Our nation is in desperate need of infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and modernization to move our economy into this new century. Our economy, for both the long-term and to kick-start growth now, depends on our leaders putting America before politics.

Our nation is in desperate need of infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and modernization to move our economy into this new century. Our economy, for both the long-term and to kick-start growth now, depends on our leaders' putting America before politics.

Seniors numbering in tens of millions have saved in IRA retirement accounts all their lives. Now I find that when I withdraw from an IRA account it is added to my social security income and I pay tax on both. I would not pay on social security otherwise. This was never the intent of an IRA account. Lets stimulate the economy and allow seniors to have a tax holiday from double taxation.

I believe we need to tax certain "non-profits" -those that benefit the wealthy and those that provide services to those that can afford the service. Tax exemptions and deductions should be reserved only for non-profits that serve the poor.

Yes, because I get only 308/monthly S/S pay even though I was told in writing by the S/S office that after my ex-husband died I would receive a widow's benefit. Inasmuch as my ex-husband left me with no income, I felt I was entitled to at least a percentage of his S/S payments.

I think that once the Congressmen and Senators leave office that their salaries should stop.

Bill Moyers provides extensive context on what ALEC is and its history in a 20-minute documentary: The United States States of ALEC Corporations to boycott: * CenterPoint Energy * Target * Tunheim * US Bank * Lifetime Fitness * Xcel Energy * Star Tribune * Canadian Pacific * Salvation Army * Mattress Firm The pollution of fracking and natural gas, industrial prison complexes, voter suppression laws, and the blood of hate crimes do not represent "The best days of Summer". Privatized rivers and lakes of genetically modified fish, blood, chemicals, and gas do not celebrate clean Minnesota resources. CenterPoint Energy through its membership in and contributions to ALEC, the AGA (American Gas Association), and the Chamber of Commerce turn these "best days" into another corrupt corporate political scheme that has no regard for the people or natural resources of Minnesota. 2013 update: Please attend with this petition or signs and ask those attending to add their name. To add them, its as simple as entering the names into this Web form. http://www.aquatennial.com/page/show/783206-events "StartTribune Beach Bash" July 14 10am - 4pm, Sunday, Lake Calhoun "CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade" July 17 8:30pm - 10:30pm, Wednesday along Hennepin Ave in Downtown (typically includes a race or some other event that starts around 6pm). "Target Fireworks" July 20, 6pm - 10pm, Saturday REFERENCES Centerpoint & ALEC http://afscmemn.org/alec’s-corporate-connections AGA & ALEC http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=American_Gas_Association Chamber of Commerce writing ALEC legislation contrary to private business wishes http://www.republicreport.org/2012/leaked-documents-show-how-corporations-have-veto-power-over-alec-bills-that-affect-our-lives-every-day/ Chamber of Commerce allowing foreign corporations to political attack ads: http://www.factcheck.org/2010/10/the-chamber-and-foreign-contributions/ Chamber of Commerce is leading multinational political ad and lobbyist organizations: http://www.republicreport.org/2012/exclusive-chamber-funding-corporations/ Chamber of Commerce is a member, donor, and works with ALEC: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/22/1093721/-U-S-Chamber-of-Commerce-s-Institute-for-Legal-Reform-uses-ALEC-Model-Legislature-vice-versa?detail=hide & http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=U.S._Chamber_of_Commerce#Ties_to_the_American_Legislative_Exchange_Council Origins of the Aquatennial: http://www.minneapolisunions.org/mlr2007-6-21_ahern.php

This petition is to encourage others to support the passing of a SC bill that that targets a policy on concussions sustained by athletes. Concussions are brain injuries that impact the quality of life of individuals. According to the CDC, "Each year, U.S. emergency departments (EDs) treat an estimated 173,285 sports- and recreation-related TBIs, including concussions, among children and adolescents, from birth to 19 years."

NYS Legislators think that they can vote in a pay raise for themselves in Dec. 1012 for 2013 and no one will care. Their pay is already high at $79,000 for a part time job. They need to ask their constituents if they deserve a pay raise, not just give themselves one.

It would be to limit the number of consecutive terms for the Congress and Senate to three. We have individuals who have become professional politicians and they need to be held to limits just as the President and Vice President are.

To avoid abuses like vindictiveness, framing of co-workers, or preventing underpaid employees from moving on, it is vital to have transparency in all job references. Job seekers should always be able to learn what their references are saying about them, so they can know what is going on. Honest job references should not have to shun the light of day.

The Federal Poverty Level (FPL) should be raised inasmuch as the current $11,170.00 (annual income for a single individual) is unrealistic considering today's prices. Prices continue to rise through all aspects of the U.S. economy with no end in sight. The current FPL does not allow many individuals and families access to much needed public and private assistance with things such as medicine, child care, utility bills, etc.