Due to the unprecedented global pandemic and resulting social distancing measures, millions of people are having to cancel their travel plans for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, many people who have tried to cancel their plans are being offered vouchers instead of full refunds. Vouchers are unacceptable. Since the airline industry accepted a $50 billion dollar tax payer bailout, the airline industry must fully refund all travel costs when asked for trips that have not (and cannot) occur. 

Abolish Daylight Saving time!? Can we do it? Yes, we can! Should we!? Well, 4 U.S. States already have! Those 4 States, and our U.S. territories, do not observe Daylight Saving time. A federal change of the remaining states is what I am petitioning for, not just a state waiver. Before we dive in, what’s Daylight Saving Time? Some don’t know, and that’s okay. DST starts on the second Sunday in March when the clocks “Spring forward” one hour and DST ends on the first Sunday in November when we “Fall backwards” one hour (back to Standard Time,) disrupting our sleeping patterns not once, but twice a year! Ugh. So, who else wants the Federal Government and Department of Transportation to end the Uniform Time Act of 1966, give us back our Standard Time and in simpler words, quit messing with our clocks!? When we “Fall Back” to Standard Time this first Sunday in November 2020, let’s petition to keep it there, permanently!!The early 1900s wars that encouraged DST are over, there’s little benefits to Daylight Saving, in fact, there’s proven health risks! (Link below)  There are benefits in remaining on Standard Time permanently. The benefit of Standard Time in the winter is that the sun will rise earlier! This helps to clear our vehicles of frost and ice, ensures our children do not wait for their bus in the dark and if we keep it permanently, there are so many health benefits! I can’t speak for America. Only you can do your research and sign for yourself. I believe we should all make a vote on it. Personally, I would rather see Standard Time on a federal level (every state) permanently all year round and sleep patterns undisturbed. Please consider signing and sharing this petition targeted at the “Time Controllers,” our Federal Government, the Department of Transportation and specifically the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that was introduced into our amendments making this a standard, federally recognized occurrence. It is more than just a sleep nuisance, it is a health risk to change the clocks twice a year!  “We found four prominent, elevated risk clusters, including cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks), injuries, mental and behavioral disorders, and immune-related diseases such as noninfective enteritis and colitis to be significantly associated with DST shifts in the United States and Sweden. “ -   Jun 8, 2020  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7302868/#idm140107432308336title

With marijuana use being so widely legalized, I would like to see the employment drug screenings to either remove marijuana from the test, or to transition to something that will only reflect if there has been ingestion within a more narrow window of time, such as oral swabs, which are quicker, and also less intrusive. People should not be in danger of losing their jobs over legal recreational or medicinal marijuana use. If one can enjoy alcohol on a day off, then why can’t someone be allowed to use marijuana without it risking someone’s occupation? So many other factors contribute to the security of our employment and it is simply unfair to penalize anyone for engaging in what is considered legal activity in their respected states. Alcohol is a much greater threat and yet we continue to allow American workers to indulge at will so long as it doesn’t interfere with their duties or is taking place while on shift, yet if one ingests THC within a month or more of a drug screen that is immediate grounds for termination for any safety related job within the DOT. What anyone does on their days off should never be a threat to their career. The advent of oral swab screening can also do enough to ensure abuse is not taking place while on duty. 

In August 2017 I almost lost my life. I have severe food allergies, many of which can lead to a life threatening anaphylactic reaction. On the flight home from our family vacation the airlines served roasted mixed nuts without any announcement.  The stewardess stated she was not serving "peanuts" when I told her I was allergic to all nuts.  Despite calling the airlines in advance to make them aware of my severe nut allergy.  The representative had reassured us that our flights would not be serving any nuts as they no longer do this.  She was sadly mistaken.     My lips became pallor, my voice started to become raspy and I began to have a difficult time breathing.  I took what Benadryl I had and two Epi-pens.  The airlines has no protocol for anaphylactic reactions.  My husband had to ask if they had oxygen.  Another stewardess applied ice to the back of my neck  while wearing latex gloves.  I'm allergic to latex potentially making my reaction even worse.  My husband was asked to make the decision to divert the plane.  He did fearing a secondary reaction.  I shook violently from the Epinephrine and unable to talk I could not correct the medics when they said I consumed peanuts.  Not once did I touch or eat the nuts.  In route to the hospital my Glasgow coma scale went down to a 3, the lowest score and completely unresponsive.  My husband covered our kids eyes as they wheeled my lifeless body into the hospital as they continued to ventilate my lungs.  I was admitted for observation with elevated vitals.  My family was stranded with nothing or anywhere to stay.   All the shaking aggravated my previous medical condition, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  To no avail physical and occupational therapy and botox injections did not help this time.  On December 21st at Johns Hopkins I had a first rib resection, scalene and pectoral minor release.  I struggle to this day to hold my son or daily normal activiies.  My daughter and I struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and are going to therapy. So many people do not understand the severity of food allergies because they themselves do not know someone that is affected by a life-threatening allergy.  The lack of knowledge can fester anger over a mere snack however I believe their feelings would be different if it were their loved one.  It's something no one chooses to have or want.   There is a huge misconception that a nut allergy is only to peanuts when it can be all nuts.  Some reactions can be so deadly that they do not have to be consumed.  I'm lucky to be alive today and I believe it's because its to have Safe Air in the Air, Quest for Airlines to ban NUTS.  Protocols need to be in place and change needs to happen on what can be served on airplanes.  Can we all be safe while flying in the air.  Can airlines not serve other snacks besides nuts.  Why does it have to be the snack of choice?  We protect our children in schools can we not do the same for those who are flying 30,000 feet in the air.  Please sign and share my petition and help make the vital changes to the airline industry and help educate those who do not know how detrimental it can be by sharing my story https://www.facebook.com/1411750451/posts/10217183835973944/  Please help me save another life. 

