We, the undersigned, call on you and Georgia's elected leaders, law enforcement and state/local departments of education to implement the following programs to address Child Safety issues relative to School Bus Transportation. 1. Develop and enforce state-mandated pupil transportation procedures to include job certification and educational requirements for ALL K-12 local school system Directors of Transportation. This program should include legal consequences for non-adherence to policies and procedures. Status of the development and enforcement (actions taken) to be made publicly available via the GA DOE website - by school system. 2. Develop and enforce a state-mandated school bus inspection reporting process (to include annual and monthly inspections) for every K-12 school system in GA. Bus inspection reports, by local system/district, to be made publicly available via the GA DOE or Motor Carrier Compliance Division website. This program should include a toll-free telephone number for school bus drivers, parents, community members to anonymously report safety & mechanical issues without fear of retaliation from local school system leaders. 3. Develop and enforce a state-mandated program requiring each K-12 local school system Director of Transportation to follow specific guidelines when selecting a school bus loading/unloading zone (bus stop). This program to include a requirement that each K-12 school system in GA submit a bus stop selection plan for approval by State Law Enforcement to ensure all safety guidelines have been followed. Program will include an approval process and clearly stated legal consequence for not adhering to program.

As your chamber debates and our country comments upon the recent remarks of Rep. Ilhan Omar concerning Israel, a threat has arisen of crossing the thin line that criticizing the State of Israel is anti-Semitic. Israel is a secular democratic state – not a race or religion- and as such can be criticized as any other nation without a claim of prejudice or racism.

There have been numerous studies supporting the unsustainable impact of the Delaware City Refinery's water intake system on aquatic life, but little action or enforcement. Before the state allows the plant to renew its permit, which has been expired for over a decade, the plant must upgrade its equipment to the standards of Best Technology Available.

In March 2013 the Department of Defense suspended tuition assistance programs for those serving our country in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Marines. These programs are designed to aid men and women in getting an education that will prepare them for careers both within and outside the military. These cuts will halt professional and personal growth for tens of thousands. In these trying times budget cuts are everywhere but to take away such a vital program from those who give so much is unacceptable. I urge you to join me in signing this petition to let the Department of Defense, Congress, and the President know that the American people will not tolerate cuts that harm the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to defending this nation.

Stop the proposed cuts in funding to all areas of education.

Stop the deregulation of cosmetology and protect the health and safety of all consumers.

Congress please move along H.R.562 - VRAP Extension Act of 2013. VRAP benefits end in the middle of the semester on 04/01/2014 and we need the benefits to go through the end of the semester. VRAP Extension Act of 2013 - Amends the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 to extend through June 30, 2014, the veterans retraining assistance program.

If we wish to increase academic achievement, and reduce violence and addictions and make our communities and schools a positive place, we should implement a k-12 Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum in our schools. Learning and practicing the skills that allow us to control our emotions, form long-lasting relationships and have a positive attitude will build a different future for our country. See www.SEL4Mass.org.

Require an immediate reduction of Congressional salaries to the level received in 2000, and freeze it there until the budget is balanced, the tax code is revised equitably, and they agree to a deficit reduction plan that includes elimination of incentives to special interests and the extensions of tax cuts for the rich.

If student loans can be negotiated or forgiven than why can't Parent loans?