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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Health Care Plan Would Cover All Minnesotans

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Thursday, January 8, 2009   

St. Paul, MN – Legislation being introduced at the State Capitol would provide affordable health coverage to all Minnesota children. House bill author Paul Thissen, a DFL party representative from Minneapolis, says kids need to be able to see a doctor when they have to, and should have the best care available at a price their parents can afford - something which he says is not now the case.

"There's 80,000 children in Minnesota today without health care, who are just one health care crisis away from a catastrophe. And I think that remains unacceptable, the budget crisis notwithstanding."

He says coverage would be expanded in several years to include all Minnesotans. The bill will be introduced Monday.

Critics say that while the goal is worthy, the plan is impractical and too expensive, especially with the state's current debt. Thissen says healthy kids are a government priority everyone should agree with.

"Even in these times, when legislators are starting to put on their green eyeshades, we have an obligation, as a legislature, to do right by the next generation and keep these types of discussions on the table."

Marc Kimball with the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota says it's an important initiative because health care is a key factor in the well-being of kids.

"If they have coverage, they get important check-ups and immunizations. They do better in school. They have fewer long-term health problems. They commit fewer crimes later on, and are more productive members of the future work force."

Kimball says a statewide coalition today will launch a campaign called "Make Health Happen" to show support for the need to reform the state's health care system.

The bill's Senate author is Tony Lourey, a DFL member from Kerrick. A news conference to announce the bill is at 10 this morning in room 125 of the State Capitol.

More information is online at www.makehealthhappen.org




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