Thousands of people have emotional support animals that help them during short and long flights every year. This petition is to reverse the ban on allowing an emotional support animal on flights that was published on December 2, 2020. We think that ESA animals should still be considered along with service animals so long as doctors with certified credentials approve the animal(s) as emotional support service animal(s). We would like to gain enough signatures for this cause in order to show the department of transportation that this is a necessity for animal(s) and their owners across the United States. Please sign to help the cause!! Here is the revised ACAA regulation. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Service%20Animal%20Final%20Rule.pdf   

  For the last 43 years, women in Iran have lost their basic human rights.  This includes social, economic, legal as well as basic cultural rights.  Not only are they treated significantly inferior to men, the simple thought of standing up for their rights literally means endangering their very lives.  Indeed, the teachings of some of the major and influential clergy in Iran sees women as "animals" created purely to serve men and their needs and wants.  Women's plight in Iran Recently, the hijab (full head covering) has become an important  symbol of this oppression of women in Iran.  This demand by the Islamic Regime of Iran and its clergy has been violently enforced through beatings, vehement pulling of their hair, dragging them on the ground by their hair, rape and other atrocities and clear violation their basic human rights.  The enforcement is devastating for any human being at anytime in human history but it is exponentially more devastating for every citizen of the world to think that it is happening now, this day and this moment as one reads this, in 2022. During the last few months, multitudes of courageous heroines of all ages and backgrounds rose up in Iran, risking their lives, risking their personal safety, facing the risk of rape and gross sexual abuses and detention under inhumane and horrible conditions to demand their rights to be able to simply choose to wear the hijab or not.  Although many of the social, economic, cultural, marital and other oppressive laws and practices in Iran are severely enforced today supported by their ideas that women are less than men, all the Iranian women are demanding is the simple right to choose to wear the hijab or not.  The patience and fortitude that the Iranian women have shown over the last 43 years under great oppression and the courage that they have shown in the last few weeks literally in the face of possible death, beating and rape should be an example to all the women and girls throughout the world for many generations.  If their life endangering, self sacrificing stand against oppression for their basic human rights today is not worthy of the Nobel Prize, I don’t know what can ever be.   Jane Addams, the American heroine won the Nobel Prize in 1931 for her wonderful work towards women’s rights in United States.   Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Prize in 1991 for her pro-democracy work in Myanmar. Rigoberta Menchú won the Nobel Prize in 1992 for her advocacy work of Mayan rights and culture. Nadia Murad, Yazidi activist from northern Iraq who escaped enslavement by theIslamic State and led campaign against sexualviolence as a weapon of war won the Nobel Prize in 2018. The heroines in Iran in 2022, together risking their safety and their very lives, have courageously stood up for women’s rights, have collectively raised their voices for democracy, have fearlessly arisen for their national rights and culture, and have selflessly stood against the use of sexual violence as a weapon by oppressor for themselves, for their countrymen and most importantly for future generations of Iranian women so they are not born into a society systematically designed to oppress women.   Today, there is no more fitting and deserving recipient for the Nobel Prize and we humbly request that the Iranian women in Iran collectively be considered to be honored for their sacrifices and for their fearless actions.

