You should watch this Last night, millions of Americans watched President Obama deliver the State of the Union, where he shared his plan for making sure that all hardworking Americans have the opportunity to succeed. Because as the President said last night, “It is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong.” It was a powerful speech — an honest assessment of where we are as a country, and a roadmap for the year ahead. But if you missed it, it’s not too late. And if you’re got questions about the speech, today dozens of Administration officials are taking to social media to answer them. Watch President Obama deliver the State of the Union address — then find out how you can take part in today’s Q&A.

Even more

Want all the facts? During the State of the Union, we hand out a “pocket card” to Members of Congress so they can get all the facts in one quick, easy to read place. This year we’re sharing it with you, too.

Check out this shareable pocket card and get the quick facts.

DISTRICTS ‑- FIRE PROTECTION ‑- COUNTIES ‑- CITIES AND TOWNS ‑- SCHOOL DISTRICTS ‑- MUNICIPALITIES ‑- SERVICE CHARGES FOR CERTAIN FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 126, Laws of 1974, 1st Ex. Sess., does not authorize a board of fire commissioners to impose a service charge on real and personal property owned by the state or any county or other municipal corporation which is benefited by fire protection service offered by a fire protection district.

for more information, visit the Washington State AG site

By  CAP Action War Room

Obama Calls On Congress To Raise Minimum Wage, But States Aren’t Waiting

In his State of the Union speech last night, President Obama vowed to take action wherever he could to increase opportunity and create an economy that works for all Americans–with or without the help of Congress. For example, he announced that by executive action he will raise the minimum wage for federal contractors under new contracts to $10.10 per hour.

But raising the federal minimum wage for all Americans is in the hands of Congress, so he also made a direct pitch to those on the floor of the House chamber: “Join the rest of the country.  Say yes.  Give America a raise.”

We agree: Congress should join the rest of the country. Cities and states across the nation aren’t waiting for federal action, they are taking steps to raise wages for their workers right now:

BOTTOM LINE: Our country should continue to do everything it can to provide opportunity for those who work hard. Among many other benefits, raising the minimum wage will lift working families out of poverty, inject billions of dollars into the economy, and raise wages for an estimated 17 million women. States increasingly see this as a no-brainer, and Congress should too.

Dear friends across the US,

The world is about to sign up to a 100% clean energy future! But the goal to completely cut carbon is at risk at the Lima climate talks. Let’s flood negotiators with messages now to make sure they know the world is watching, and to stand strong for climate action!

Something huge is happening this week — our governments are about to set a goal to cut carbon pollution completely, putting us on a path to 100% clean energy! This target is now in the draft Global Climate Agreement, but it is at risk.

Right now, Ministers from all over the world are on their way to Lima, Peru to hammer out the agreement. But oil, coal and fracking companies, and countries that want to keep polluting are lobbying hard to pull this crucial target from the text. That’s where we come in.

People power forced through this crucial goal, now we have to protect it! If we don’t, scientists are clear — catastrophic and runaway climate change is inevitable. Our best chance of blocking back-room deals with polluters is bombarding our Ministers with thousands of messages.

If enough of us act, they’ll know they’re being watched and expected to stand strong for the goal of 0 carbon, and 100% clean energy. Send your message now! 

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/lima_summit_100_clean_us/?biEWLbb&v=49777

The Avaaz team is on the ground and will ensure each country’s delegate and media know how many messages have been sent per country, and our messages could even be projected onto screens right in the conference hall and hand delivered to Ministers.

Long time climate activists are saying there is more hope for action now than ever! After hundreds of thousands of us took to the streets in September demanding climate action, the EU, US and China finally started to move in the right direction. Getting their commitment to reduce carbon pollution to zero would be a massive step forward. Let’s lock in this progress before the lobbyists can unravel it. Send a message now:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/lima_summit_100_clean_us/?biEWLbb&v=49777

For years we’ve been campaigning for climate action. And now our governments are finally moving in the right direction, but the stakes could not be higher, and what happens next will depend on us. Let’s do everything we can to win the deal we need to save the world!

With hope,

Alice, Iain, David, Emily, Laura, Oscar, Fatima, Ricken and the whole Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION

UN climate talks begin as global temperatures break records (BBC)
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30225511

Prior to climate deal, talks begin in Peru (Times of India)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Prior-to-climate-deal-talks-begin-in-Peru/articleshow/45341101.cms

Will Lima climate talks pave way for a binding treaty in Paris in 2015? (The Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/01/will-lima-climate-talks-pave-way-for-a-binding-treaty-in-paris-in-2015

Cautious optimism as delegates descend on Lima ahead of UN climate talks (ABC News)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-30/five-things-to-know-about-lima-climate-talks/5929290