School Crossing Guards are a vital and integral part of our educational system and of the daily lives of children protecting them as they go to school and home, also our elderly citizens as they go about their daily lives and anyone else in need of assistance.

Petition in support of LD 236 "An Act To Protect the Privacy of Citizens from Domestic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Use"

American society has grown complacent with relegating to pariah status a shadow work force and population that today numbers 11 million people. This is unacceptable. This is immoral. This goes against the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio must resign from Maricopa County. Hes causing taxpayers more money, when we could be using that money elsewhere. He descriminates against people if color.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are extremely vital parts of our social safety net. The majority of Americans are NOT willing to cut benefits from these very popular programs in order to deal with the deficit. In fact, Social Security should not even be part of this equation. We oppose any and every cut to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits -- including raising the retirement age or cutting the cost of living adjustment. There are other ways to solve our nation's fiscal problems. Our Washington representatives should NOT dismantle the safety net which our country's seniors, the poor, the orphaned, and the disabled rely upon for their very survival.

Cease Corporate tax break incentives and bailouts offered by various domestic governments (i.e., federal, state and local governments) to corporations for performing certain tasks or accomplishing certain goals and bailouts which are a type of welfare provided by the People.

My name is Reyna Avila and I live in Phoenix, AZ. I am a student at Phoenix College. I am one of the thousands of DREAMers granted Deferred Action here in Arizona. I was only eight months old when my mother and father made the heart-wrenching choice to leave their own families behind to make a new life and to work for a brighter future for me here in the U.S. They have worked every day of their lives to provide for me and my three brothers and sisters, who are U.S. citizens. Thanks to their sacrifice, I have grown up a strong person, I have seen all they have been through, and I want to achieve more and do more, to honor them. Everything I am, I owe to my parents. They are my heroes. Now it's their turn. For my undocumented parents, for so many undocumented parents and families trying to stay together, we need real immigration reform. I am asking Senator McCain and Senator Flake, through this petition, to do what is right for Arizona, and take action NOW to create a transparent and accessible path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented men, women, and children in our country. The time is now. Will you join me by signing this petition?

The legislative branch of government is stuck, corrupt, ineffective and needs to be overhauled. Many Senators and Congressman have criminal records, and should be subjected to the same standards of all other government employees. Their pay should be based on their ability to be effective.

Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are extremely vital parts of our social safety net. The majority of Americans are NOT willing to cut benefits from these very popular programs in order to deal with the deficit. In fact, Social Security should not even be part of this equation. We oppose any and every cut to Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits--including raising the retirement age or cutting the cost of living adjustment. There are other ways to solve our nations fiscal problems. Our Washington representatives should NOT dismantle the safety net which our country's seniors, the poor, the orphaned, and the disabled rely upon for their very survival.

Our public lands can no longer afford being defunded. They are an essential part of our tourism industry and economy. Each year, millions upon millions of visitors from across the world enjoy our nation's incredible National Parks, National Forests, and National Monuments (to name a few). It is increasingly concerning to hear almost every year that these areas are being neglected of the funding that once allowed them to provide quality experiences for visitors. As we hear of more visitor centers closing, park rangers' jobs cut, and trail systems neglected of maintenance, this should be a dire concern, not only for our public lands, but for the visitors who experience them. Lastly, it should be noted that the millions of visitors that enjoy our public lands also put money into local economies (grocery stores, restaurants, gift shops, etc.) The success of these local businesses is essential to job creation and economic growth. Let's give our public lands the funding they deserve, and keep it that way.

I was one of Rep. Tim Walz's earliest supporters. So was MoveOn. Now I read with horror that he is one of the minority of Democratic members of Congress who are OPPOSING gun control. Having witnessed the bravery of the teachers who died at Sandy Hook trying to save their kids, it is incredible to me that a former teacher like Tim would oppose commonsense gun safety measures.

AN OPEN LETTER: BRENDAN JOHNSON SHOULD RUN FOR SENATE We believe that South Dakota needs someone in the U.S. Senate who will continue and expand upon Sen. Tim Johnson’s record of fighting for everyday people in Congress – even when that means standing up to big health insurance companies, Wall Street executives, Ag corporations, and oil tycoons. We need a senator who will stand up for core Democratic values – someone we can rely on to do the right thing without fear, especially when it comes to fighting for people who work for a living. We need someone who believes that the role of government is to help people, and who is not afraid to ask the rich to pay their fair share. Someone who will make smart investments in our future and grow the middle class. We believe Brendan Johnson should run for Senate. As South Dakota’s U.S. Attorney, Brendan is our state's chief federal law enforcement officer. He has used that power to fight for the little guy. Under Brendan Johnson’s leadership, South Dakota is the national leader in cracking down on deadbeat dads – with over 50 percent of the nation's total federal prosecutions happening in South Dakota. Brendan Johnson was named 2013 Prosecutor of the Year by groups combating violence against women. And Johnson has played a national role in fighting on behalf of Native Americans. We need Brendan Johnson’s South Dakota values and Democratic principles in the U.S. Senate. We invite all South Dakotans to join us in urging him to run. Sincerely, Ryan Casey, Sioux Falls -- Lincoln County Democratic Party Chair Ann Tornberg, Beresford – Union County Democratic Party Chair, Former President of Sioux Falls Education Association Bill Muller, Mitchell -- South Dakota Young Democrats National Committeeman Sylvia Oothoudt, McCook Lake -- Member of the Union County Democrats, Former Community Development Director of Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council Thea Geotas, Rapid City – former accountant and real estate broker G. Darlene Weis, Sioux Falls – retired test proctor Vincent Gormley, Sioux Falls – Former healthcare worker, artist, activist, volunteer Ann Lamer, Brookings – Mother of five Shirley Lautenschlager, Rapid City Jerry Bartels, Vermillion – Advisor for GoTeachSD, PhD Student at the University of South Dakota Jackie Beilke, Sioux Falls -- Teacher