Truckers are working hard to haul the goods the American people need. It is a travesty that Covid 19 legislation is grossly inadequate in addressing the unique needs of the long haul driver. Long haulers are away from home far more often than they are at home. If a driver becomes ill with Covid 19, it is far more likely it will happen on the road. They are especially vulnerable, due to their dependence on truck stops, where they encounter the traveling public frequently.  Additionally, they are in and out of shippers and receivers and rest areas regularly.  This situation is declining, as rest areas and shippers/receivers are increasingly closing restrooms and instead installing Kybos.  At this time there is still no official guidance, nor assistance, for the long haul driver. If drivers get sick, your shelves go bare. Our nation's drivers should not have to risk financial catastrophe for themselves and their families, in addition to their increased risk of illness, for absolutely no compensation*, nor assistance, in the event they fall ill or test positive. A minimum of 3 issues need addressed immediately. 1. Establishment of a hotline for drivers where they can receive guidance on what to do and where to go if they become ill when on the road. Due to the nature of their vehicle, up to 70 foot long and 80,000 pounds, they will likely require facilitation in regard to getting them to a clinic or hospital and later, possibly, to a motel or appropriate facility. 2. Drivers who become ill while in the course of their duties, who were forced to quarantine in a motel or other facility away from home, should be reimbursed 100% of all expenses for food, supply delivery and lodging. If a family member must travel to the truck driver, those travel expenses should be fully reimbursed. 3. Drivers who become ill in the course of their duties should be entitled to sick pay, commensurate with their average daily earnings, until such time as they are medically cleared to return to work. Additionally, a driver who tests positive, whether ill or not, but who is required to be quarantined, should also be entitled to sick pay. This should apply to all drivers, no matter the number of employees their carrier employs, including owner operators. (edited for clarity 4/2/20) Considering the disgusting pet pork projects allowed to pass, this protection for the American truck driver should not even be in question. This petition does not ask for hazard pay, raises or bonuses - it asks only for protection. Truckers, friends and their families are millions strong and we're watching. Do the right thing. Thank you to all those who sign in support the American truck driver.  We deeply appreciate you. *ETA, 4/2/2020:  Please see the 2nd update for more information about why the legislation passed thus far does not adequately provide sufficient protections for ALL truckers.  IMPORTANT UPDATE! 4/7/2020: Announced today is a proposal for hazard pay for essentials, including truck drivers.  Although hazard pay is not what was asked for in this petition, this is a side-step in a direction that might address what we ARE asking for - sick pay & reimbursements for Covid related issues.  There's never been a more important time to reach out to your lawmakers and share, share, share.  One part of the statement that is a little worrisome says, "The Heroes Fund would provide funding directly to eligible employers so they could then distribute the premium payments."  Who is an eligible employer?  The end goal of this petition is that ALL truckers are covered for illness.  Keep your eye on this! Hazard Pay for Essentials

On August 3rd, 2021, Michael Hauger (25) of Marlton, NJ was in a devastating car accident where he was t-boned by a dump truck traveling at high speeds. The accident occurred at the intersection of Rt. 77 and Glassboro Rd, which is a common intersection for accidents due to a flashing yellow and a flashing red light on perpendicular roads. There is also a home on one of the four corners, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic. Please find a visual of this intersection here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Glassboro+Rd+%26+NJ-77,+Upper+Pittsgrove,+NJ+08343/@39.6412292,-75.2237674,3a,75y,73.41h,94.23t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sjY1XaLmxJNP15F9-heUcXA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c726e0910c9a47:0xa01bc8b5b3c1196c!8m2!3d39.641252!4d-75.2235798 Michael found himself at that very corner mid-afternoon on a work errand. A short while after the collision, he was discovered unconscious on the scene. He was transported via helicopter to the nearest trauma center where he remains spending day in and day out fighting for his life. Not only is he suffering from a traumatic brain injury, but also severe brain swelling, a broken clavicle, 10 broken ribs, and a collapsed lung.  He is currently on his tenth day of being in a medically induced coma.  Near and distant relatives, friends spanning his lifetime, neighbors, bosses, co-workers, and others file in and out of the hospital day after day hoping and praying for his vitals to remain stable enough to undergo additional scans. Without these scans, such as an MRI of his brain, we all remain in the dark as to the full extent of his brain damage and official prognosis.  Michael is 25 years young and until that day, was a perfectly happy and healthy young man. This accident could have happened to anyone, and still can.  Please consider signing this petition for the township to put a traffic light at this intersection and prevent the immense pain, anger and fear that Michael and his family are currently experiencing.

Cars today gather enormous amounts of data about the vehicle and its driver, including important maintenance and repair information. This valuable data helps drivers make smarter decisions about how to repair and maintain their cars. Most new cars are equipped with systems that wirelessly transmit this data.    So who has access to the data your car collects? Not you. Sign our petition to demand Congress give vehicle owners access to and control of the data generated from their own vehicle. By 2022, 87 percent of new vehicles in the United States will be equipped with wireless technology that transmits vehicle data in real time, according to IHS Markit forecasts. Currently, data transmitted wirelessly goes only to the automakers, giving them full control over how it is used and who to share it with. Without direct access to and control of this data, vehicle owners may face higher costs and have fewer options when it comes to who maintains and repairs their vehicles, restricting their ability to choose more affordable repair options. Access to and control of valuable vehicle data is the only way to ensure consumers have a choice in where they repair their vehicle. Vehicle owners deserve the right to direct where their vehicle data goes, so they can make their own choices.  Join the movement. Demand access to and control of your vehicle data. To learn more about your car and your data, visit our website. **If you are a Canadian Citizen/Resident and want to support this initiative in Canada, please sign the Canadian petition.

