating a second contract that will increase our wages AND our ability to provide the children we care for with the necessary resources to be successful in their lives. We’re just two of 2,000 home child care providers in New Jersey earning wages so low we could qualify for taxpayer-funded public assistance programs. In fact, home child care providers contracted by the state of New Jersey to care for the children of working parents, haven’t received a raise in over five years. Some of us have degrees in education and early childhood development – and all of us work upwards of 50 or 60 hours each week. We’re also classified as “independent contractors” which prevents us from accessing workers’ compensation, unemployment, social security retirement or even basic health care coverage. We struggle to make ends meet – not just for our own families – but also for the children we care for. We frequently pay out-of-pocket for food and basic supplies…even diapers! Many of us also take on the important work of caring for physically and developmentally disabled children who require more attention, extra support and additional resources. As hard-working professionals who care for New Jersey’s next generation we deserve to earn enough to provide basic needs for our own families. We also deserve the resources and support that the children we care for require to be successful in all the developmental stages their lives. Please support our efforts and tell the New Jersey Department of Human Services, to negotiate a fair contract for home child care professionals! Sincerely, Shawanda Jones-Velez, Newark, NJ Danisia Valadez, Passaic, NJ Professional Child Care Providers in New Jersey

If this Legislation is passed by the Senate, we are surely headed into another housing crisis

Ward 6 Council Member Tommy Wells is running for mayor on a progressive platform, but has been taking the conservative position that Walmart shouldn't be asked to pay its DC employees a living wage - just $26,000 per year for full time workers. Council Member Wells could strike a compromise by voting for LRAA on Tuesday and then helping to pass an economy-wide minimum wage hike (as he has already proposed) that would include a repeal of the LRAA. He can regain his progressive reputation and show that it's not okay to abuse workers in the nation's capital.

Spice/K2 is a dangerous drug. This is affecting the life of teens as well as adults. This drug is extremely addicting and is ruining peoples lives. Please take the time to look into this drug. We need to find a way to ban this drug, completely. No matter what compounds are being used to make it!!!! Please sign and help save kids futures, peoples families, careers and lives!!! You can visit this facebook page to share any stories you may have as well!!! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ban-SpiceK2-In-Virginia/671710516173802

We should be at the Grammys and meet Michelle Obama

I am a teacher who proudly voted for Bill de Blasio for Mayor. Most teachers I know did the same, though some voted for Bill Thompson. Bill de Blasio has consistently supported policies that will improve education for all New York City students and invest in the teaching force that will make that possible. He made investments in early childhood education a centerpiece of the campaign, a policy that could make a huge difference in educational outcomes in the city and help close the achievement gap. I was also encouraged by his call for a temporary halt in charter school openings, his opposition to school report cards as they stand, his criticism of high stakes testing, and his demand that communities be given a say in co-locations and closings. To reverse 12 years of dubious education policy under Mayor Bloomberg, educators must unite with other progressives in backing de Blasio. It's time for the United Federation of Teachers to endorse de Blasio for Mayor. If you are a teacher please say so in the comments when you sign.

Because Adam is the fandom's baby and doesn't deserve to burn in hell because he's the fandom's baby.

The existing requirements of CCD-55 are not adequate to protect abutting neighbors from negative impacts or create the type of projects that realize this neighborhood's vision for new development.

Stop the slow down of the mail to the American people and the closure of post offices and processing facilities nationwide. Restore hours of operation to rural post offices, stations and branches. Allow the USPS to return to hiring veterans with and without disabilities. Maintain six day curb side/ house to house delivery.