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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Women State Lawmakers To Congress: Redefine “Security”

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Monday, April 14, 2008   

St. Paul, MN – Hundreds of women who are state legislators from across the country have sent letters to every member of Congress, asking them to rethink the country's "security priorities" in the next budget. Rep. Phyllis Kahn is one of 45 Minnesota signers, who say increasing Pentagon spending while cutting funding for vital domestic security programs doesn't make Americans more secure, and doesn't reflect the public's values.

"The Administration has proposed increasing Pentagon spending by $29 billion, and we'd like to see the redirection of this proposed increase to the programs that will keep Americans safe and healthy at home."

Kahn explains Minnesota taxpayers have paid more than $11 billion on the war in Iraq –- money she believes could be better spent.

"There are just shocking numbers of things that we could do with the same amount of money. We could have provided everyone in the state, who doesn't have it, with healthcare. We could have added practically a quarter-million public safety officials; or 70,000 affordable housing units."

She would like to see more investment in domestic security needs.

"We ought to talk about crumbling infrastructure issues, the consequences of budget shortfalls for domestic disasters. But, we also have to provide real security to Americans on other levels as well. We have to safeguard our children's health. We have to invest in federal programs that create jobs and stimulate the economy. And, we have to do more with public projects."

Kahn notes that, whatever the president proposes, Congress still has the "power of the purse" to decide where funds can be spent. Tuesday, Kahn and several other lawmakers will hold a briefing on the impact next year's federal budget will have on Minnesota.

The Women Legislators' Lobby letter includes 338 signers and can be read online at www.wand.org/will_home.




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