Air travel should be comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size. As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying. During a flight from Pasco to Denver, my fiancé was subjected to hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them, amounting to discrimination. Similarly, on another flight, I was forced to occupy only one seat with immovable armrests that caused me pain and bruises. Being forced to occupy only one seat can result in pain and vulnerability to poor treatment from fellow passengers, including hateful comments, disapproving looks, and even refusal to sit next to them. This mistreatment of plus-size passengers is unacceptable, and it highlights the urgent need for better policies that protect the dignity and rights of all passengers, regardless of size. Unfortunately, plus-size passengers often experience discomfort and discrimination when flying. The lack of a uniform customer-of-size airline policy is unacceptable and must be addressed. The FAA should mandate that all airlines have a comprehensive customer-of-size policy that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of ALL passengers. This policy must have clear and inclusive guidelines on accommodating customers of size, including plus size individuals, individuals with disabilities, tall individuals, and anyone who needs more space to be comfortable while flying. The policy should also provide alternative seating arrangements, larger seats, and other size-accessible accommodations to ensure that all passengers can have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flying experience, while also being considerate of their fellow passengers. Here are some policies to ensure customers-of-size are accommodated and treated with respect while flying: Provide additional accessible seats: To ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience for all passengers, airlines should provide accessible additional seats to customers-of-size who require more physical space on planes or encroach onto another passenger's space. These passengers should be provided with an extra free seat, or even multiple seats, to accommodate their needs and ensure their comfort and safety, as well as those around them, during the flight. Southwest Airlines and Canadian Transportation Carriers have set a precedent for policies like this by providing additional seats for those who physically require it. The ultimate goal is to provide a positive flying experience for all, which means prioritizing the comfort of those on board while ensuring safety for everyone. By implementing official customers-of-size policies, airlines can ensure that all passengers have a positive flying experience, regardless of their size or physical needs. Reimbursement: Airlines should offer a refund for customers-of-size who purchase additional seats independently. This should be a straightforward process that can be accessed online or through customer service. This refund process should be an official written policy that is easily accessible for all passengers who purchase additional seats independently due to their size.  Clear communication: Airlines must create a set of policies, standards, and procedures for customers-of-size and communicate them in a clear, accessible, and easy-to-understand way. This should include information on booking additional seats, requesting a refund for those who purchased additional seats independently due to their size, and what to expect during check-in, boarding, and flight as a customer-of-size.  Accommodations: A written procedure for airport assistance should be in place to ensure that customers-of-size can receive the necessary support they need. This should include what airport assistance options are available to customers-of-size and how to request assistance. Airlines should provide priority boarding to customers-of-size, as they may require more time and space to get to their seat and get situated comfortably. To accommodate larger passengers, airlines should also provide larger bathrooms, seat belt extenders, and alternative seating arrangements. Lastly, the decision makers should consider requiring all new aircraft to have a new section of economy seats specifically reserved for customers-of-size that offer more room in terms of width and pitch. By implementing these accommodations, airlines can make air travel more comfortable and accessible for all passengers. Employee training: Airlines and government agencies that regulate the airline industry must train all employees on how to accommodate Customers-of-Size. This training will teach staff how to use language that does not focus on a person's body size, shape, or abilities but instead treats them with respect and dignity. It will also help employees understand how to assist customers who may be larger in size, so that they can have a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience without being discriminated against. The training should be required by both airlines and government agencies that regulate the airline industry, and should cover a range of topics including how to handle situations that may be sensitive or difficult, as well as providing good customer service to all travelers regardless of their size or abilities. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported when traveling, and that no one is made to feel uncomfortable or excluded because of their body size or abilities.  As petitioners, we are also calling on the FAA to mandate that all new airplanes have at least one wheelchair accessible restroom. This change will improve accessibility for passengers of all sizes and abilities, allowing them to use the restroom comfortably and without difficulty. This will promote a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience, demonstrating the industry's commitment to serving all passengers equally. In addition to the lack of accessible restrooms on planes, the mistreatment and discrimination of customer-of-size during Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screenings is another major issue that must be addressed. To provide a safe and comfortable experience for all travelers, the TSA should implement clear guidelines for screening customers-of-size, train agents on how to respectfully interact with these travelers, offer sensitivity training, and provide accessible screening equipment. It's time for the TSA to recognize the needs of travelers of all sizes and abilities and take action to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. By implementing these requirements, airlines will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all passengers, regardless of their size or abilities . It's time for the airline industry to take a stand and commit to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all passengers. Join us in demanding that the FAA take action to protect plus-size travelers.